Starlite 5-watt 1 x 8-inch Tube Combo Amp Review

Magnatone Starlite - MUCH more than expected!

I had ordered this a while back and it was due in February then it got pushed to end of May b/c of Magnatone. Not a big deal. I was super shocked to have Patrick O., my rep, call just over a week ago and said they had some in and it was ready to ship! The amp came expertly packed and was a bit heavier then I was expecting. I hardly need an amp anymore b/c most of the venues… read more and rehearsal spots usually have gear there. My thought was to get this for home use, recording and grab-n-go for a jam/idea session. I was thinking about selling off some other amps that had been gathering dust. The AMP - Truly shocked at the volume, clarity and tone coming from this. Is it like a 4x12? Of course not, but it does NOT sound like an 8inch speaker. Much more like a good 1x10. The volume is deceptive and works in a linear matter. It is NOT like a cheap made amp that goes from off to full volume at 5 and then sounds like mush. Great clarity and it gets LOUD for a 5 watt amp. Just as loud as a Marshall Class 5 for comparison. TONE Control - Lots of options here and it acts as a mid cut/boost. Really cool. Rather dynamic as well. PEDALS - Im running my live rig, which is an Origin Compact drive, into a Catlinbread echo, then into a boost and a MXR 95 at the end. Super great with any/all combo's in use. OVERALL - Was not planning on feeling this good about the amp. Its my first Magnatone and it plays great and is built like a tank. It looks killer and the attention to detail is top-rate. Is it worth $1299? Definitely as its US made and sounds dynamite. Mic'd, this thing could do any gig except metal. I haven't tried it with a cab yet, but Im sure its only better.

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Absolutely awesome…dominates Fender Champ

Holy cow. This amp is incredible. I recently bought a Fender Champ, and then ordered one of these to compare. There is just no comparison. This amp has fantastic fidelity and full sound. Makes the Champ sound like a muffled tin can. I had to immediately add an overdrive pedal to the Champ so I could EQ it a bit and get a reasonable tone. It worked, it's reasonable. But… read more without the pedal, it was just not good. However, this Magnatone needs nothing like that. I played all night long with no need for overdrive pedal. It plays loud and slight break up at half way, and the tone knob really is something to behold. It is not merely a sweep from high to low. It really is more of a amp-sim or something, because it changes the tone in such awesome ways and you can feather it to taste. I also am surprised to really dig the feedback switch, which "softens" the attack and combined with the tone knob really gives an unbelievable rich, full, edge of break-up, or near crystal clean sound. It plays sooo much bigger, better, and fuller than the Champ. You will be surprised how loud it gets as it retains its quality sound. I can only imagine how it will get better as it gets played more. I am really impressed with this amp. I figured it would be very similar to the Champ and was prepared to be underwhelmed. But, no. I have them both, and the test is over. Magnatone wins, no doubt about it. Night and day. Absolutely awesome.

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Magnatone Starlite

Great sounding little amp. Never owned a 5 watt, 8" speaker amp until now. Takes pedals really well, better bass response than I expected, very satisfying tone. Love the versatile tone control.Great amp for home music room. It will get loud, too. Quality build, classy looks. Recommended.

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