Archon Classic vs Archon 50: Which One's Right for You?
Posted May 30, 2025
At first glance, the PRS Archon Classic and the original Archon 50 might look like siblings — but under the hood, they’re two very different beasts, each designed to meet the needs of different types of players. In our latest video, we put these two amps head-to-head and explore what makes them unique.
The Archon Classic // A New Voice for a Classic Amp
Let’s be clear: the Archon Classic is not a reissue. It’s a brand-new design with its own unique voice, circuit, and character. It takes the DNA of the original Archon and reshapes it for players chasing hot-rodded vintage tones with modern versatility.
- The Lead channel is all about 70s and 80s rock—rich, expressive, and full of attitude.
- The Clean channel is no slouch either: articulate and dynamic, but able to edge into a smooth breakup that’s perfect for blues, fusion, and vintage-style grit.
- The retro-inspired cab design gives the Classic a distinctive stage presence.
The Original Archon 50 // High-Gain Hero
In contrast, the Archon 50 remains one of PRS’s go-to heads for modern gain with tight articulation and a stunning clean channel that can handle any pedalboard. Built around a pair of 6L6's and five gain stages, the Archon 50 delivers full, lush distortion and immaculate note separation, making it a favorite among metal, prog, and heavy rock players.
- The Lead channel is tight, saturated, and perfect for everything from chugging to shredding.
- The Clean channel has tons of headroom and remains crystalline, even at high volume.
- The control layout is clean, intuitive, and refined — a no-nonsense tone-shaping experience.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
Gain Character | Hot-rodded vintage rock, mid-heavy | Tight, modern gain, high articulation |
Clean Channel | Breaks up nicely with edge | Very clean, high headroom |
Ideal For | Classic rock, blues, expressive leads | Metal, prog, high-gain rhythm |
Circuit | Brand-new design | Original high-gain Archon circuit |
Visual Aesthetic | Retro-inspired | Sleek and modern |
Which One Should You Choose?
If your tone lives in that vintage-inspired sweet spot — a little more sag, breakup, and character — the Archon Classic will feel like home. It’s an amp that responds to your playing and brings out personality in every note.
If you need razor-sharp articulation, deep saturation, and crystal-clear cleans that won’t break a sweat at stage volume, the Archon 50 is still the king.
Watch the full video below to hear them side-by-side and decide which one speaks to your sound: