Crate Powerblock

[hneaz]

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_crate_cpb150_powerblock_stereo_guitar_amp?full_sku=103131108



what do you guys think of this amp? does it produce 150 Watts of power when used alone or do i have to hook it up to a cabinet?

[Markdude]

It's going to produce the same amount of wattage with a cabinet connected or not. However, if you want to actually hear sound, you'll need a cabinet, unless you're using headphones. ;)

Also, 150W of solid state power isn't really going to be terribly loud.

I've never been impressed with Crates at all, but for $100, I guess you'll get what you pay for. But if you want the best bang-for-your-buck at $100 for a guitar head, I'd recommend running a distortion pedal into the Epiphone Valve Junior (http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_epiphone_valve_junior_tube_amplifier_head?full_sku=103683413) head. I know it's 5W, but 5W tube is actually quite loud and will be able to keep up with drums, and you'll have a much better tone.

[hneaz]

that amp does not have an equalizer.... do tube amps need one?

[sea]

I've heard mixed things about the Crate Powerblock... on the one hand, it's relatively loud, but on the other, it's got a somewhat muddy tone according to reviews. It is nice and portable, though, which can be a bonus for you.

[Markdude]

that amp does not have an equalizer.... do tube amps need one?

If you're running a decent distortion pedal into it, the pedal will likely have some controls for EQ. If it doesn't, you could always buy a separate EQ pedal (I believe Danoelectro has one that's only like $40) and run it with the distortion pedal as well. A rig consisting of the Valve Junior Head, a decent distortion pedal and an EQ pedal probably wouldn't cost much over $200, and you'd be pumping out much better tones than with the Powerblock.