Let’s get one thing straight—the Harley Benton Tube 5 isn’t just another tiny tube amp. This little guy packs a punch in a market full of small amps that are, let’s be honest, pretty forgettable.
If you’re tired of amps that sound like they’re whispering at you, this might be what you need.
I’ve run this combo through some tests on my YouTube channels, Best Guitars Now and Strefa Gitar, and here’s what I learned.
All You Need To Know About Harley Benton Tube 5 Celestion
Build and Design
First off, the Tube 5 is as simple as it gets, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s got one channel, a single ECC83/12AX7 preamp tube, and a 6V6GT power amp tube.
Translation? It delivers that warm, tube-driven tone we all love. And let’s not forget the 8-inch Celestion Super speaker inside. This little guy is ready to make some noise.
What’s really cool is the power switch. You can toggle between 5 watts and 1 watt. So whether you’re practicing in your bedroom or jamming with friends, you’ve got options. The controls are dead simple—just volume and tone.
No endless tweaking, just plug in and play. The 6.3 mm jack lets you connect to external speakers if you want to push even more air. Compact, but not a pushover.
Performance and Sound
So, how does it sound? Pretty damn good. I wasn’t expecting much from a 5-watt amp, but the Tube 5 surprised me.
It’s got that classic tube warmth, and when you crank the volume, you get a nice, natural overdrive that’s perfect for blues, rock, or even some heavier stuff if you push it.
You can listen to the demo below.
The tone knob actually gives you a decent range of sounds, from smooth and warm to bright and biting.
Playability and Practicality
This amp is easy to use. No frills, no fuss. The volume and tone controls are straightforward—exactly what you need for quick adjustments on the fly.
And because it’s only 6 kg, it’s super portable. You can take it to practice, small gigs, or even just move it around your home without breaking a sweat.
The 1-watt setting is a lifesaver if you live in an apartment or don’t want to wake the neighbors.
But even at 1 watt, it still delivers that rich, tube-driven sound you’re looking for. If you need more volume, the 5-watt setting is more than enough for small venues or jamming with friends. It’s versatile, but it doesn’t try too hard—just the way I like it.
Specs
- 1 Channel
- Power: Switchable 5 W / 1 W
- Preamp tubes: 1x ECC83 / 12AX7
- Power amp tubes: 1x 6V6GT
- Equipped with: 8″ Celestion Super speaker
- Controls: Volume, tone
- Switch: Power – Attenuator 5 W / 1 W
- Instrument input: 6.3 mm jack
- 6.3 mm jack speaker output: 8 – 16 Ohms
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 305 x 310 x 210 mm
- Weight: 6 kg
Tube 5 vs Tube 15
Alright, so you’re stuck choosing between the Harley Benton Tube 5 and the Tube 15. Here’s the deal: the Tube 15 gives you more power, obviously—15 watts means you get more volume, more headroom.
Plus, with its 3-band EQ and built-in reverb, you’ve got more ways to shape your sound. The 12-inch speaker in the Tube 15 is no joke either, filling up a room with ease, especially if you’re playing with a band or need that extra oomph.
You can check out the official demo of Tube 15 below.
But do you really need all that power? That’s the question. The Tube 5 shines when you want those sweet, warm tube tones without shaking the walls.
It’s perfect for home use or smaller gigs where cranking a 15-watt amp would just be overkill. Simplicity is the name of the game with the Tube 5—just volume and tone controls. No need to mess around with a bunch of knobs.
If you’re after something straightforward and rich-sounding without deafening yourself, the Tube 5 is your guy. But if you need more volume and versatility, the Tube 15 might be worth the upgrade.
You can read my article about the Tube 15 below.
My Take on Harley Benton Gear
Let’s chat about Harley Benton for a sec.
I’ve tried out a bunch of their gear—guitars, amps, pedals—you can see it on my channels. And I gotta say, I’ve been impressed. You’d think, given the low prices, there’d be some major drawbacks, but nope, not really.
Harley Benton knows how to make good gear without all the unnecessary frills. You’re not gonna get the flashiest finishes or the biggest brand names, but what you do get is gear that performs way above its price tag.
And let’s be honest—most people won’t even notice the difference as long as it sounds good. I’ve picked up more Harley Benton stuff than I probably need (okay, definitely more than I need), and every time, it’s exceeded my expectations.
So, if you’re wondering whether to give Harley Benton a shot, I say go for it. You might just find your next favorite piece of gear.
Other Amps to Consider
So, is the Harley Benton Tube 5 the only small amp worth your time? Not really, but it’s definitely a top contender in its price range.
Here are a few other options to check out if you’re still on the fence:
- Fender Champion 20: More features, digital effects, and a bit more power. But if you want pure tube tone, stick with the Tube 5.
- Vox AC4TV: Another small tube amp with a great vintage vibe. It’s a bit more expensive, but if you love that Vox chime, it’s worth considering.
- Blackstar HT-1R: Similar in size and power, but with built-in reverb and ISF tone shaping. Great amp, but the Tube 5 has a bit more character, IMO.
Do I Recommend It?
Absolutely. The Harley Benton Tube 5 is more than just a budget tube amp. It’s a solid, no-nonsense piece of gear that delivers on all fronts.
The tone is warm and rich, the build is solid, and it’s easy to use. Whether you’re a beginner looking to upgrade from a practice amp or an experienced player needing a portable option, this amp won’t disappoint.
Are there better amps out there? Sure, but for the price, the Tube 5 is hard to beat.
It’s got enough power for small gigs, but it’s also quiet enough for home use. If you’re looking for a small amp that sounds big, the Tube 5 should definitely be on your list.
FAQ
Q: Is the Harley Benton Tube 5 loud enough for gigs?
A: For small venues, yes. It’s not going to blow the roof off, but it can hold its own in smaller settings. Plus, you can always mic it up if you need more volume.
Q: Can the Tube 5 handle pedals?
A: Absolutely. This amp takes pedals well. Whether you’re running a distortion, delay, or reverb pedal, the Tube 5 will play nice with your setup.
Q: Is the Harley Benton Tube 5 good for home use?
A: Definitely. The 1-watt setting is perfect for home practice without sacrificing that tube tone. You can crank it without shaking the walls.
Q: What genres is the Tube 5 best for?
A: It shines in blues, rock, and classic rock, but you can push it into heavier territory if you crank the gain or use a pedal.
Q: How does the Tube 5 compare to other small tube amps?
A: It holds its own. While it doesn’t have as many features as some, the pure tube tone and simplicity make it a strong contender in its price range.
Q: Should I upgrade the speaker or tubes?
A: The stock setup is solid, but if you’re a tone purist, upgrading the speaker or tubes could bring out even more character. It’s not necessary, but it’s an option.
Q: Is the Tube 5 durable?
A: Built like a tank. The compact design and solid construction mean this amp can take a bit of a beating and still perform.
Final Thoughts
The Harley Benton Tube 5 is more than just a budget-friendly option—it’s a reliable, versatile amp that delivers a warm, rich tone in a small, portable package.
Whether you’re jamming at home, playing small gigs, or just need a solid backup, this amp is a great choice. It exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be happier with it.
If you’re looking for an amp that’s affordable, sounds great, and is easy to use, the Tube 5 is definitely worth checking out.
And as always, I want to invite you to listen to the Strefa Gitar podcast available on Spotify – there are lots of gear discussions in there!