PRS Guitars has officially expanded its amplifier lineup with the release of the Archon Classic 50W 1×12” Valve Amp Combo. This new addition takes the high-gain DNA of the original Archon series and revoices it specifically for players seeking the hot-rodded, “arena-rock” character of the 1970s and 80s.
Priced at $1,379.00 / £1,379.00, the Archon Classic Combo is designed as a portable, “grab-and-go” solution for gigging guitarists who refuse to compromise on tube-driven headroom or tonal complexity.
A New Voice for a Classic Name
While the “Archon” name is often associated with modern metal, the Archon Classic marks a significant departure. PRS engineers have revoiced the circuit to excel in the mid-gain and “edge-of-breakup” territories. Utilizing a robust tube complement—including six ECC83S preamp tubes and two 6CA7 power tubes—the amp provides a 3D, tactile response that mimics the legendary modified British stacks of yesteryear.
The 50-watt output is delivered through a 12-inch Celestion V-Type speaker, chosen for its ability to balance vintage warmth with modern clarity. This speaker choice ensures that whether you are playing shimmering cleans or saturated leads, the low end remains tight while the highs stay sweet and musical.
Precision Control and Versatility
The Archon Classic features two footswitchable channels, each equipped with its own dedicated 3-band EQ, Master Volume, and Bright switch.
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The Clean Channel: Far from a sterile “pedal platform,” this channel is voiced “hotter” than the standard Archon. It delivers lush, glassy tones at lower volumes but transitions into a gritty, harmonic-rich overdrive when pushed.
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The Lead Channel: Refined for maximum flexibility, the Lead channel covers everything from classic rock crunch to vocal-like sustain. The gain structure has been tweaked to add more nuance in the middle-gain range, making it perfect for blues-rock and classic metal.
A standout feature is the Global Presence and Depth controls. Unlike standard EQ knobs, these modify the power amp’s feedback network, allowing players to reshape the speaker cabinet’s physical “feel” and resonance to suit any room.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Is the Archon Classic 50W loud enough for gigging?
Yes. With 50 watts of all-valve power, this combo provides ample headroom for rehearsals and mid-to-large-sized stages.
What is the difference between the standard Archon and the Archon Classic?
The standard Archon is focused on ultra-high-gain modern metal. The Archon Classic is revoiced for vintage-inspired 70s and 80s rock, offering a more versatile “hot-rodded” gain structure and a warmer Clean channel.
Does it have an effects loop?
Yes, it features a tube-driven series effects loop, ensuring your time-based effects (delay, reverb) stay crisp and clear even when using the amp’s onboard gain.
Can I plug in external cabinets?
Absolutely. The back panel includes five extension speaker jacks with switchable ohms (4, 8, and 16), allowing you to connect to a 4×12 or 2×12 cab for a bigger stage sound.
What tubes does it use?
The power section runs on JJ 6CA7 tubes, which are known for a sound that sits perfectly between an EL34 and a 6L6—offering the punch of the former with the headroom of the latter.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
| Output Power | 50 Watts |
| Channels | Lead & Clean (Footswitchable) |
| Speaker | 12” Celestion V-Type (70W) |
| Power Tubes | 2 x JJ 6CA7 |
| Preamp Tubes | 6 x JJ ECC83S |
| Weight | 42.8 lbs (19.4 kg) |
| Included | 1-Button Footswitch |
Guitar Bomb Verdict
The PRS Archon Classic 50W 1×12” Combo is more than just a smaller version of a head; it has been designed for the connoisseur of classic rock tones.
By blending “old-school” harmonic richness with modern PRS reliability—including external bias points for easy maintenance—it stands as one of the most versatile tube combos in its price bracket. Whether you’re chasing the “brown sound” or a crystalline clean for your pedalboard, the Archon Classic should deliver with boutique authority.
Price & Availability
Available at Andertons, priced at £1379
Available at Sweetwater, priced at $1379
More Information
#PRS Guitars #Archon Classic
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