Beginner looking for a bedroom practice amp - Monoprice 15 or Katana 50?

As one who own and loves a Monoprice 15 watt tube amp. I'd opt for the Katana. I'll admit, I love and have used solid state amps for many years. I've also used and loved tube amps n that same time frame.

I have yet to try the Katana, but from your requirements. what I've read here and my experience with other Roland amps, I believe it's an amp that would serve you well.

 

Katana, you won’t regret it.

 

As someone who has both the Mono 15 and the Katana 50 - I would say the Katana, hands down, for you.

Both are really nice sounding at low volume - but the Mono has only reverb, while the Katana is like having a dozen different amps, and a ton of pedals, all at the twist of a few knobs. The Katana sounds great just working with the front panel options -- but you can also get deep editing and tone shaping when you connect it to your computer.

 

My vote is for the Yamaha THR10

 

I rest my case.

 

The Katana is great for the money and it can be attenuated down in wattage for small rooms. They also make some smaller amps in that same line, but I'd stick with the 50watt for the bigger speaker - don't care much for small speakers that have farty distortion.

 

I'd go for the Katana it sounds good at both high and low levels and the built in effects sound good. Having the effects is a nice touch and can be fun to use when you get bored.

 

Another vote for Katana.

 

I have the Monoprice 15, and like it, but I won't disagree with the other votes here . There Katana is likely to fit the bill. But if you find yourself wondering if you're missing something without tubes...the Monoprice amp will probably make you happy. Not nearly as much variety, but it's a Marshall-flavored amp, so classic rock is right in is wheelhouse.
The Monoprice does get pretty quiet, but when I need very low volume, I tend to use a modeler, so I guess that says something. But I also lear toward BF Fenders more often these days anyway .

 

The Vox Mini5 is Decent for the money but out of the two choices go Katana

 

Used Katana 50 = $150-$175
Used Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster = $250-$300


I saved you almost $400.

 

Whoa, cool. You don't see too many threads here with 100% agreement on an "A or B" choice. I love tubes and all, but I too say Katana.

 

Katana. The .5 watt setting is great for keeping it down. I use the clean voice with a pedalboard, but not often use the built in effects at rehearsal and they are great, including a Blues driver voiced overdrive.

 

Double post

 

My vote is for the Katana as well. I currently own the Katana 100, as well as a 22 watt tube amp (DRRI), and have also owned smaller tube amps such as a Blues Jr. and Peavey Classic 30 in the past. For playing at home without having to invest in a bunch of pedals, you can't beat the Katana. Great tones, uber flexible, and can scale down to .5 watts without losing too much. Also reliable - no questionable Chinese tubes to worry about. I run my regular pedal board though it and handles them just fine. They are not really much better (if at all) than the built in effects in the Katana though. If I do a thorough A/B against the DRRI I admit I can get a tone I slightly prefer to the Katana, but it is pretty subtle to my ears.

 

The Monoprice isn't what I'd call a "bedroom" amp. It's more like a "here's your eviction notice" or "we don't want to have to come back to your house again" amp (depending on your neighbors and neighborhood). Even in low power mode it probably isn't apartment or spouse friendly.

Like most modelers, the Katana will scale down well. When I was looking for an inexpensive, battery powered, amp I narrowed down the choice between the Katana and the Vox Mini. I picked the Vox due to better features but they were even tone-wise. In the price/feature range you're looking at I'd give the Katana 50 the edge over similar Vox products, mainly due to the 12" speaker.

 

I would suggest a Fender Super Champ X2 combo or head. I have the head and this amp is a really versatile modeling and WITH tubes. Sounds excellent with pedals.