New 50/25 Watt Additions Grow PRS Guitars’ Popular Archon Amplifier Line Up
Posted Aug 19, 2014
The Archon amplifier was introduced by PRS Guitars in 2013 and has enjoyed a great reception from artists, dealers, and players alike. The 100 watt, high gain amp head offered musicians a new tool that could achieve lush, bone-crushing gain while providing an exceptional clean channel not normally found on amps with so much crunch. A new 50 watt version (with a half-power switch and some notable configuration options) is now available and opens up the Archon’s articulate, modern platform to players of all genres.
Keeping the original Archon’s lush gain and remarkable clean channel, the Archon 50/25 continues the Archon’s promise of delivering full, lush gain while offering a clean channel that players of all genres will appreciate. With 50 watts, switchable to 25 via the amp’s back panel, the Archon 50 breaks up at a lower volume, resulting in a more classically driven tone than its predecessor. The added option of 6L6 or EL34 power tubes allows players to further personalize the tone and feel of the Archon 50/25. 6L6 tubes offer plenty of versatility and warmer, more balanced tone across the full range of frequencies. They will also push with less saturation for a bit of a sweeter, smoother tone. EL34 tubes offer focused, tight, punchy gain. They run a little hotter, distort earlier, and deliver a wider range of overdriven, crunch tones that are great for rock distortion.
Jon Croft, PRS Guitars Acoustic and Amplifier Manager offers the following about the new Archon 50 watt, “The Archon 50 is a high gain heavyweight and breathes fire like the Archon 100 watt. You can push the 50’s power amp to get some power amp clip for that classic feel and we’re really excited about how the lower wattage translates on the “clean” side. This is where the power amp clip shines. Crank it up and it brings to mind the classic rock tones of yesteryear. Switch it down to half power mode to 25 watts and enjoy all that tube goodness.”
On configurations, Croft offers: “We’ve added a 1X12 combo with a Celestion G12-75T speaker, for players looking for portability and who don’t need to push so much air. With the combo you’ve got a killer amp that you can use at home, in the rehearsal room or the clubs. If you need to move more air, you can run an extension cab off of the combo and it will give you all the bottom end that you need. Overall, the Archon 50 is just a fun amp to play. It’s versatile, sounds great and is inspiring to play.”
Now offered as a head or a 1x12 combo, the Archon 50/25 can back players from metal to rock to country to blues. For more demo videos, audio samples, and full specifications, visit http://www.prsguitars.com/archon50.