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Photos provided by: PRS Guitars
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With a refined gain structure from the original Archon, the Archon Classic’s lead channel offers a wider range of tones colored with gain, especially in the midrange. The clean channel goes from pristine all the way to the edge of breakup. This additional Archon version was developed to be a go-to tool for playing classic rock or pushing the envelope into modern territory. The Archon Classic still features the original’s bright switch, presence and depth controls. PRS continues to stock the Archon in retailers worldwide.
“The Archon Classic is not a re-issue of the original Archon, but a newly voiced circuit with the lead channel excelling in '70s and '80s rock tones and a hotter clean channel able to go into breakup. This is the answer for those wanting an Archon with a hotrod vintage lead channel gain structure without changing preamp tube types, and a juiced-up clean channel without having to use a boost pedal, all wrapped up in a retro-inspired cabinet design,” said PRS Amp Designer Doug Sewell.
The PRS Archon Amp Head is widely regarded as a high-gain monster with exceptional versatility, making it a favorite among metal, rock, and even clean-tone players. Here’s a breakdown of its strengths and potential drawbacks:f you’ve ever struggled with a daisy-chain nightmare, this rig will feel like a revelation.
Pros:
Massive High-Gain Tone – The Archon is known for its thick, saturated distortion, making it perfect for metal, hard rock, and modern rock styles. It delivers tight low-end and smooth highs without getting fizzy. Crystal-Clear Cleans – Unlike many high-gain amps, the clean channel is extremely usable, offering glassy, chimey tones that work well for blues, jazz, and ambient effects.
Two Independent Channels – Each channel has its own gain, master, and EQ controls, allowing for true tonal separation between clean and dirty tones. 6L6 or EL34 Tube Options – The 6L6 version has a slightly more American voicing (big low end, smooth highs), while the EL34 version has a bit more midrange aggression and British-style bite.
Solid Build Quality – PRS is known for high-end craftsmanship, and the Archon is no exception. It’s rugged and reliable for both studio and live use. Good at Low Volumes – The 50W version has a half-power mode (25W), making it more manageable for home use, while still retaining its tone at lower volumes.
Cons:
Not the Most "Classic" Sounding – If you’re looking for vintage-style breakup or Plexi-like tones, this amp is more modern-voiced and might not be ideal. Heavy – The amp head is fairly large and heavy, especially the 100W version, so it’s not the easiest to transport.
No Built-in Reverb or Boost – While it has an effects loop for adding external pedals, some players might miss onboard reverb or a built-in boost function.
Who Is It For?
Metal & Hard Rock Players – If you love tight, high-gain distortion with definition and clarity, this amp is an excellent choice. Gigging & Studio Musicians – The amp works great both on stage and in recording environments due to its dynamic range and flexibility.
Players Who Need Great Cleans & Gain in One Amp – Unlike some high-gain amps that skimp on cleans, the Archon gives you both worlds.
"Review: The PRS Archon Delivers High-Gain Perfection Without Sacrificing Clean Tones"
Verdict:
The PRS Archon is a powerful, modern high-gain amp with surprisingly good cleans, making it one of the most versatile amp heads in its category. While it leans toward heavier styles, it can cover a lot of ground with the right EQ settings and pedals.
Supplementary information regarding compatibility with the PRS Archon Amp Head:
The best cabinet for a PRS Archon (or any PRS amp head) depends on the tone you’re after. PRS makes their own matching cabinets, but you can also pair the Archon with other high-quality cabs for different sounds.
Top Cabinets for PRS Archon Amp Heads
1. PRS MT 2x12 or 4x12 Cabinet (Best Match)
Celestion Vintage 30 speakers (tight lows, strong mids, smooth highs)
Designed specifically for PRS amps
Closed-back design for tight low-end response (great for metal & hard rock)
Price: Premium (but worth it for a PRS rig)
Best For: Players who want a cab that was built for the Archon—tight, aggressive, and balanced.
2. Mesa Boogie Rectifier 2x12 or 4x12 (Modern Metal & Rock)
V30s (same as PRS cabs) but in a bigger, heavier enclosure
Super thick and tight low-end, great for high-gain tones
Built like a tank for touring
Price: Expensive, but legendary for heavy tones
Best For: Players who want a high-gain beast for metal, djent, and hard rock.
3. Orange PPC212 or PPC412 (Huge Mids & British Bite)
V30s again (but in a slightly darker, mid-forward cab)
Very thick midrange, great for stoner rock, classic rock, and modern metal
Extremely durable construction
Price: Expensive, but worth it for massive, warm tones
Best For: Players who want a fatter, more mid-forward sound that still has aggression.
4. Zilla Fatboy 2x12 (Boutique Option)
Customizable with V30s, Creambacks, or Greenbacks
Tighter than Orange, but more open than Mesa
Handmade & boutique quality
Price: More affordable than Mesa/Orange but still premium
Best For: Players looking for a custom, unique-sounding cab with excellent build quality.
5. Harley Benton G212 Vintage (Budget Pick)
Celestion Vintage 30s at a much lower price
Closed-back design for tight low-end
Very affordable, great for home/studio use
Price: Budget-friendly (~$300)
Best For: Players who want V30 tone on a budget without sacrificing too much quality.
Plugging an Amp Head into a Guitar Amp (Combo or Another Head)
DO NOT plug your amp head’s speaker output into another amp's input. This can fry the second amp because speaker outputs send high-power signals meant for speakers, not another amp’s circuitry.
Safe Alternative:
Some amp heads have a line out, direct out, or effects send that you could route into another amp’s effects return (bypassing its preamp) to use it as a powered speaker.
Plugging an Amp Head into a Power Amp
YES, this is safe—if you send the line out or effects send of the amp head into a dedicated power amplifier. Example: Running a PRS Archon’s FX send into a separate solid-state power amp to drive a different speaker setup.
Plugging an Amp Head into an Audio Interface / PA System
YES, but carefully, if your amp head has a direct out (DI) with speaker emulation, you can safely plug it into an audio interface or PA. If not, you'll need a load box (like the Two Notes Torpedo Captor) to safely send the signal without a speaker cabinet.
Conclusion
Never plug a speaker output into another amp’s input. Use, a line out, DI, or FX send for safe connections. Use a load box if you’re running a tube amp without a speaker. A guitar player doesn’t necessarily need both an amp and an amp head—because an amp head is an amplifier.
Why Use an Amp Head + Cabinet Setup?
More Power & Customization – You can pair the amp head with different speaker cabinets to change your tone. Different speakers, sizes (e.g., 1x12, 2x12, 4x12), and cabinet types (open vs. closed back) affect the sound. Easier to Upgrade – Instead of replacing an entire amp, you can swap out just the head or cab if you want a new sound.
Better for Live Gigs & Touring – Some players prefer bringing just their amp head and using venue-provided cabinets instead of hauling a full combo amp. More Output for High-Powered Amps – Amp heads can provide more wattage and headroom than many combo amps, which is useful for louder gigs and rehearsals.
When to Use a Combo Amp Instead:
Portability – A combo amp is one unit, making it easier to carry.
Simpler Setup – No need to match cabinets, just plug in and play.
Lower Volume Needs – Most combo amps are great for home and small gigs. An amp head is the amplifier! However, it does need a speaker cabinet to produce sound.
How It Works:
The amp head contains the preamp (shapes the tone) and power amp (amplifies the signal). The speaker cabinet houses the speakers that project the sound. You must connect the amp head to a speaker cab using a speaker cable (not an instrument cable).
Important Note: Never turn on a tube amp head without a speaker load connected, as this can damage the amp. Some heads have a built-in load or DI output for silent recording, but most need a speaker cab.
No, you should never use a tube amp head without a speaker cabinet unless it has a built-in load box or dummy load. Why? Tube amp heads need a speaker load to safely dissipate power.
If you turn on a tube amp without a connected cabinet (or load box), the amp has nowhere to send the power, which can damage the output transformer and other components. Solid-state amp heads are usually safer to run without a cab but always check the manual.
Ways to Use an Amp Head Without a Cabinet:
Use a Load Box / Attenuator – Devices like the Two Notes Torpedo Captor or Universal Audio OX act as a "virtual cabinet," allowing silent operation. Use a Direct Out / DI with Speaker Emulation – Some amp heads (like the PRS Archon 50W) have a direct out or cab sim output for recording without a speaker cab. Use a Modeler or Plugin Instead – If you're looking for amp tones without volume, digital modelers (like Kemper, Axe-FX, or plugins) can simulate an amp + cab setup.
A RECAP OF WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
