Fender [Vintage Modified Amps Series] Super Champ XD user reviews ( 8/10) - 28 user reviews

• 08/02/11

  Steve_Boudreaux's review "Very Good Practice Amp, With Enough Power To Gig"

  Characteristics

  This is a hybrid guitar amp- part solid state, part tube, but different from most hybrids, in that it actually has tubes on BOTH the pre-amp and power-amp sides. The 12AX7 tube on the pre-amp side is not for pre amplification, but at least, it’s there! Two 6V6 tubes on the power side mean you can get power tube overdrive, if you either crank the amp, or run a speaker attenuator in-line- this amp has a jack and plug setup for the on-board speaker, so no need to install a jack.
  
  
  
  This amp is advertised as 15 watts, which is probably accurate. Two output channels- clean and “effected,” with all the effects produced by a digital signal processor, or DSP. Amp models are sampled, and reproduced by the DSP, too. Connections include a single instrument input, headphone, and a single speaker out, which in addition to making it easier to run an attenuator, also makes it easier to drive a separate cab- two speaker outs would be nice, but are not provided.

  Utilization

  The 16 amp models are all quite good, with the Acoustosonic and Champ models being among the best here. Other models like Jazz (after the Roland Jazz Chorus amps) and British are nice to have, and adequate, but I find only about half to one-third of the models are different enough to be worth using- there is considerable overlap between one amp model and the next. Effects are good, too, but limited, in that one can not have, say, reverb and tremolo at the same time. Some effects can be dual, but not all. Although parameters of all effects are not continuously variable- you only have three tremolo speeds, for instance- the level of the effects can be controlled- having control over only one parameter of an effect is just silly, so it’s nice to have both here.
  
  
  
  The manual is easy to understand, and useful. I printed out a copy of the page that list the amp models and effects, and put it in the back of the amp, for quick reference.

  Sounds

  With it's own on-board effects, I don't feel the need to use many pedals with it- I use a wah pedal, and if I want both tremolo and reverb, I gotta use a pedal for one or the other. The clean channel is nice to have, for the usual switching between clean and distorted- one gripe I have is Fender uses propriatary foot switch circuitry, and you must buy different foot switches for different Fender amps- so there is an additional $40 expense, as the foot foot switch does not come standard with the amp.
  
  
  
  Changing the stock ten inch speaker to a Eminence Ragin Cajun speaker is a popular mod, but I found the improvement was modest. In my opinion, this is not a cost-effective mod. Having that blue-framed speaker peeking out from the cab is cool looking, though.

  Overall Opinion

  This is a clear step above most practice amps, and can be gigged with if things don't get too loud. It does have a line-level out, so you can easily go to the board or a slaved amp with it's signal for more volume, if needed. Given it's versatility, the value is here. I've played many amps, including more than my share of little practice amps and "club" sized amps- this one bridges the gap between both. I would buy this amp again, and recommend it.
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• 04/23/11

  iamqman's review "EEEhhhhh not great!"

  Characteristics

  I hate to say it but this amp is below average at best. The idea that it can to effects and have 16 different voicings is ok but it just doesn't sound that good. This is labeled a hybrid amp which means it has both tubes and solid state digital operation.
  
  
  
  The voicings unless are cranked by the gain have any usability to them at all. I don't like how this amp has so many voicings but doesn't say what the voice is modeled after. Since it dramatically changes when you switch it around.
  
  
  
  
  
  Fender Super Champ XD Features:
  
  
  
  * Tube Amplifier with DSP
  
  * Output: 15 watts (Class AB)
  
  * Speaker: One 10", 8-ohm Special Design Speaker
  
  * Channels: Two (Normal and Amp Voice)
  
  * "Voice" Control with 16 Different Amp Voicings
  
  * 16 DSP Effects
  
  * External Speaker Output Allows use with External Speaker Cabinet Line Output.
  
  * Strap Handle.
  
  * Red Jewel Pilot™ Light
  
  * Covering: Black Textured Vinyl with Silver Grille Cloth
  
  * Chrome Hardware
  
  * Blackface Control Panel

  Utilization

  Details
  
  Type Hybrid
  
  Number of Channels 2
  
  Power 15W Class AB
  
  Speakers 1 x 10" Special Design
  
  Effects Yes
  
  Reverb Yes
  
  EQ Treble, Bass
  
  Amp Modeling Yes
  
  Number of Models 16
  
  Number of Tubes 3
  
  Preamp Tubes 1 x 12AX7
  
  Power Tubes 2 x 6V6
  
  Inputs 1 x Instrument
  
  Outputs 1 x Speaker, 1 x Line (1/4")
  
  Footswitch I/O Yes
  
  No Effects Loop
  
  Height 15"
  
  Width 17.5"
  
  Depth 9"
  
  Weight 24 lbs.

  Sounds

  Not really a fan as I mentioned above. The tone is mediocre at best and can be achieved in better amps out there. To me it doesn't really matter what guitar you use it with it just doesn't sound like a tube amp should.
  
  
  
  I also don't like being stuck at the midrage that is natural to the amp. Not having a mids control knob is like not having presents on Christmas morning. The mids are the best thing about a midrange instrument. Not being able to control them is a waste of time in my opinion.

  Overall Opinion

  This amp is a big pass for me. I don't like having just treble and bass for control knobs for EQing and I just flat out don't like the sound of the amp. At new these amps come in at around $300. To me that is kind of high for this thing sounding the way it does.
  
  
  
  Peavey's and Roland at the same price point sound night and day better. I like Fender and I love Charvel but this is a big ole miss for me. I do not recommend this amp.
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• 11/29/10

  mooseherman's review "Decent update on a classic!"

  Characteristics

  This is a tube combo amplifier made by Fender. It is an update of the Classic Fender Champ model that was standard back in the days of old. It introduces some different amp sounds and a solid-state overdrive to the tube amp, so it is a hybrid of sorts. The clean tone, however, is all tube. There is one 1/4" input. There are two channels with a volume knob for each. The dirty channel also contains a gain knob, and a voice knob, which switches the tone between many different settings. There are two tone knobs (bass and treble), as well as an F/X level knob, and a knob to select F/X.

  Utilization

  Getting a good sound might take a little bit of time with this amp, but I"m sure there is something you'll probably enjoy. It's just a matter of remembering which voices work best. Keep in mind that the best tones with this amp will be the ones closest to the original Champ. There isn't much need for a manual, but it will certainly be clear and useful if you want to take a look.

  Sounds

  This amp is relatively easy to get a good sound with. It's better than most modeling amps, for sure, but I find that it is relatively weak in comparison to a full-on tube amp. The effects are also kind of lame, to be honest. Te reverb is very fake-sounding, and not very useful. It doesn't have the great reverb of a Fender Twin Reverb. This isn't what I would generally expect from Fender. I would say that half of the tones are pretty awesome, Fender-style tones, and those tend to be the more in-your-face blues and bright rock tones. Once you get too rock-centric, and adding lots of gain, is where the amp starts to lose its flair.

  Overall Opinion

  I am a little disappointed with these amps. I feel like a real Fender Twin or a Champ is all you need for most people, yet Fender keeps making these amps with a million different sounds. The problem is that none of them sound all that great. Also, these amps break far more easily than a tube amp would. I guess this is what people want now, it's just a shame because most people could do a lot better if they just saved up a little more.
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• 11/06/10

  moosers's review

  Characteristics

  The Fender Super Champ XD is a small guitar combination amp, designed for practicing, recording, or gigs in smaller venues. It's a 15 watt amplifier with real tubes and digital effects, unlikely pairing for sure. It also has sixteen different amp voices to choose from, which is essentially built in amp modeling. The amp has a single, 10" speaker and a 1/4" on the front panel for plugging in your instrument. In the back there are also 1/4" connections for speaker out (usually hooked into the speaker), a line out, and a foot switch jack as well.

  Utilization

  Using the Fender Super Champ XD isn't difficult at all. Even if you're not too experienced with guitar amps, this one should prove to be pretty simple to use. The amp has two channels, the first of which is clean and the second has some built in overdrive. The first channel has just a volume knob, while the second has volume, gain, and contains the voice parameter which allows you to choose between 16 different amp voicings. The amp then has treble and bass control for both channels, as well as five different effects to choose from along with an effects leveling knob. I've never seen the manual for the Fender Super Champ XD...

  Sounds

  For such a small amp, the Fender Super Champ XD is in no way limited in the possible tones it can achieve. As if the two separate channels wasn't enough, between the built in effects and amp voicings you really get a nice palette of sounds. The tone of the amp in general is much like any classic Fender tube amp, as it's got a super clean clean channel. The built in overdrive on the second channel isn't the best, but it's nice to have for sure. The amp voicings help to further this flexibility, while the effects to me are really just an added bonus. The effects that it has include reverb, delay, chorus, tremolo and vibrato. In general the effects are decent, but they're definitely nice to have!

  Overall Opinion

  The Fender Super Champ XD gives users a whole lot to work with in a small space and for an even smaller price! This is the perfect little amp for the beginner or intermediate player practicing at home. It would even be fine for someone more experienced, but usually the more you play, the more control you want. This amp is a great way for players to get their feet wet with effects as well, but I wouldn't buy this amp for the effects as I would view it as something extra here. The price is outstanding here, as for $300 US dollars you're getting an extremely flexible practice amplifier...
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• 11/21/11

  sweefer84's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Wonderful!"

  Characteristics

  What kind of amplification (lamp, transistor ,...)?
  
  What is the power dlivre?
  
  What connection?
  
  What rglages the effects?
  
  
  
  
  
  Tait says it all!

  Utilization

  The configuration is it simple? Super simple!
  
  Do you get a good sound easy? Turn the knob or even a single channel
  
  The manual is clear and sufficient? Double page that explains it!

  Sounds

  Should your style of music? It is versatile so yes ^ ^
  
  With what (s) guitar (s) / low (s) or effect (s) do you play? EPI SG
  
  What kind of sound you get and with what rglages ("crystalline", "fat ",....)? Rather warm while retant crystalline sonplusgrs a year according to some more dirty
  
  What are the sounds you prfrez, you dtest? Big hearts on the tremolo and FX are pretty good some amp simulation's not bad at all other less ...

  Overall Opinion

  How long have you use it? 2 Days
  
  What is the particular feature you like best and least? Its quality / change lamps (one day)
  
  Have you tried many other models before acqurir? I try some amp (5)
  
  How do you report qualitprix? Really good: D
  
  With the exprience, you do again this choice? Without hesitation!
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• 05/07/11

  victhebig's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " great little amp! XD"

  Characteristics

  15W tube amp,
  
  very powerful for its size

  Utilization

  Its asset and may be lacking: past 4 / 10 of the sound volume crunch
  
  not an amp for jazz-mans.
  
  To rock well managed ca repeat, 5 / 10 pity ask your drummer ...
  
  
  
  Its very bright, musical, bluesy.
  
  
  
  It can easily make concert, with or without transplantation,
  
  more weight and is tiny!

  Sounds

  I play with Gibson (passive humbuckers)
  
  potatoes obtained is divine ...
  
  on the other hand and the distal digital effects are of lesser quality!
  
  
  
  Among the proposed fx: delay, chorus, vibrato, reverb, tremolo.
  
  Among the simulated distortion: marshall, fender, acoustic, jazz etc..
  
  
  
  The distortion as mentioned above sound very compressed, and too rich sharp!

  Overall Opinion

  It quickly became my amp repeats, as the Mesa I want to move it all the time ...
  
  
  
  Its flaws: digital effects and distos lower quality, no effects loop, no other outputs / auxiliary input.
  
  
  
  Its strengths: his strong, small size, price, close musicality of the blues junior.
  
  
  
  Try it, it's worth it!
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• 01/06/11

  Enix49's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Good little amp!"

  Characteristics

  See description
  
  Lack a loop to complete this good little amp. The line out is very usable with a good quality cable
  
  The HP 10 'is a bit tight but there are good alternatives as in Eminence (see forums)
  
  not heavy so convenient!

  Utilization

  Config simple or single arch on channel 1. Clean simple but effective.
  
  Not much more complicated on channel 2

  Sounds

  The clean is very nice, real fender. The spectrum is quite broad. Low lacking a little definition but for a 10-inch HP it sounds really good.
  
  The pedals go well in this channel 1.
  
  
  
  I rarely used the channel 2 that I found less good, especially compared to my HT dual for the distortion.
  
  But honestly for entry into a lamp (yes, channel 1 is an all-tube, read the schema, only Channel 2 is thus hybrid stop false debates), it sounds great
  
  In rehearsal with a drummer who hits hard and with a second scratch on a JCM900 it was the road to 5 on volume 10, so small club he runs and sounds good at low volumes.

  Overall Opinion

  Do not compare to an amp with a budget three or four times. In the segment is certainly the best value for money. So yes it sounds worse than my amp 50W Traynor Custom Valve shop but we do not play in the same court! Compare what is comparable.
  
  Very good buy for beginners who want confirmed an amp that sounds good to clean to put a good pedal behind.
  
  Would recommend especially to competitors or Vox ADVT Peavey Windsor that I've tested.
  
  Last thing, in a year of heavy use it has never had a problem with reliability even if made in China!
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• 12/12/10

  amangenot's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Super Amp"

  Characteristics

  Everything is already said to a lamp preamp + 2 power tubes, but full of transistors around, it is far from an all-tube, but the concept that wants it. HP 10 inches wide and effective enough.

  Utilization

  For this type of amp, the challenge is to navigate among the various presets available. They are numbered from 1 to 16, it must appeal to his memory to know which number corresponds to what, not very practical. A table included in the manual, it is better to keep it below the elbow at the beginning. Fortunately, the ranking appears quite logical quickly.
  
  In the panel, there is a sound for everyone, it's not hard to find one that fits best. But depending on the use of the hall and asked the volume, another sound can be more efficient, which makes this amp really versatile. And 15W, the volume is sufficient to play and be heard with a group, albeit at a power setting closer to 10 than 1.

  Sounds

  This amp suits me very well, especially for that price.
  
  Quibble: The volume control is pretty tricky if one wants to play at low volume, large must touch the volume pot rather than turn it frankly not to be too strong.
  
  Major criticism: according to the preset ("voice") selected, the volume is very different, it's definitely better to adopt one, or choose one at the scales, and not touch it, rather hope can easily change its between 2 pieces.
  
  Strong point: the presence of an effects module that allows to change some of the usual reverb (my favorite: reverb + delay together). To me the reverb is a bit too synthetic. And again, the determination of the effect is to refine according to the chosen effect.

  Overall Opinion

  I tried several small amps, including the recent Fender Mustang, which reconciled me with the amp modeling. But the price too low made me doubt its reliability and build quality, so I opted for the superfield, and frankly I'm not disappointed, although I would have liked to dispose of adjustment of delay time as the Mustang.
  
  Very good value for money.
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• 08/06/10

  jonfire's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Small but mighty"

  Characteristics

  15 watt lamp
  
  2 channels
  
  no effects loop
  
  no standby

  Utilization

  Now is the right sound on channel 1, and requires a superhuman effort on channel2:
  
  adjust gain and volume modeling once chosen;
  
  What all is not preprogrammed on this amp? Well no, that's the main interest of channel 2 is used for making the sound!
  
  what makes it a true 2-channel amplifier with 2 sounds totally different
  
  and channel 2 sounds very very good too unlike what I've read ...

  Sounds

  Channel 1 crystalline type fender, normal
  
  English Channel 2 clean, crunch, saturated, full of possibilities
  
  with 16 positions, especially as some modélisent
  
  compression from the amp emulated (no no not a failure ...)
  
  Acoustic position can play the violin or electric
  
  electroacoustic guitar with a sound very nice;
  
  effects are not terrible, but the reverb and saves the day
  
  is quite usable, making this amp totally autonomous;
  
  
  
  Note that stratos, rickenbacker pickups and sound P90
  
  very good;

  Overall Opinion

  2 months of use, that's not the sound I wanted (tinny terror) but
  
  not bad at all, technically less complete than the peavey windsor, but more versatile because of its channel model and is very small, and as my predecessor, I think it's the best 15 watt amp in the world!
  
  connected on a 12 inch is the revelation, but it is not very powerful
  
  anyway to play clean beware! with 10-inch 6 / 7 in this volume
  
  already saturated, and this is the HP that saturates, not the amp;
  
  So it remains an amp salon and studio can be repeated and if
  
  Billy Cobham's not the drummer ... but with a nice sound
  
  lamp ...
  
  successful mission for 200 euros and a few square centimeters opportunity!
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• 03/03/10

  amp1's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  said

  Utilization

  said

  Sounds

  Great, but missing something good.
  
  YES ........ I thought, well, almost alone.
  
  We must change the HP.
  
  I chose a Celestion Greenback in 10 ". .... And yeah ... the class of nothing but the ref gives you chills HP (VOX AC15 qd meme).
  
  Unfortunately we were not able to put a 12 ".
  
  Tan worse you put 10 ".
  
  And there, I can honestly say that yes, it is + super fabulous but finally my amp.
  
  Everything is relative, I am not talking to you, rich guitar player who swears by the Amp which costs an eye and all ways will never be satisfied and criticizing people like me.
  
  I therefore appeal to you which guitarist for a budget of 400 € (Amp + Hp) is the end of the world qd is a family and want to + an amp that does not break legs in the vicinity.
  
  I love Track 1 (Track clear)
  
  At a relatively low sound creamy I wish that brings out the sound of my F., in addition to the amp meets my mics donf F.
  
  Although the low fender are absent with the HP home and there are finally appeared as happy.
  
  You add qq well chosen Behringer pedal (Blues overdrive, UM300 ..) and is the top.
  
  I like to purists cringe, I said Behringer ................
  
  Let's stop saying that Behringer is fragile ........ These are big strong plasticky casing containing techno equivalentent their concurrent.
  
  That's how to do business.
  
  Incidentally, thank you for this fabulous vendor / patron at BCORDE, quoid he knows he speaks, and at unbelievable tricks to improve the sound of the amp.

  Overall Opinion

  If you have the budget and a screwdriver is the business of the century.
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