
( Brand: Soldano ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: USED005003 ), ( Part Type: Tube Amplifier ), ( Size: 197881245498 ), ( Style 1: Black )
The Soldano Astro-20 20W Tube Combo Amplifier, model number 197881245498, is a versatile and high-performing guitar amplifier from the renowned Soldano Custom Amplification. This amplifier is packed with features that cater to various playing styles and preferences.
The Astro-20 is a 20-watt all-tube amp, which means it utilizes vacuum tubes for its electronic components. This classic design delivery a warm, rich, and full-bodied tone that is adored by many guitarists. The amp's circuitry consists of two 12AX7 tubes for preamp, and four EL84 tubes for the power amp section. This combination results in a well-balanced sound, with generous headroom and articulate response.
The front panel of the Soldano Astro-20 reveals several conveniently placed controls. A switch on the top left allows you to select between two channels: Channel 1 and Channel 2. Channel 1 provides a more traditional and versatile tone with a bright switch that adds clarity and presence. Channel 2, on the other hand, offers a thicker, more molten tone with a unique response fine-tuned by Soldano ensuring this channel cuts through in a mix.
Gain control for each channel is located to the right of their respective label. The Volume control is centrally positioned, allowing you to evenly balance the overall output level of the amplifier. A global Presence control is placed above the Volume knob, which affects the overall brightness of the amp, enhancing the high frequencies to create a more defined tone.
On the bottom left of the control panel, you'll find an Input Switch that allows for easy switching between two input connections, ideal for quick switching between different guitars or instruments. A Blackface-style Tone Stack EQ section featuring Bass, Mid, and Treble controls is centrally located, providing ample adjustability tailored to the user s playing style and tone preferences. There's also a Speaker Emulation Output for connecting headphones or recording directly, ensuring quiet practice sessions or flawless studio recordings.
Soldano's design and engineering team carefully crafted this amp with a sleek, continuous black textured Strontium finish, lending it both superior quality and visual appeal. The cabinet's construction features durable 1/2 inch thick Baltic birch plywood and an all-metal chassis, which ensures superior sound isolation and sturdiness.
If you seek a versatile and full-featured tube combo amplifier with a rich, classic tone and the ability to adapt to your unique style, the Soldano Astro-20 is an exceptional choice for guitarists who demand high-end performance and unmatched quality. By seamlessly combining versatility, superior craftsmanship, and iconic Soldano sound, this 20-watt gem delivers an unparalleled experience that makes it an exceptional addition to any guitar rig.
The Soldano Astro-20 20W Tube Combo Black RF Amp is a compact, high-gain, and versatile guitar amplifier with a unique RF (Radio Frequency) circuit that enhances the amp's tone. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if this amplifier is the right one for you.
Pros:1. Tone: The Soldano Astro-20 delivers a rich and full-bodied tone, making it suitable for both clean and distorted sounds. Its high-gain channel provides a thick and harmonically complex distortion that is highly sought after by guitar players.
2. Size: With its compact size and 20 watts of output power, the Soldano Astro-20 is an excellent choice for studio work, home practice, or small gigs where a huge stack isn't necessary.
3. Flexibility: The amp features a variety of features, including a bright switch, a mid-shift control, and a presence control. These features allow you to tailor the sound to your liking and accommodate different playing styles and guitar types.
4. Construction quality: The Soldano Astro-20 has a solid build quality, including a powder-coated exterior and heavy-duty components. It is not only visually appealing but also rugged and durable.
5. RF circuit: The RF circuit provides an additional layer of tonal complexity and depth, enhancing the overall sound of the amp. It also eliminates the need for external equipment like modulation pedals.
Cons:1. Limited power: Producing only 20 watts, the Soldano Astro-20 may not be sufficient for larger gigs or outdoor performances where a more significant amplifier is required.
2. Limited channels: The astro-20 only comes with a single channel, so you won't be able to switch between different channels easily. However, its versatile tone controls allow for a wide range of tones.
3. Price: The Soldano Astro-20 is more expensive than some other 20-watt combo amps on the market, which could be a deterrent for budget-conscious buyers.
Conclusion:The Soldano Astro-20 20W Tube Combo Black RF Amp offers a rich and versatile tone with a unique RF circuit that enhances its sound. Its compact size and solid build quality make it an excellent choice for studio work, home practice, or small gigs. However, its limited power output and single channel might not be suitable for larger performances, and its higher price tag compared to some other alternatives may deter some buyers.
Recommendation:If you're looking for a compact and versatile tube amp for studio work, home practice, or small gigs, the Soldano Astro-20 is an excellent choice. Its full-bodied tone, rugged construction, and convenient features make it a valuable addition to any guitar player's setup. However, if power output or budget is a concern, you might want to explore other options with higher power ratings or more affordable price points.
The Purple Galaxy takes over where Blue leaves off, delivering higher gain and a tighter response. The planet indicator will turn OFF in CAB BYPASS mode. Almost every aspect of the design is forward thinking and setting a new benchmark for tube guitar amplifiers. This protection dramatically increases the tubes life.
A Standby switch is needed when the power supply uses capacitors whose maximum rated voltage very close to operating. Mike Soldano forward-thinking approach is to have no load at all. You can assign and organize your presets with the included Soldano Editor Software. There is light wear on various surfaces of the amp.
This meticulous PCB layout design provides the best possible signal-to-noise ratio and makes it extremely easy to service. The shock of turning them on acts like a short circuit and this abuse, over time, can shorten the tubes life. Be in brand-new condition, showing no signs of wear or use such as belt-buckle pick scratches, scuffs, dings, scrapes on the instrument collateral materials. The simple front panel design of the ASTRO-20 let's you save any combination channels, Galaxies, and IRS quickly recall them with included 4-button MIDI foot switch.
The innovative STAR display indicates which Galaxy is being played Green, Blue, Purple or Red, while the six planets around star indicate current IR preset. Impulse Responses Assignable Per Channel/Galaxy: response cabinet simulation is an essential tool for modern guitarists. Depth boost beefs up single-coil guitars and at lower volumes enriches the bass response. When tubes are cold and the current drain is low, operation voltage may exceed maximum capacitor rating voltage , which where Standby switch comes in.
The Blue, Purple and Red Galaxies can be assigned independently to each of the Overdrive channels via Galaxy select switch. His innovative and now-famous cascading tube stage preamps design was paired with an extremely clean hi-fi power amp, resulting in one of the most famous designs all time. When powered ON, tubes start from a COLD state with very little resistance
This is made possible thanks to Mikes state-of-the-art current and voltage monitoring the cathode self-biasing circuits. The Red Galaxy takes you on a journey starting from Soldano iconic lead tones to new phenomenal high-gain universe. The Clean/Green Galaxy is a high-headroom circuit reminiscent of classic American combo amps.
Each expertly recorded IR can be assigned to each channel/galaxy independently, ensuring you get the perfect tone and speaker response, whether running direct onstage, recording or utilizing amps headphone output for silent at-home practice. Relying on a reactive load means the sound will always be different depending cab and Master volume setting. You can boost or cut the bass using this switch. The Galaxies: Blue Galaxy ranges from bluesy cleans to fat and sparkly hard rock tones.
No Load: When Mike Soldano first designed the now legendary, Super Lead Overdrive SLO, he wanted a design that didn rely on power amps distortion, which is how every other was doing it at time. The ASTRO-20 can also be used as a stand-alone cab-less amplifier ideal for live sound, rehearsal and studio recording sessions, thanks to the DSP-powered IR cabinet simulation. Its common practice for amps to use DC heaters the preamps tubes primarily noise reduction. Soldano Astro-20 20W Tube Combo Black 8 RF: item# M 003: Open Box: Item Specific Details There is a dent on the top rear right corner.
To top things off, the circuit boards are gold plated. Depth cut is ideal for extended range, low-tuned guitars, allowing you to through the mix.