If you’re on the hunt for a guitar amplifier that won’t break the bank but still packs a punch with an effects loop, you’re in the right place. The Orange Crush 35RT has long been a favorite for its blend of affordability and quality, but other amps can deliver similar versatility. Here’s a rundown of some of the best budget-friendly amps that feature an FX loop, just like the Orange Crush 35RT.
TL;DR: The top 5 budget amps with FX Loops
Don’t have the time to scroll through the whole article? No worries! I got you back. Here’s a summary table of the top 5 budget amps with an FX loop.
| Amp Model | Ideal For | Power | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boss Katana 50 MkII | Versatile tones, all-in-one package | 50W | Built-in effects, 5 amp voicings, FX loop |
| Fender Champion 100 | Clean tones, easy setup | 100W | Classic Fender cleans, built-in effects, FX loop |
| Blackstar HT-5R MkII | Tube tone lovers, pedal-friendly | 5W | Two channels, tube amp, power reduction to 0.5W |
| Peavey Bandit 112 | Gigging musicians needing durability | 80W | Solid-state, reverb, FX loop, durable design |
| Vox VT40X | Players wanting tone variety | 40W | Modeling amp, Valvetronix technology, FX loop |
1. Boss Katana 50 MkII
The Boss Katana series has quickly risen to fame for its superb tone quality, versatility, and impressive value. The 50-watt Katana MkII offers five distinct amp voicings, built-in effects, and, of course, an FX loop. It’s ideal for home practice, live gigs, or even studio recording. Whether you’re going for clean tones or something more aggressive, the Katana 50 MkII can handle it. Plus, it’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.
Why It’s Great: Variety of tones and built-in effects in a single amp package
Ideal For: Players who want a “do-it-all” amp without needing separate pedals
| Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Versatile with 5 amp voicings and built-in effects | Lacks the warmth of a tube amp | $269-$299 |
| Lightweight and portable | No tube-driven sound | |
| Great value for features |
2. Fender Champion 100
The Fender Champion 100 is a 100-watt solid-state amp that comes with two channels, a variety of built-in effects, and an FX loop. This amp is a favorite for gigging musicians because it’s loud enough for stage performances and can deliver those classic Fender cleans. With built-in effects like reverb, delay, and chorus, you have a lot of flexibility in shaping your sound without relying on external pedals.
Why It’s Great: Classic Fender tones and a wide range of onboard effects
Ideal For: Gigging musicians who need reliable clean tones and simple setup
| Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Fender clean tones | Limited gain/overdrive options | $429-$449 |
| Multiple built-in effects | Not ideal for high-gain genres | |
| Reliable for stage performances | Larger and heavier |
3. Blackstar HT-5R MkII
For those who crave authentic tube tones, the Blackstar HT-5R MkII is a fantastic option. This 5-watt tube combo amp has two channels, built-in reverb, and an FX loop. While it may be a bit smaller in wattage, it’s perfect for those who want tube-driven sound at manageable volume levels. It’s especially good for home practice and small gigs where you want to crank up the tone without overwhelming volume.
Why It’s Great: Genuine tube tone at home-friendly volumes
Ideal For: Guitarists who want a more traditional amp experience without high volumes
| Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent pedal compatibility | Limited to lower wattage levels | $499-$549 |
| Tube-driven tone with power reduction | Less headroom for clean volume | |
| Compact and manageable size for home |
4. Peavey Bandit 112
The Peavey Bandit 112 has long been a staple among budget-friendly amps. It’s an 80-watt solid-state combo amp with two channels, built-in reverb, and an FX loop. Known for its durability, this amp is ideal for musicians who need something rugged enough for live performances while still being affordable. The Bandit 112 also provides excellent tonal range, from clean to crunchy, making it a highly versatile option.
Why It’s Great: Durability and versatility in one reliable amp
Ideal For: Musicians who want a solid and dependable amp for live performances
| Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Very durable and road-ready | Heavy and bulky | $499-$599 |
| Good tonal range with solid-state design | Not a true tube amp | |
| Affordable for gigging musicians |
5. Vox VT40X
The Vox VT40X is a modeling amp with 40 watts of power, featuring multiple amp models, built-in effects, and an FX loop. This amp offers the classic Vox tone along with a range of digital amp models, making it suitable for a variety of genres. If you’re looking for a budget amp with an extensive tonal palette, the VT40X is a fantastic choice. Its Valvetronix technology helps replicate tube amp characteristics, giving you a warm sound that digital amps sometimes lack.
Why It’s Great: Classic Vox tones with digital flexibility and modeling options
Ideal For: Players looking for a wide range of tones without the hassle of multiple pedals or amps
| Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Wide range of digital amp models | Digital modeling may not appeal to purists | $269-$299 |
| Warm Valvetronix tube modeling | Limited physical control knobs | |
| Suitable for various genres | Requires some digital setup |
Bonus:Orange Crush 35RT
The Orange Crush 35RT is a 35-watt solid-state combo amp, celebrated for its warm, gritty Orange tone and user-friendly design. Equipped with a 3-band EQ, onboard reverb, built-in tuner, and an FX loop, this amp is great for players who like to integrate pedals. The Crush 35RT is ideal for home practice and small performances, providing plenty of volume and the iconic Orange sound without complex settings.
Why It’s Great: Delivers classic Orange tones in a compact, pedal-friendly amp
Ideal For: Players wanting rich, analog tones with simple controls and FX loop for pedal use
| Pros | Cons | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Orange tone with 3-band EQ | Lacks built-in digital effects | $279-$329 |
| FX loop for seamless pedal integration | Limited to Orange-specific tone | |
| Built-in tuner and reverb | Not ideal for high-gain players |
Each amp is a solid investment for musicians looking to expand their sonic capabilities without breaking the bank. My favorites are the Blackstar HT-5R and Orange Crush 35RT but all of these amps are good if you’re aiming at stacking pedals, practicing at home, or jamming with friends.
