A great metal amp is the foundation of every crushing riff and face-melting solo, from thunderous lows to razor-sharp highs. Whether you’re into old-school thrash or modern djent, having the right amp makes all the difference. We’ve gathered the most respected amps in the metal world and now it’s your turn to decide which one reigns supreme! Cast your vote and share your experiences to help fellow shredders find their ultimate tone machine.
1. Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier
Number of Channels: 3.
Total Power: 100W/50W.
Preamp Tubes: 5 x 12AX7.
Power Tubes: 4 x 6L6, 2 x 5U4 (Rectifier).
Independent Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, and Master controls per channel.
Bias switch enables you to swap the original 6L6 power tubes for a set of British-style EL34s.
Rectifier Select switch on each channel toggles between a tube and solid-state rectifier.
Made in USA
2. Peavey 6505 II 120W
3. ENGL Savage 120 E-610 MKII
4 Channels: Clean, Crunch I, Crunch II, Lead.
Power: 120 W.
Full tube design - no semiconductors in the signal path.
Preamplifier tubes: 6x Engl ECC83 / 12AX7.
Power amp tubes: 2x Engl 6550.
2 Tube-driven FX loops with separate balance controls.
Noise Gate with adjustable threshold.
Engl Power Tube Monitor.
MIDI-In / MIDI thru.
Made in Germany.
Product variations: Savage 60 E630 MKII.
4. Marshall JCM800 2203
5. Soldano SLO-100
Number of Channels: 2.
Total Power: 100W.
Preamp Tubes: 5 x 12AX7.
Power Tubes: 4 x 5881/6L6.
Controls: Ch.1 Gain, Ch.1 Master, Ch.2 Gain, Ch.2 Master, Bass, Middle, Treble, Depth, Presence.
Switches: Channel Switch, Bright Switch, Mode Switch (Clean/Crunch), Fx Loop On/Off.
Made in USA.
Product variations: SLO-30, SLO-100R Rack.
6. ENGL Fireball 100
7. EVH 5150III 50S 6L6
3 Channels.
Power: 50 watts.
Tubes: 2x 6L6 and 7x JJ ECC83S (12AX7).
Common controls for channels 1 and 2: Volume and Gain Dual Concentric, Low, Mid and High.
Further controls: effect loop volume, gain with shared low, mid, and high EQ.
Controls for all 3 channels: Global Presence and Resonance.
Product variations: 5150III 50W EL34, 5150III 50W 6L6, 5150III 100S EL34, 5150III 15W LBX-S.
8. Mesa Boogie Mark VII
Power: 25 / 45 / 90 Watts switchable.
Power tubes: 4 x Mesa 6L6.
Preamp tubes: 5 x Mesa 12AX7.
Channel 1: Clean, fat or crunch mode with multi-watt power switch (25/45/90 watts).
Controls: Gain, Master, Presence, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb
Channel 2: Fat, crunch or Mark VII mode with multi-watt power switch (25/45/90 watts).
Controls: Gain, Master, Presence, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb
Channel 3: Mark IIB, Mark IIC+ or Mark IV mode with multi-watt power switch (25/45/90 watts).
Controls: Gain, Master, Presence, Treble, Middle, Bass, Reverb.
5-Band graphic EQ.
9. Diezel VH4
10. Bogner Uberschall MK2 100 EL34
Number of Channels: 2.
Total Power: 100W.
Preamp Tubes: 6 x 12AX7.
Power Tubes: 4 x EL34.
EQ: 3-band EQ.
Each channel sports 3-band EQ.
Channel 1 features Clean, Crunch, and Uber modes, with a 2-position bright switch.
Channel 2 includes 3 high-gain modes, including Crunch, Uber, and Ultra.
Product variations: Uberschall MK2 150, Uberschall MK2 100 6L6.
11. Mesa Boogie JP-2C Mark IIC+
12. ENGL Powerball II E645II 100
13. Diezel Herbert MKIII
3 Fully independent channels, including separate EQs.
Power: 180 Watts.
For perfectly selected sounds at any output level.
Preamp tubes: 5 x 12AX7.
Power tubes: 6 x EL34.
Channel 1 controls: Volume, treble, middle, bass, gain.
Channel 2 controls: Volume, treble, middle, bass.
Channel 3 controls: Volume, treble, middle, bass.
Made in Germany.
14. EVH 5150 Iconic 80W
2 Channels.
Power: 80 watts.
Preamp tubes: 2x JJ ECC83S (12AX7).
Power amp tubes: 4x JJ 6L6.
Channel 1: Gain control with overdrive switch.
Channel 2: Gain control with burn switch and noise gate.
Controls for low, mid, high and volume, boost, reverb, resonance and presence for channel 1 + 2.
Switches for power, standby, power level (full / 1/4), power amp mute, ground and load impedance (4 / 8 / 16 Ohm).
Effects: Reverb.
15. Orange Rockerverb 100H MKIII
Number of Channels: 2.
Power: 100 W RMS.
Class A/B.
Preamp tubes: 4x ECC83.
Power amp tubes: 4x EL34.
Reverb/ effects loop tubes: 2x ECC81.
Control options in clean channel: volume, bass, treble.
Control options in dirty channel: gain, bass, middle, treble, volume.
Product variations: Rockerverb 50H MKIII.
16. Revv Generator 100P MKIII
Number of Channels: 3.
Total Power: 120W (10W setting).
Preamp Tubes: 4 x 12AX7.
Power Tubes: 4 x 6L6GC.
Dual Master volume knobs.
Per-channel 3-channel EQs.
Global Presence and Depth knobs.
Global Wide, Drive, and Aggression switches.
Per-channel Bright switches.
Configurable/bypassable digital reverb and noise gate.
Product variations: Generator G50, Generator 120 MKIII, Generator 100R MKIII.
17. Fortin Meshuggah BLACKOUT 50W
2-EL34 Tungsol reissue.
3-12ax7.
NOS Erie power supply capacitors.
Recipe of Philips Mustards, ERO, and Siemens Foil Capacitors
Custom wound Heyboer Transformers, M6 steel laminations, Triple varnished, Custom fabricated mounting brackets, Self-lead secondary wires.
Front: Adjustable NOS Viewing Indicator, Mains switch, Standby switch, MVC w/pull gain, Presence, Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain II, Gain I, High Input, Low Input.
Back: Send & Return passive loop, Speaker jacks, Impedance select, Dual Bias w/metering jacks, Fusing, Mains Input, and 120VAC/240VAC Mains Select switch.
18. PRS MT 15 Mark Tremonti
Two channels: Clean and Gain.
Power: 15 watts - reducible to 7 watts.
Preamp tubes: Six 12AX7/ECC83.
Power tubes: Two JJ 5881 and 2 6L6GC-STR.
Controls in the gain channel: Gain / Master / Treble / Middle / Bass.
Controls in the clean channel: Volume / Treble (Pull Boost) / Middle / Bass.
Product variations: MT 100.
19. Friedman BE-100 Deluxe
3 Channel.
Clean channel based on Smallbox amplifier.
Dirty channel based on BE and HBE drive channels, with independent gain and master volume controls.
Power: 100 watts.
Preamp tubes: 5 x 12AX7.
Power tubes: 4 x EL34.
Controls: Gain, Master.
Channel BE and HBE: Bass, Middle, Treble and Presence.
Channel Clean: Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume.
20. Peavey Invective.120
Number of Channels: 3.
Total Power: 120W (half power switchable).
Preamp Tubes: 6 x 12AX7.
Power Tubes: 4 x JJ 6L6GC.
MIDI in and outs.
Noise gate.
Cab-emulated direct output.
Product variations: Invective.MH.
21. Randall Diavlo RD100H
Wattage: 100 Watts.
Channels: 3.
Fx Gate Reverb: Class A Discrete Instrument Level Loop.
Tube Type: 12AX7/6L6.
Inputs: 1 x Standard Guitar Input, FX Return, Footswitch.
Outputs: 3 x Speaker Jacks, XLR Speaker Emulator, FX Send.
22. Mezzabarba M Zero
Entirely engineered and hand-built by Pierangelo Mezzabarba in Italy.
Single-channel; Boost and Bright switches on front panel.
Controls: Drive, Bass, Middle, Treble, Volume, Depth, Feedback and Presence.
Tube effects loop (serial).
Transformers: Custom by Onori.
Preamp tubes: 4 x 12AX7.
+ 1 x 12AX7 spare.
Power tubes: EL34, 100W.
Presence, Depth and Feedback for power amp overtones.
23. Rivera KR7 120 Mick Thomson
24. Fortin Evil Pumpkin
100w 3 channel tube amp.
Series all tube loop, instrument level ready.
External bias controls and test points.
Three 9VDC isolated DC outlets.
Lineout w/ Level control.
Buffered TUNER output.
MAINS select 120VAC/240VAC.
7-12AX7, 2-EL34 2-6L6.
Made in the UK.
25. Laney Ironheart IRT120H
Number of Channels: 3.
Total Power: 120W.
Preamp Tubes: 4 x 12AX7.
Power Tubes: 4 X 6L6.
Highly customizable EQ with extra push-pull functions.
Built-in reverb, FX loop, aux-in, and DI-out with level and source controls.
Product variations: Ironheart IRT60H.
26. Marshall JVM410H
Power: 100 watts.
Four channels in full tube technology - no semiconductors in the signal path.
Preamp tubes: 5 x ECC83.
Power tubes: 4x EL34.
Individual three-band tone control as well as gain & volume for each channel.
12 basic sounds directly selectable via foot switch or MIDI.
EL34 power amp with presence and resonance control.
Two switchable and programmable master volumes.
Programmable parallel effects path with hardware bypass.
Digital reverb with individual control for each channel.
Made in UK.
27. Victory VX100 Super Kraken
2 Channels.
Power: 100 W + 30 W.
Preamp tubes: 4x 12AX7.
Power amp tubes: 4x 6L6.
Controls: Gain I - Gain II - Bass - Middle - Treble - Master I - Master II.
Switch: Clean / Crunch - Gain 1/2 - Power On / Standby / Off - Preamp Bass Focus - Power Amp Bass Focus.
Made in the UK.
28. Mesa Boogie Triple Crown TC-100
3 Channels: Clean, Lo Gain & Hi Gain.
Multi-Soak power adjustment with five power options per channel for 3, 7, 20, 50 or 100 Watt Class A/B power.
Power tubes: 4x EL34.
Preamp tubes: 6x 12AX7 & 1x 12AT7
Bias select switch: EL34, 6V6 or 6L6 tubes.
Controls: Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Reverb & Master Volume.
CabClone Cabinet Simulator.
Made in USA.
Product variations: Triple Crown TC-50.
29. Friedman JJ-Junior Jerry Cantrell
2 Channels.
Power: 20 watts.
Preamp tubes: 3x 12AX7.
Power tubes: 2x EL84.
Controls: Clean Channel: Volume.
Dirty Channel Controls: Gain, Master, Treble, Middle and Bass, Global Presence.
Speaker-simulated XLR output.
Made in USA.
Product variations: JJ-100.
30. Marshall DSL100HR
Power rating: 100 W.
Tube equipment: 4 x ECC83 and 4 x EL34.
2 Channels: Classic Gain and Ultra Gain.
Independent volume and gain control for both channels.
Clean and Crunch Modes in Classic Gain Channel.
Lead1 and Lead2 modes in Ultra Gain channel.
Classic tone control with bass, middle and treble.
Presence control.
Digital reverb independent for each channel.
Product variations: DSL1HR. DSL20HR.
31. Hughes & Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40
32. PRS Archon 50
33. Bogner Ecstasy 3534 50W
Number of Channels: 3.
Total Power: 50W Class A.
Preamp Tubes: 4 x ECC83.
Power Tubes: 2 x EL34.
Channel 1 features independent Volume, Treble, Middle, Bass, and Gain controls.
Channels 2/3 feature shared Treble, Middle, and Bass controls.
Channels 2/3 feature independent Volume and Gain controls.
Global Presence control.
Product variations: Ecstasy 3534 35W.
34. ENGL Ironball E606 20
35. Bogner Helios 100
Number of Channels: 2.
Total Power: 100W/30W.
Power Tubes: 4 x EL34.
Choose from 3 different sonic characters with the voicing switch
Control how tight or loose your tone is with the bottom switch.
Footswitchable channels and effects loop (footswitch sold separately).
Make your tone even more vibrant and aggressive with the EQ bypass switch.
Product variations: Helios 50, Helios Eclipse 100.
36. Orange Dark Terror
37. Soldano Astro-20
38. Friedman PT V2
39. Friedman Runt 50
2 Channels: Clean and Overdrive.
Power: 50 W.
2 Power amp tubes: EL34.
3 Preamp tubes: 12AX7.
Clean channel: Volume control and 3-position bright switch.
Overdrive channel: Gain, Master, Bass, Middle, Treble & Gain.
Global Presence control.
Record Out with speaker simulation.
Made in USA.
Product variations: Runt 20.
40. Friedman JEL-50
41. Bad Cat Jet Black
2 Channels.
Each of the two channels has its own input volume control and a master volume control.
Power: 38 W.
Preamp tubes: 3x 12AX7.
Power amp tubes: 4x EL84.
Controls: Volume 1, Master 1, Volume 2, Master 2, Treble, Mid, Bass, Intensity, Speed, Reverb.
Switch: Channel 1/2, Tremolo On/Off.
Effects: Reverb and tremolo.
Made in USA.
42. Blackstar HT Stage 100 MKIII
Power: 100 Watt.
Preamp tubes: 2 x ECC83.
Power amp tubes: 4x EL34.
Controls: Clean Volume, Clean Bass, Clean Treble, Overdrive 1 Gain, Overdrive 1 Volume, Overdrive 2 Gain, Overdrive 2 Volume, Overdrive Bass, Overdrive Middle, Overdrive Treble, Overdrive ISF, Reverb Level, Resonance, Presence, Master Volume.
Switch: Clean, Clean Voice, Overdrive 1 Select, Overdrive 2 Select, Overdrive 1 Voice, Overdrive 2 Voice, Power Reduction, Cabrig Select, Reverb Dark/ Light, Effects Loop Level.
Product variations: HT Stage 100 MKII.
43. Friedman Small Box
44. Revv D40
2 Channels.
Power: 10/40 Watts.
Vintage and modern 6L6 and EL34 clean and crunch sounds in one amplifier.
Two Notes Torpedo-embedded reactive load and DynIRs for silent recording.
2 Switchable master volume controls, global presence and depth.
Preamp tubes: 3 x 12AX7.
Power amp tubes: 2 x 6L6.
Controls per channel: Gain, volume, bass, middle, treble.
Global controls: Master 1, Master 2, presence, depth.
Switch: Bright, boost, reverb.
Effects: Reverb.
Product variations: D20.
45. Victory V40 Deluxe The Duchess
Power: 42 W (high power mode) 7 W (low power mode) RMS.
1 Channel.
2x 12AX7 and 2x 12AT7 preamp tubes.
2x 6L6 power tubes.
Controls: Tremolo Depth, Tremolo Speed, Master Volume, Reverb Volume, Reverb Tone, Bass, Middle, Treble & Volume.
Switches: Mid Kick, Voice I/II.
Made in the UK.
Product variations: V140 Super Duchess.
46. PRS HDRX 20
47. Tone King Imperial MKII
2 Channels.
Power: 20 watts.
Integrated Ironman II Compensated Power Attenuator for excellent sound at any volume (down to -36 dB).
Reactive-Load technology preserves the feel and response of your guitar amp.
Preamp tubes: 3x 12AX7A.
Power amp tubes: 2x 6V6.
Rectifier tube: 5AR4.
Reverb driver tube: 12AT7.
Reverb receiver tube: 12AX7A.
Rhythm channel controls: Vol, Treb, Bass.
Lead channel controls: Vol, Tone, Mid-Bite, Reverb, Tremolo Speed, Depth.
Made in USA.
The buttons on this page are affiliate links, so we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Suggest a product
If you believe a suitable product is missing from the list, kindly email us at suggestion@geardecider.com with the name of the list and the suggested product. If the product aligns with the list’s criteria, we will add it promptly.
Essential Knowledge about the Metal Amps.
Metal amps are designed to deliver high gain, tight low end, and articulate response—everything a guitarist needs to cut through dense mixes while still sounding huge. Unlike general-purpose amps, metal-focused amps are built to handle aggressive playing styles, fast picking, and extreme tunings without losing clarity.
Key features of a great metal amp:
High-gain channels – Provide the distortion needed for heavy riffs without requiring extra pedals.
Tight low end – Essential for palm-muted chugs and drop tunings.
Articulation and clarity – Notes should remain defined even under massive gain.
EQ flexibility – Allows shaping mids, highs, and lows to suit different subgenres.
Power and headroom – Ensures crushing tones at both bedroom and stage volumes.
Types of amps used for metal:
Tube amps – Known for organic warmth and punch.
Solid-state amps – Affordable, reliable, and often very tight-sounding.
Modeling amps – Versatile, with digital emulations of many classic metal amps.
Hybrid amps – Combine tube preamps with solid-state power sections for a balance of tone and efficiency.
Dialing in a killer metal tone:
Use the gain wisely—too much can muddy your tone, while the right amount keeps it aggressive and clear.
Boost pedals in front of high-gain amps can tighten the low end.
Midrange EQ is crucial—scooping mids can sound huge alone but may get lost in a mix, so balance carefully.
For low tunings, consider amps (or settings) that emphasize tightness and punch to avoid flabby bass response.
Whether you’re playing at home, recording, or hitting the stage, today’s amps offer incredible options for every kind of metal guitarist.
This list should help you see which amps other players swear by for metal, making it easier to choose the one that will power your heaviest riffs and unleash your signature sound.
