EVH’s 5150 Iconic 15W Head brings the company’s signature high-gain tube tone to a compact amplifier that’s sure to knock some people right onto their ass. Voiced around Eddie Van Halen’s latter-day hard-rock sound, the two-channel head combines 12AX7 preamp tubes and 6L6 power tubes with a range of modern features.
The Green channel of the EVH 5150 Iconic Series 15-watt Amplifier Head offers clean and overdriven tones, while the Red channel is designed for higher-gain sounds and includes a dedicated Burn setting. Both channels feature independent Gain and Volume controls, while a shared 3-band EQ and global Resonance and Presence controls provide additional tone shaping.
The amp also includes a built-in noise gate on the second channel, designed to reduce hiss and hum without interfering with playing dynamics. A footswitchable Boost adds 10dB to the lead channel, while onboard reverb provides additional depth.
Despite its 15-watt output, the 5150 Iconic is designed to work across a variety of playing environments. A power reduction circuit allows for lower-volume operation, while the speaker-emulated output provides a straightforward way to send the amp’s sound directly to a recording setup or PA. Dual parallel speaker outputs and selectable impedance provide additional cabinet flexibility.
An effects loop is also included for integrating pedals and external processors, making it easier to incorporate effects into the amp’s signal chain. The EVH 5150 Iconic 15W Head comes housed in a textured vinyl cabinet with a brushed aluminum front panel, black steel grille, and EVH and 5150 badges. A two-button footswitch and 5-foot speaker cable are included.
Get the EVH 5150 Iconic Series 15-watt Amplifier Head here for $659.99 in either Ivory or Black finishes.
