Skip to main content
Music Radar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
  • Guitars
  • Amps
  • Pedals
  • Drums
  • Synths
  • Software
  • Pianos
  • Controllers
  • Recording
  • Buyer’s guides
  • Live
  • DJ
  • Advice
  • Acoustic
  • Bass
  • About us
  • More
    • Reviews
Magazines
  • Computer Music
  • Electronic Musician
  • Future Music
  • Keyboard Magazine
  • Guitarist
  • Guitar Techniques
  • Total Guitar
  • Bass Player
More
  • How to make an AI cover song
  • 84000+ free music samples
  • Foo Fighters' new drummer
  • Ken Scott on recording The Beatles
  • First EVH Jump synth recording

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

  1. Home
  2. Tuition

7 best low-powered tube amp heads under £300

By The MusicRadar team
published 3 September 2009

Ask MusicRadar: we asked, you answered

Matamp Minimat II
Ask MusicRadar: the results

Matamp Minimat II

It's not easy fitting amps into neat little groups. Valve vs solid state, power levels and sound options all matter for different reasons… but, thanks to the power of Ask MusicRadar and you, the gear-loving, music-making community, we’ve nailed one group once and for all!

Here you will find a gallery of the very best low-powered tube amp heads under £300 as chosen by you. And by scrolling through to the end (following our poll-to-end-all-polls), you’ll find our top pick. First up, though: Matamp’s Little Rock…

Why you love it:

“Matamp Little Rock. Although they don't make them any more. Is that cheating?” (Thanks, pedro_santiago, it kind of is cheating but we like fatfreddy’s reply…)

“@pedro_santiago, the Matamp Little Rock is indeed a little gem but the modern equivalent would be the Minimat II - i've got one and it kicks ass. Check it.” (Thanks, fatfreddy)

Page 1 of 7
Page 1 of 7
Epiphone Valve Junior
Ask MusicRadar: the results

Epiphone Valve Junior

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“If you want a cool sounding small amp for recording with a quality clean sound at bedroom levels, then you simply have to try a Valve Junior out.” (Read the full Epiphone Valve Junior Combo review)

Why you love it:

“Small category! The Epiphone Valve Junior head can be had for £99. The combo version is let down by the speaker so the head plus decent cab is a better buy.” (Thanks, erictheweary)

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
Z.Vex Nano Head
Ask MusicRadar: the results

Z.Vex Nano Head

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Capturing a world-class drive sound has never been so easy, and no studio, regardless of size, should be without one.” (Read the full Z.Vex Nano Head review)

Why you love it:

“For something a little more leftfield, check out the Nano Head by Z-vex. It's tiny! Like a stompbox, it near enough fits in the palm of your hand, but don't let that put you off! The sound is amazing.” (Thanks, alonetogether)

Page 3 of 7
Page 3 of 7
Blackheart BH5H Little Giant
Ask MusicRadar: the results

Blackheart BH5H Little Giant

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“With tonal quality that belies the price, this is a useful addition to your studio set-up.” (Read the full Blackheart BH5H Little Giant Head review)

Why you love it:

“Blackheart Little Giant deserves some love in this list – lush tone and really cheap considering how good it is.” (Thanks, spoonking)

Page 4 of 7
Page 4 of 7
Vox Night Train
Ask MusicRadar: the results

Vox Night Train

Third place looks a lot like (and is about the same size as) a retro toaster. This 15-watt head was designed with assistance from US amp legend Tony Bruno and offers great versatility from such a simple circuit.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“The Night Train may look a little like a toy, but when it comes to tone it outguns many other small heads – looks cool, sounds hot!”

Why you love it:

“The Vox Night Train is over £300 but only just.” (Thanks, erictheweary, it’s close enough for us)

Page 5 of 7
Page 5 of 7
Blackstar HT-5
Ask MusicRadar: the results

Blackstar HT-5

While Blackstar's HT-5 received the most shortlist nominations hands down, it was pipped to the post by just a few votes when it came down to the poll. It's tiny 12BH7 valve packs a remarkable punch, however, and is more than worthy of its silver medal.

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Stellar tone at a remarkably low price - quite simply the HT5 is a great amp that we think is going to fly off shelves.” (Read the full Blackstar HT5-S Mini Stack review)

Why you love it:

“HT-5 all the way.” (Thanks, BucketheadRules)

“Blackstar HT5 - I have the combo and love it.” (Thanks, Fretwired)

“HT5. No contest.” (Thanks, Jamieh)

“Looked at the HT 5 the other day and it has a feel of something proper quality, feels like a bargain for the price. It has an immediate rock tone that's easy to get on with, although maybe not the one for anyone trying to create a more individual tone.” (thanks, erictheweary)

“HT-5 without a doubt.” (Thanks, GearAddict)

“HT5 head.” (Thanks, manicguitarist2)

“HT-5 is unbeatable. I play everything from acoustic finger style stuff, through to heavy metal and its absolutely fantastic! Will have it forever :D.” (Thanks, Pooleo)

“HT5.” (Thanks, slate)

“HT5.” (Thanks, crunchman)

“Having just bought the HT5 combo, I'd have to vote for the head version.” (Thanks, ross4973)

“I'm torn to be honest. The Tiny Terror is undoubtedly the shizzle, but the Blackstar HT5 is also damn good... Can I vote for both? (Thanks, thelynxeffect, we suppose you can)

Page 6 of 7
Page 6 of 7
And the top pick is...
Orange Tiny Terror

And the top pick is...

From pristine clean to filthy drive sounds of the highest quality, the Tiny Terror really is a little stunner. Congratulations Orange, a well-deserved first place!

MusicRadar’s verdict:

“Orange’s first Chinese-made valve amp is a worthy addition to any backline or studio. The Tiny Terror oozes cool and sounds superb… prepare to want one!” (Read the full Orange Tiny Terror Head review)

Why you love it:

“Tiny Terror. Despite its name it does clean superbly as well as the crunch and overdriven sounds. Running it clean it really allows you to hear your guitars voice.” (Thanks, mcsdan)

“Tiny Terror without a doubt.” (Thanks, bigdawg)

“I would have thought the Tiny Terror takes it by a mile. A band supported us and he turned up with one and blew my amp away. It was a Carlos Santana/Rolling Stones moment when you looked round to see where all the noise was coming from and it was a tiny little amp and speaker set up! Going to get one.” (Thanks, juleskahuna)

“I'm torn to be honest. The Tiny Terror is undoubtedly the shizzle, but the Blackstar HT5 is also damn good... Can I vote for both? (Thanks, thelynxeffect, again)

Page 7 of 7
Page 7 of 7
The MusicRadar team
The MusicRadar team
Social Links Navigation

MusicRadar is the number 1 website for music makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, djs or producers...

GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high- quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts. TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars. STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music making that no other music website can.
More about guitars
Kiesel Guitars Sophie Lloyd signature models

Sophie Lloyd becomes the first Kiesel Guitars female signature artist with the SL6

Nirvana In Utero cover

Steve Albini recalls the secrecy around the Nirvana In Utero sessions: "I had to do everything I could to keep it under wraps to make sure that we didn’t get overrun by fans and the added nonsense"

Latest
Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore performing with British rock group Rainbow, USA, May 1978

The 1977 Rainbow gig when Ritchie Blackmore played one of his greatest performances – after two long nights in a police cell

See more latest ►
Most Popular
Bored by your own guitar chord playing? Try inversions!

By Rob Laing17 April 2023

Learn 5 essential blues guitar turnaround licks for your solos

By MusicRadar15 April 2023

Computer Music 321 June 2023: free downloads

By Computer Music11 April 2023

Learn 7 extended jazz guitar chords

By MusicRadar11 April 2023

Learn 20 blues, prog rock, folk and funk guitar chords

By MusicRadar6 April 2023

Learn to play 4 awkward but awesome-sounding chords

By Leigh Fuge5 April 2023

How to use the '3 reverb approach' to nail reverb in almost any mixing scenario

By Jon Musgrave29 March 2023

How to optimize your PC for music production

By Matt McCracken27 March 2023

22 essential reggaeton production tips to help you sound like Bad Bunny

By MusicRadar22 March 2023

How to start playing rockabilly guitar now

By MusicRadar16 March 2023

Computer Music 320 May 2023: free downloads

By Computer Music15 March 2023

  1. Josh Freese
    1
    5 songs featuring Josh Freese on drums (that you might not know were him)
  2. 2
    Is always being in tune an unobtainable myth? Guitar repair expert Joe Glaser and session pro Tom Bukovac discuss
  3. 3
    Apple Logic Pro for iPad review
  4. 4
    Epiphone refreshes its Broadway, Casino and Sheraton arch-top electrics in classic, purist-friendly finishes
  5. 5
    Five reasons to rewatch Foo Fighters debuting new drummer Josh Freese
  1. Josh Freese
    1
    5 songs featuring Josh Freese on drums (that you might not know were him)
  2. 2
    Dave Matthews explains how Robert Fripp inspired his hit song Satellite and developed the guitar's role in his writing
  3. 3
    Apple Logic Pro for iPad review
  4. 4
    Epiphone refreshes its Broadway, Casino and Sheraton arch-top electrics in classic, purist-friendly finishes
  5. 5
    Celebrate Bob Moog’s birthday by playing a free online Minimoog stuffed with classic presets from songs by Phil Collins, Beastie Boys, Radiohead, Air, Kate Bush, Wings and more

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.