FUQ (eff -yu - cue) - FAQ's with an EDGE

Tagged As: Mini Amps

Question:
Im building my own mini-amp, but Im also looking to buy a manufactured one. From all Ive read, I have to tell you theres nothing less than a million contradictory opinions on them. Im looking for something dirt cheap because Im bound to break it, or scavenge parts from it in short order if my past runs true, so Im thinking of Fenders Mini-Deluxe. Anyone here own one, or play through one? Or better yet, heard many or several mini-amps and have an opinion on what sounded the best? Volume is of no concern, I just want a little battery powered amp loud enough to hear. Im unwilling to support pignose, so thats out, plus its a tad more than what I want to spend as I dont think it will survive my eventual need to take it apart for very long.

Answer:
Why on earth buy a mini amp? In my opinion, something in their price range is not worth buying unless it's a classic. Miniamps are basically toys, their cases cost more than the electronics inside them and the speakers are bad excuse for crap. The design plus quality of parts and building resemble children's toys. Why don't you buy one of them instead, you might be surprised of the tone you get when you hook some cheap toys to a good speaker. These days mini amps are mainly built to rip you off. Some old designs (like Pignose or Vox Escort to name a few) at least had something to offer. Most of mini amp powerstages are built with chip amplifiers and the circuits are so simple that anyone can build or design them by just downloading the correct datasheet. Shit!!! Some of those datasheets even offer a PCB design!!! What more can someone possibly ask when everything is served on a plate! There's Plenty of info about mini-amp tone and design in the internet. Sheesh, can't you people google anymore???