GPA-100 : Tinitus on a Budget

4 years ago

Was searching for a discreetly-sized, emergency back-up power amp in case my live rig died on the road. It can (and does) happen and can be a gateway to a realm of nightmares.

The price initially made made laugh, but when something is that cheap you really have nothing to lose so I took a gamble. Believe me, I won.

A solid unit with metal chassis, incredibly simple to use, and thankfully NO WALL-WART.

The sound is transparent enough in a serious live situation for no-one, not even you, to notice you're essentially playing by the grace of a glossy, black brick...unless you want to mess with the provided low-mid-treble dials which can certainly add some character. I leave them at 12 and dial on my pre-amp though.

Anyone who says this runs "quiet" is using it wrong, or needs a hearing aid: it easily keeps up with my Mesa Boogie Roadster. Read the instructions.

As it stands, I am considering ditching my over-priced, over-weight valve amps to use this exclusively on the road. I could carry an extra 3 in a tote bag and keep my back, wallet and pride intact when the "real" thing fails.

Beyond impressed. I'm going to buy a couple more eventually.

Image Harley Benton GPA-100

Technical Data

  • Manufactured by Harley Benton
  • Released in 2020
  • Average price : $84
  • Weight : 0.8kg
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