Cheap Lunch

As one of a two-amp range from Harley Benton, this lunchbox-style amp offers boutique valve tone at a budget price. But can it really sound any good?

- Nick Guppy

HARLEY BENTON MIGHTY-15TH HEAD £211

WHAT IS IT? A lunchbox-style amp head available exclusively from Thomann, powered by a pair of Ruby EL84Cs and with a ‘magic eye’ power indicator

Probably the world’s fastest-growing musical instrument brand right now, Harley Benton has already earned a reputation for astonishing quality at hard-to-beat price points. For high volume manufacturers, you’d think the easy route would be to stick with the simpler manufacturing process and reliability of solid-state amplification. However, Harley Benton has upped the ante somewhat by including some proper all-valve designs in its rapidly expanding catalogue, available exclusively from German retail giant Thomann. Here we’re looking at a tempting new addition that’s likely to make more than a few waves: Harley Benton’s Mighty-15TH head.

The first thing we look for in low-priced valve amps is corner-cutting, so we’re pleased to see the Mighty-15TH is built to last, with attention to detail evident in both its design and build. The precision-folded steel case is thicker than some lunchbox-style products we’ve seen, adding reassuring weight when you pick up the amp by its folding carry handle. All the case components fit together nicely, with no sharp edges. Meanwhile, the exterior is neatly finished in satin black enamel, and has contrasting silver paint for the front and rear grilles, and white lettering for the control panel.