You can buy some of the gear demoed on this channel at a discount right here. www.mcknightguitarco.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=77_92

Just picked up an X2 combo after watching this and confirming with a couple of other online vids. Really impressed so far, one thing to note - it is definitely worth connecting your PC or Mac to the Amp via the USB cable, the software is really easy to use and provides you with access to a 'Mids' control knob which the amp doesn't have. It was already sounding pretty great for the size but having this extra control provides even more tone control.

Best reviews around! No bullshiting around and acting like 15 year olds. Just to the point!

this was an excellent comparison video. i love how helpful these are for consumers

Phil I can't thank you Enough for all your Knowledge and Patience , and most of all talent and being just a Great Guy !!!

Dude, your reviews are awesome! The fact that you are a fender dealer, and this doesn't sound "fake" or "sales pitch-y". Really just a solid, honest, and insightful. Very big fan of your channel!

Many thanks this is the most informative demo of these two amps I have seen on youtube -well done

Great video, even in 2019. :) That X2 is amazing value for money, and with an upgraded speaker...well, you just have to hear it. Fortunately, there are some great videos on youtube demonstrating that. I'm waiting to hear from a guy who hopefully still has one local in excellent condition for between $200 (what I want to pay) and $250 (what he is asking--very fairly, I might add). Hoping for the best. And as others have said, your videos are so helpful. Thanks!

I just bought a Super Champ X2 . It doesn't sound as "tubey" as the Princeton,but it can definitely hold its own at a bar gig. Lol

Helpful review. I took a look at the schematic, and the dual triode has one side set up for modest gain and the other as a split load phase inverter to drive the push pull power stage. So the preamp tube does and a little tone shaping.

I like the fact that you pointed out what difference there was between the two. saying that you liked them both.

Phenomenal presentation! Just to add - your explanation about the lone 12AX7 tube is spot on! It functions as a phase inverter for the push-pull of the output tubes, and not as a pre-amp tube.

I own an X2, it is a great amp. The crucial thing missing from it though is a headphone out! It's great for recording though. Thanks for doing the comparison!

That super champ is a steal for the price. Been jamming on one for 6 or 7 years. Love it.

Thanks man. Straight talking, honest, well educated opinion from a fellow guitar geek. Lucky to have stumbled across your page

I have the Champ X2 and for me is a fantastic amp with all the effects and presets, am a begginer with tube amps and I love the sound that makes for the price, Saludos!!! from Mexico.

Best video for the X2 I've seen on youtube! I am a happy X2 owner and, for the price range, it's the best one out there.

Thanks for another awesome comparison! I have a Super Champ XD, used mostly for low volume bedroom playing and I'm very pleased with it.

Just bought that Super Champ from ya. You are quite the salesman. Well done.

I was told by fender that in channel 1 (non modeling channel) the preamp tube is one half of the tube a phase inverter, the other half is used for preamp. The rest of the preamp gain is solid state, not modeling. This is common in many high end amps, although they use more tubes in the preamp gain stages. Paul Rivera uses solid state combined with tubes in the gain stages of some of his amp designs. The most famous was Alexander Dumble who's use of solid state preamp gain stages, in his hotrodding of fender amps is what many covet to this day.

I went into my local GC last week. They had two Super Champ X2's, a new one and a used one. The used one had a Celestion G10R speaker. The used one just vibrated so nicely. I have a Super Champ XD, and now I have a Celestion G10R. 35 bucks on Ebay.

I recently bought a used Super Champ X2 and am really liking it. Does well with my limited few pedals too. Perfect for my apartment living.

Interesting demo Phil. The earlier Super Champ XD sounds great too. An inexpensive EQ pedal in front can provide more presence and transforms the sound. Expect the EQ settings are adjustable within the X2 (Fender Fuse software).

Thanks for all your great reviews and comments! I am a 60-ish guitar player who still learns something new each video. I mainly play at home with friends and have sought out quiet amps with great tone. I now use a Mesa Boogie Mark 5:25 head and MB 1x12 cab + Tone Tubby 1x10 cab with alnico red (lighter for hauling around). This amp has spoiled me and I have sold all others (Supersonic 22, Blues Jr., Blues Cube Stage, Vox AC15...) because they were too loud or just didn't have the sound. I love good warm clean tones. My question is - which small head to buy for use by visiting guitarists and as an alternative. I have been looking at the Fender Super Champ X2 and the Blackstar 1 and 5 watt models? I will use it through either a MB or Fender 1x12 cab. I have lots of pedals. My main goals are usually tone and home volume levels.

Great video comparison, thx! I think your correct when assuming the larger cab on the Princeton as improving the overall sound. I heard/read that many folks are changing out the speaker to "upgrade the X2..we're never satisfied lol. I'm a X2 head owner. I've had it a month and use it with a 1x12 and 4x12 vintage Yamaha cab (41 years old)...sounds great. Now the X2 does have two '65 Princeton settings. It would be interesting to compare those with the real thing. Again, thanks and pray for me as I might try out the fuse software today (I'm terribly techno-challenged). Keep on strumming!

Cool review. The X2 looks like a great product. For my low volume home practice I use a Roland Microcube, because I got it for free in a trade a couple of years ago. If I didn't have that already, that X2 sounds like a winner

Great review, as always. Thoughtful, informative.

I just bought the X2 and I love it! I'm still toying around with the settings to see what sounds I can get out of it....

Awesomeness. Love your stuff. Always detailed answers to most concerns. Thank you. I bought a new SCX2 combo $279 & a used head for $200. l had a 1x10 cab already. I put a Ragen Cajun in the combo. Such a Great amp. I also have a Clean 130 watt RMS tube amp head with 2x12 EV cab that I use for power & the X2 head Line Out as a Pre Amp. I suggest trying the Fuse Software to Totally Customise any amp or Fx in any of the 16 voicings. Also has a Midrange Controll which makes a big differance when ya boost the Mid. It just makes me LOVE this amp all the more. I use the Line Out for Direct recording in PT12 Best sounding & I have an 11Rack. I but I tend to use the Line Out on the X2 more for recording. Small point on the combo I bought brand new. The 5 year warranty is not on the Tubes. The 12AX7 went & I thought the amp was gone? after only having the amp about 4 months. Lucky I had an extra GT I've kept for 35 year's for just such an occation. Thank God I popped it in & it worked perfectly. Thanks for this Awesome channel. Happy Jamming to All.

Bought Super Champ XD 2 days ago for 280€. Got custom paisley cabinet to repack it to 12” variant. Gonna make comparison between stock 10” speaker and 12” Jensen P12R Alnico Vintage. 😊 Great video as always. 😊👍🏼

Like your video. I bought the X2 combo used for 175 and love it. Just put in a Canabus Rex and sounds amazing.

Tube "assigned to the power amp" is called the phase inverter and it dies drive the power tubes in a push-pull manner

Thanks Philip. I may end up getting both as well!

I bought a Fender super champ xd at a pawn shop the other day and after these reviews i'm glad I did ! I just unplug the speaker in the back and use my Mesa 4x12 cab with V30s and its so crisp and beautiful its amazing. It truly is a swiss army knife.

Dude, I really like your videos. Keep up the good work!

I've been a keen proponent of the SCXD for a few years now, the X2 is thinner with a morre brittle treble section. As for solid state, you're mistook. It's a class AB all tube amp in channel 1 (which exploits the ax7 pre valve) whilst ch,2 is a solid-state modelling pre-amp into the 2x 6v6 power section. So ch.1, the clean channel, is all tube. Which is why I actually originally bought it (cheap all tube fender cleans at a discount) but in practice... after a while, that modelling is really good and warm, so, im nearly always in ch.2, which, id have never predicted.... Great show phillip, a happy uk subscriber

Awesome review, as always. Thank you.

I like the idea of a amp head, that I can use with different cabinets, for different situations. Cabinet/speakers are a big part of the sound you get. Also like that it is lighter, and easier to transport. I prefer to carry amp head in one hand, and cabinet in other, than to carry a combo in one hand.

Reissue sounds so warm. I'm the same with my tone; I go for a beautiful clean tone & add overdrive pedal to the chain for a gain stage. I use a Traynor Dark Horse with either my EHX Soul Food overdrive, MXR custom Badass 78 distortion, or EHX Nano Big Muff fuzz, depending on what sort of dirt I'm wanting.

I now own both of these amps as well. The x2 is fun to just mess around with and not worry about a bunch of pedals, but you are right. That Princeton just has that warm, rich Fender tube tone. So good.

Great Videos keep it up man

I've got the Vibro Champ XD and feel the same way you do about your XD. Incredible amp for noodling around. I have a Egnator Tweeker 15 head that sits on top and I find I use the Egnator when I'm practicing with my pedal board to prep for my church worship team, but use the XD when I just want to unwind and have fun for 20 minutes. One thing I've noticed about the hybrids that use actual power tubes on the back side seem to sound very much more tube-like than the hybrids that have a 12AX7 that goes into a solid state amp. I think the Peavey Heritage had the power tubes on the tail end as well and it sounded killer (and was loud as _____).

In July 2019, the Princeton RI is about a $899 and I just bought a SC X2 fsr (wine red tolex) w/ Celestion g10 speaker for $499. With my Fender MP tele my total spent on gear is $928.00 (caught a sale on the Guitar). I considered the Princeton and a few others in the 500 - 1,100 range, but went for the SC X2 because of versatility, quality and looks. I am very happy with the quality and the sounds that I can get from the Super Champ. I may upgrade to a '65 Deluxe Reverb at some point, but I feel like the Super Champ really is the future. Especially for those who want a good tube experience for classic sound and modeling for a little something extra in their playing.

I spoke to soon, with the pedals, X2 shines beautiful!

The amp comparison definitely helps, thankyou.

Hey Phillip! I gotta say i really love this comparisons. I'm kind of a noob when it comes to pedals/amps and i wanted to know if you could use some pedals with the super champ. Thanks man.

This is EASY STEVIE my friends. The Princeton sounds better. But, the SUPER is funner to play. AND isn't that why we play.....for FUN

To Ron Light’s response below it would be interesting compare the same pedals used on the Princeton n the XD’s clean channel and maybe throw your XD head and 12” speaker cabinet into the mix. Thanks for the great reviews Phil, keep up the good work my friend!

This was one of your best very informative

Great video! I found the Super Champ struggled to keep up with our drummer! The Princeton had some balls! Once again I find both of these amps could use some upgrading that would make them better in more situations, by different players. (A Mid Tone pot for example.) Changing the speakers really improved the sounds!

I replaced the speaker in my x2 with an inexpensive Jensen mod 10/50 and it really opened this amp up.

Changing the speaker in the X2 makes a huge difference too. Was going to get an X2 and an Eminence Ragin Cajun 10", but just might get the head version and plug into my Deluxe Reverb's speaker.

Ever thought of doing a Guitar Speaker Shootout? For example, I use Celestions and Warehouse Guitar Speakers in my combos and cabs. Thank you.

Dude I feel so much smarter and more well informed after watching your videos. You're probably the best guitar guy on KZfaq, definitely among the best.

These little SCX2 amps are great lil amps . They take pedals well and the voicings & effects offer lots of options to find great tones . Id love to have a Princeton ,but just can't drop a grand on one .

They are definitely different sounding amps, but they both sound great! I would bet that you could duplicate that Princeton with the Super Champ if you spend some time tweaking the software via usb. I’ve ordered a used Super Champ X2 head. Excited to try it out with a well tuned 112 cab.

Attenuate to drive the Princeton! Another great video, thanks.

Phil great video - thanks. I own the 68' Princeton and the SC XD (which prefer in tone to the X2)... You descriptions were spot on- Princeton is a lifetime keeper but as you said, too loud if you want to drive into breakup for home use. I still think the SCXD is one of the best practical amps anyone can buy for the money.

Bought a 68 Princeton today. Coming off a Vox hybrid. I am completely blown away. What a gorgeous tone. Yeah, you can't get it to break up at home/bedroom volume - so I ran an OCD into it and it's like buttah. And on sale!

I bought the X2 but stepped up to the FSR. It has a wine colored Rolex a wicker grill and a greenback celestion 10". I'm very pleased with the versatility, price & sounds. If you're looking for an around the house do it all amp, this is it. I love it!

Thanks for this, great comparison.

I mounted my superchamp amp in a 1-12 fender champion 40 enclosure..im impressed....its a bit larger but huge difference in sound..happy me

the fender x2 is awesome, I have 4 of these and run 2 in stereo, you get a big sound, but push it too loud or heavy bass and the speaker will flub out on the combo, a replacement speaker like a celestion gold of canabis rex takes care of that.Also, all 4 of my amps had cabinet buzz, but just tighten the handle screws and the screws on the sides and that takes care of it,.plus I want the tube amp sound but dont want to have to deal with or replace 10-11 tubes etc.....3 tubes I can handle lol

Great review, thanks man.

I have the Camp X2 combo and I love it. My favorite amp. My friend listened to me play along with ZZ Top Foxy Lady and Pink Floyd KZfaq "half stoned" and offered to sign me to his Hollywood booking agency. I have a Mint Carvin X112 Hot Rod Mod but it's just too powerful to turn up. I'm sure it would sound fine in a sports stadium but its not practical for home use. My solid state Mustang 1 is great but not practical to practice with a band. The Champ X2 sounds sooooo much better to me and will do everything the Mustang will do with the "Fuse" software. The Champ X2 presets sound so good I haven't had the need to adjust anything. I use the clean channel to run my pedals through. In the video the Champ sounds a little tinny but just turn the bass up a notch or the treble down and mess with the gain a little and you will see the light.

magic video sir. thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

Thank you for the great infotainment.

I bought the head version myself recently too, should be here early next week and really looking forward to it. :-)

Most interesting demo, many thanks

I think the Super Champ X2 sounds great for the money. The Princeton has that Fender glassy clean that only an all tube can conjure but not so much better that I would spend the extra $ for it. Thanks for the videos Phil keep them coming!

I picked one up with the stock speaker and it sounds ok. Plugged it in to a cabinet with a 12” mojotone anthem and it really comes to life on channel one. I might recab it so I don’t have to carry the extension speaker. The champion 40 is the same with and would just need some minor changes to support the head assembly.

I like both very much, the old might be going away. With the Line 6 Pod thing and other folks that make great stuff like Kemper is it? That live profile thing. I love tube amp. I play some area Fairs and Art festivals. That is the only time I get to put the top down on my old Fender Black Face, it really moves some air. All winter I just enjoy looking at it. Love your videos dude!

Plug your x2 in and immediately turn of the cab emulation like I did. It seriously improves the sounds of the channel 2 voices(takes out alot of the speaker muffle sound). Then get their reverse effect and add it to the effects(it's so nice and ambient). Also you can download a distortion pedal into one of the 16 effects as well and turn it on instead of using the voices at all, which even with turning off the speaker emulation are still the weakest link in the X2s sound to me. You can also adjust the virtual mid knob which isn't even included on the amp, and yes it works just like the bass and treble for both channels.

great video thanks Phil

I just picked up the X2 today. I'll be using it for open mics. Funny thing is I was comparing it with the 68 Princeton but could not justify spending more than I needed. For now I believe I made the right choice.

Fantastic video; thank you!

Hi Phil. Love your work. Question about the Super Champ! I had a Fender Acoustasonic 150 with the ´Amp style options´. Sound was LUSH at lover volumes. But When it was turned up ..all was ok til about 7. Past that point the bottom end DISAPPEARED and there was no further increase in volume. The shop got me second one - but that had the same problem. I walked out with a Fishman Loudbox Mini. I hope the power amp behaves better on the Champ. Ta.

Phillip, I’m really digging your videos and you helped me settle on a American Tele after years of not playing. Now I’m struggling with finding the right amp for entertaining myself. Looking at the HT1R vs the super champ x2, others? Thoughts? Also head or combo?

Both very cool amps and both very useful. I have owned a variety of 100% tube amps, crate vintage club 20, carvin nomad, fender blues jr, and currently a MB F30. I gig a lot and usually play at low volume. I use a linear power booster for clean boost soloing. The I was skeptical of the X2 at first until I plugged in my pedals. Adding some gain to the line does not cause the pre-amp tubes to break up and avoids “grind” when I don’t want it. The 6v6 tubes add a that warmth and presence we desire from a tube amp but the signal is much easier to reign in and control. The direct out is cabinet voiced and sounds great thru the pa and monitors. There are a million different sounds you can get from this amp. I use two. And I love them. Channel 1 and preset 6 on channel 2 with a little gain. Digital fx are ok. I use some reverb and a touch of delay. Ive hooked it up to the computer and tweaked a few presets. That felt a bit gimmicky but I was able to make some cool sounds and save them onboard. The interface is pretty user friendly. I have used the amp in the studio and recorded direct into the board with outstanding results. It’s also worth mentioning that the amp paid itself off in one weekend. Good consistent tones at reasonable volume. It’s worth mentioning that Music Man did the hybrid thing in the 70’s with excellent results. Have. you ever tried to lift one of those babies??! your back will thank you for getting an X2!

Thanks, man,...Bought the Champ recently and agree w/ all your comments about it (and Princeton). Been recording w/ USB and works pretty good depending on source (mixer or direct), but have not yet downloaded new sounds. Just got to crank my SCX2 up for first time last night and thought I noticed some rattle at high volume...? Would baffleing help,...also, how about a better pre-amp tube? Thought that might boost quality and output. I then attached my Showman 15" bottom and...wow! Full bodied. Love your quality reviews. Thanks so much.

Super Champ X2 head is amazing!! You can use various cabs to switch it up and I use it for a Bass rig as well that is really cool sounding Bassman tube rig! Fender did the gigging musician right with this amp it has 20 different uses and configurations all at a nominal price, FANTASTIC AMP! Switch out you own tube choice and re-bias yourself-wonderful, just wonderful!!!

Great video and review.

Nice information, Princeton 🙌 The only solid state amp that is scary close and fun is the mustang III v2 correcting the original setting you can hear a Princeton and has xlr outs that I plug into my Princeton to make it versatile . Just saying, nice video 👍

Thank you for a great review. Just ordered my new Super Champ and can't wait to here it.

Also I have a Bogner 212 cabinet that I'm going to run that XD through maybe preamp it see how that sounds .

I have the xd. What helped me with that “feeling”...new JJ tubes and an eminence 1058. Stock, it’s still a great amp but with these mods it’s an awesome amp.

the 12ax7 in the SCX2 is mainly for the phase inverter for the output tubes, although phase inverters usually have some gain as well so the 12ax7 will have some impact on the tone

Not bad Phillip. I love the Princeton’s. I have the X2 and I love it too. Slightly modded (new Celestion Gold) and the hybrid is a nice feature. This comparison demonstrates some tones very well. You could have used some different settings to give a more matched approach. I would love to see that. Cheers.

I came across a fender princeton reverb amp years ago and bought it used, thinking it was from the early 1960s. I think i paid around $150. Always loved that amp. Had no clue about the value til recently. ....

Its refreshing to see a guitarist who's not perpetually shredding....What is the PRS model used ?

I just bought the Super Champ X2 head and matching 12" cab based on your recommendation. It sounds great plugs into my Mac super easy and it does crank (neighbour has complained, the rat bag). Two weeks old and I plugged it in tonight and super crackling sound even with volume off and nothing plugged in. Gotta take the head back tomorrow. Hope it's just the tubes or something small. My dealer givers me 30 days return so I'll keep you informed. Any suggestions? Love your videos. Thanks Phil.

The Princeton sounds fantastic!

Phillip, thanks for the review. Curious how you would rate the X2's Marshally tones to the DSL15. Thanks and keep up the great work.

Hi, Thanks for your review. an you tell me how fast the x2 will crank up? I like to play my Gretch with clean tones. Some break up at high volume is great, but I would like to have enough margin for clean sounds.

Hey Phillp, great video and review. One question for you ( or anyone else who has ). Have you try the line out on the Champ into a PA system for live performance? If so what's the quality? Again great video. No fluff just the stuff we want and need to know. Thank you for posting!

Except for the tremolo, the X2 sounded better in all situations for me. Great comparison, thank you!

Yes the 12ax-7 in the x-2 is a Phase Splitter for the Output Tubes...

Great video. I’m a big fan of trying to get the best sound when comparing amps. People Obsess over trying to make the comparisons even instead of showing the best of each amp. I’d like to add a few notes, I’m sorry if they’ve been mentioned already. Voice 10 is 60s British Dirty/composed (Vox AC with a compressor pedal simulated in front) Voice 5 is 65 Princeton Clean Voice 6 is 65 Princeton dirty/composed (a compressor pedal is simulated in front) Fender discontinued support for their fuse software. I read you can still download and use it but they don’t update it or provide support anymore. I own and love the SCX2. Obviously it’s not as tube sounding as a real tube amp, but the difference is minimal. No one could tell the difference besides tone nuts like us. It truly has that 3D aspects of tube tone that we all loves. Hopefully you know what I mean by that. It truly doesn’t have that flat sound that mod amps tend to produce. The SCX2 retains enough of that tube warmness to make it a worthwhile amp IMO. One last thing, the SCX2 has a digital control knob to adjust the mids. You can only access it with the fuse software. I just read today that the mids are set to 10 by default. I read that if you get into the software and adjust the mid setting, it really makes some of the tones sound better. I I already love how this thing sounds, but I am excited at the prospect of adjusting the middle frequencies. I’m going to give it a try tonight. Great video though, thanks! Edit: One last thing! The clean channel is voiced for Fender Blackface clean tone. IMO, the clean channel is the most tube sounding channel.

I lilke the review and am interested in checking out the amp. Eventually, I would probably get a better speaker for it, but this looks like it would suit my needs as a learner and one who is in love with the Fender sound. I also like the Gibson sound and players, but I tend to gravitate more to players from that are predominantly of the Fender or Marshall tradition - Hendrix, Clapton Beck and so on. I actually liked Page's sound when he used a Tele in the early days. The Princeton is amazing, but as you point out in the video, it has a price point. At this point I would rather put more money in good guitars for now. This seems to be a good combination of both worlds - tubes and solid state. I currenlty have a Vox Valvetronix, but the Fender sound - as mentioned- is what sounds better to my ears. Thanks again for another honest and good quality review.

For the Plexi Drive/Tube Screamer pedal part, you should've just looked up the amp settings, the whole point of them is to accurately model the Princeton Reverb in this case, so we would like to hear the overdrives with the real princeton vs modeled princeton to actually hear accurate differences.. Should've done another section with comparing with Channel 1 because Channel 1 is essentially supposed to be an accurate "blackface" circuit tone, which is basically Princeton Reverb tone once again.