Valeton Guitar Amplifier Head TAR-20G Amp Pedal Platform Studio Desktop with CAB SIM

I'm always wary of solid state amps. So often, they turn out to be modelling amps, which I usually don't care for (USUALLY. I actually own a Yamaha THR10 and like it). My gripe with modelling amps is their claims:"This setting sounds like a '59 Bassman mic'd up with two SM57's off center!" Really? From a eight inch speaker? I don't think so! But I digress.This little guy came on my radar months ago and I dismissed it. "Responds like a tube amp!" is what made me look away. That, and the ad video for this thing is just two guys jamming away, with a heavily distorted guitar tone. "Reviews" I searched up on YouTube only featured guys shredding on this amp with the gain dimed (or through pedals) or plucking some tunes with the amp on a clean setting. None of what I've seen on the 'net does justice to what this little amp can do. It's a serious tone monster IF you take time to dial it in! This amp will literally go from a very clean tone to rather heavily distorted. If you're into modern metal, this amp may be lacking in the gain department for you, but anyone else should be able to dial in tones they like on this thing.Returning to my rant earlier.... I'm happy to say this does not model itself after anything. It's single channel, and every single knob on this amp responds incredibly well to the slightest adjustment. I've ran a few of my guitars through this thing, and every time, I discover unique tones to each guitar. As someone that doesn't mind carefully dialing in a tone before playing, this amp has been a joy. There's ENOUGH control here. It's not littered with so many knobs you feel like you're dialing in a synthesizer, but aside from occasionally missing having a second channel, I never feel like this amp restricts me from tweaking my tone, be it going from a super clean tone to full distorted or sparkly overdrive, or adding/cutting just a teeny tiny bit of lows, mids or highs from the tone.Normally, I get bored of an amp's tonal variety after a few days and break out the pedalboard, but I haven't even bothered to do that with this amp yet, I'm still enjoying experimenting with it! To elaborate on my claim in the title, yes, this amp is shockingly tube like! No, it's not EXACTLY like a tube amp, but for something that doesn't utilize modellng tech, this little monster produces very pleasing volume dynamics. I've played through a few solid state amps that have good tube-like dynamics, but this is the best one I've heard to date, even better than Tech 21! (Sorry if I offend any fans, but hey, my ears hear what they hear)This little amp is one of those purchases where I think "Man, if I'd had this years ago, I wouldn't have bought and gone through so many amps!" Heck, I'm half-contemplating getting a second one to run in a stereo setup! Considering it's features, flexibility, and it's compact size, this little guy is staying in my collection. Even if I don't play it as much down the road, I can easily pop it into a drawer and take it out later when I want.I have one gripe about this amp: No direct line out. Yes, the headphone jack can be used as one, but it's weak signal (obviously, since it's meant for headphones) makes it undesirable for direct recording. Running this through my Scarlett 2i4 into Ableton Live, I have to max out the gain and volume on this amp and crank the gain on the 2i4 to get any recognizable guitar tone, and it's badly distorted from me turning everything up so much.A bummer, since my desk where I keep my recording gear is cluttered and having this as a recording amp would have freed up some space. Still, for the awesome tone I get, I may just cough up for a mic one day and try some mic'd recording with this little monster.

Super little amp that can produce some very usable tones for a reasonable price. Needed something small to fit on my computer desk for practice. This is perfect for that. Use headphones 99% of the time so the built-in cab simulator for headphones is a big plus. Amp is made of metal, weighs approx 1.8 pounds, build quality is excellent. Using a LEKATO 5.8 Ghz Wireless Guitar System and there is no lag. Can't hear any hum or buzz coming through the headphones at normal volume levels. Love how simple it is to use. You don't have to drill down through a huge list of model settings to get good tone. Great piece of gear for those that would rather turn knobs than tap on a screen. Money well spent.

Ordered the Valeton TAR 20 because of its features and size. After the first week, it developed a loud buzz so I sent it back. Replaced it for another of the same and started using it mostly at home with head phones and through the church's PA. It sounded good both through the head phones and the PA, but in about two months I noticed sometimes the sound would cut out and sometimes there was distortion that was not supposed to be there. I finally found out that the aux out jack had broken off at its base and that's what was causing the problem. Too late for a warranty return on this one.

It was nice and compact. 20 watts is plenty for practice or even quite loud when paired with efficient speakers. My only issue was that it was a little noisy (hiss) when volume was turned up beyond 50%. This could have been introduced by my equipment but my two other amps don't have this noise.

The Valeton Tar-20G Asphalt is a guitar amp perfect for travel. Whether you need a small desktop amp for recording, or an easy to move amp to take to a gig, this amp can do it. All of this in a size that can fit in your guitar case, or gig bag.Features at a Glance:Tiny Metal Design is Sturdy, and Light. Making it Extremely PortableFX Loop in the Back Allows for Versatile Tone Mixing with Any Pedals You HaveHeadphone Out Acts as a Cab Simulator for Plugging into Speakers/Headphones, or Recording Interfaces So You Get An Amazing Full ToneLine-in Allows You to Play Your Backing Tracks and Jam Along to Music for Fun or Learning8 or 10ohm Speaker Output Allows You to Plug Into Guitar Speaker Cabinets or PA systems. Perfect for a Gigging GuitaristBuilt in Digital Spring Reverb1-Channel with Gain Control Making Tone Control SimplePros:Simple Controls Easy for Beginners To Dial in Their ToneSmall Compact Design Making it Easy to Take AnywhereCabinet Simulation/Headphone Out Allows for Quiet Practice Sessions.Cons:The built-in gain isn’t very heavy. If you’re interested in playing heavier music like metal you definitely want to look into getting a distortion or overdrive pedal to push it the extra amount. Which is great, because it being an old school solid-state circuit means it takes pedals very well.My Opinion:This Versatile Pocket Amp is amazing for someone looking for a small form factor, good sounding amp. The fact you can fit it in a backpack, or guitar case means you can gig and practice anywhere. If you have this and your guitar, you’re ready to go.So if you need a small guitar amp, this is the way to go. If you’re a beginner needing an amp that is simple and straight to the point, this is the way to go. The simple 3-band EQ, 1-Channel with Gain Control, and built-in digital spring reverb means you can get all your practice tones in the one amp.For someone a bit more advance and who maybe gigs, or plays some small shows it is still just as portable and versatile. With the FX loop on the back, and simple solid-state circuit this amp is a great pedal platform. You really can’t go wrong if you’re in the market for an affordable amp.