Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $190

Budget/Beginner

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Crate CPB150 PowerBlock". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 22, 2026.

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Description

150 watt stereo guitar amplifier. The PowerBlockpacks a lot of power and patching options into an amazingly compact and light weightpackage: 75 watts per channel @ 4 ohms, or 150 watts (mono) @ 8 ohms. With itsswitch-mode power supply and Class D power section, the PowerBlock offers lots ofpower, flexibility and tone, along with something no one thought you could get with sucha powerful performer: extreme portability! (The PowerBlock even comes with its ownpadded travelling bag, which can be carried or slung on your shoulder, and even fitsneatly into the semi-open back design of Crate's GT112SL speaker cabinet.)

Product specs

Brand Crate
Model CPB150 PowerBlock Amplifier
Finish Black
Year 2000s
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Impedance 4 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 150
Power Tube Type None
Reverb None

FAQs

How much power does the Crate CPB150 PowerBlock deliver?

The Crate CPB150 PowerBlock amplifier delivers 150 watts of solid-state power, making it suitable for various performance settings, from rehearsals to small gigs.

Is the Crate CPB150 PowerBlock suitable for live performances?

Yes, with its 150 watts of power, the Crate CPB150 PowerBlock is capable of handling live performances, especially in small to medium-sized venues.

Does the Crate CPB150 PowerBlock have built-in reverb?

No, the Crate CPB150 PowerBlock does not include built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering straightforward, powerful amplification.

What type of electronics does the Crate CPB150 PowerBlock use?

The Crate CPB150 PowerBlock utilizes solid-state electronics, providing reliable performance without the need for tube maintenance.

Can the Crate CPB150 PowerBlock handle different speaker impedances?

The Crate CPB150 PowerBlock is designed to work with a 4-ohm speaker impedance, ensuring optimal performance when matched correctly.

Robert Jackson

Robert Jackson

Before The Orange Pedalbaby & The Duncan Power Stage, We Had THIS. And It Was WAY Ahead Of Its Time!

Video thumbnail for Before The Orange Pedalbaby & The Duncan Power Stage, We Had THIS. And It Was WAY Ahead Of Its Time! by Robert Jackson

Before The Orange Pedalbaby & The Duncan Power Stage, We Had THIS. And It Was WAY Ahead Of Its Time!

Robert Jackson

Robert Jackson

Video thumbnail for CRATE POWER BLOCK CPB150 Test video by Tone Works

CRATE POWER BLOCK CPB150 Test video

Tone Works

Tone Works

Reviews

PROS

  • Excellent for multi-application use (pedals, P.A., music playback)

  • Saves the day as a reliable gig backup

  • Compact, easily portable for pedalboard integration

  • Versatile with effects loop, mono/stereo output, XLR out

  • Provides a solid pedal platform

  • Decent drive tone for low gain styles

  • Surprisingly good Crate distortion

CONS

  • Distortion may not satisfy heavier style preferences

  • Not ideal as a primary amp for serious gigs

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Crate CPB150 PowerBlock.

Features and functionality

  • The Crate CPB150 PowerBlock offers a flat response, akin to a PA system, with a mild overdrive via the gain knob, making it a versatile pedal platform.

    Source
  • There's no minimum speaker size requirement, but using a speaker that can handle at least 75 watts is recommended for optimal performance.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Adding a BBE Sonic Maximizer in the effects loop can enhance clarity by adjusting the Lo Contour and Process controls for improved frequency response.

    Source
  • Replacing a specific resistor (R20 100 Ohms) with a pot can transform the amp’s midrange response, improving its suitability for metal tones.

    Source
  • Adding three 12ax7 tubes can enhance the PowerBlock's sound, bringing it closer to the quality of high-end tube amps from brands like VHT, Fender, and Marshall.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Multiple owners utilize the PowerBlock as a power amp in stereo setups, particularly effective when paired with preamp pedals or modelers for diverse tonal capabilities.

    Source
  • The PowerBlock is highly valued as a reliable backup amp, especially due to its powerful output and effective pedal compatibility.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Crate PowerBlock is likened to a "FRFR" system, maintaining the integrity of the input signal without altering the tone, unlike some Quilter mini amps.

    Source
  • The PowerBlock is noted to be quieter and cleaner than Quilter amps, while some users find its sound more sterile compared to modern modeling technology.

    Source
  • The amp is likened to the yellow crunch channel from Crate's Flexwave series, yet some users prefer Quilter amps for improved sound quality in a similar package.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the PowerBlock’s portability and loudness, making it suitable for both guitar and bass applications, despite its basic circuit and overdrive limitations.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
nick_shishkanov

Powerful, Portable, Versatile, Reliable

This is my oldest amp head and i still use it pretty often. Good clean and low gain tones, but with little push it roars. Very versatile.

From Gear Setup
sandra_lee

Portable

It's wonderfully portable and very small. But that is about all it is. It's a great back up, given it's size, but I wouldn't use it as a main amp.

jimmarchi1

I think its more intended as a small power amp for wet/dry/wet rigs.

albinoguitman

Backup

Cool backup amp. Fun little powerful solid state.

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Billy Gibbons uses Crate CPB150 PowerBlock

Billy Gibbons

Guitarist

ZZ Top

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post of a photo of Billy Gibbons at home, a Crate Powerblock is seen.

See how Dylan Carlson uses Crate CPB150 PowerBlock

Dylan Carlson

Guitarist

Earth

...
Verified via A2athot

In an interview with That's How Kids Die, Carlson mentions: "...this last tour because we had to fly in for the shows, I was using one of those new Crate powerblock little solid state heads which seemed to work pretty good. I’m all about smaller amps now."

See how Richard Coleman uses Crate CPB150 PowerBlock

Richard Coleman

Guitarist, Composer

Los 7 Delfines

...
Verified via Photo

Comenzó a utilizar el Crate Power Block a partir de la gira Ahí Vamos.

J

Julian "J3PO" Waterfall Pollack

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Specified in this 2016 Graphic Fighter Works interview promoting The 90s EP.

Currently I’m using a Yamaha DX100 with a vintage Golden Throat II, a GF WORKS Tube Holder, and it’s powered by a Crate Power Block. I chose this configuration because it’s one of the classic systems. All the vocals on my album were recorded with this system through a Neumann TLM49. I just got a Prophet 6 and have been really enjoying playing it through the talkbox and I may try some different setups now that I finished the album. I wanted the record to have a uniform sound the whole way through. Now it might be time to experiment again!

See how Nasty Nate Clark uses Crate CPB150 PowerBlock

Nasty Nate Clark

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

Biamping guitar and bass into my old Ampeg cab. Picked one of these up recently.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Crate CPB150 PowerBlock, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
nick_shishkanov

nick_shishkanov

Gear IQ 297

nick_shishkanov

nick_shishkanov

Gear IQ 297

3 alternative and related items for Crate CPB150 PowerBlock, curated by the Equipboard community.

Crate Excalibur GX-900H

 

similar sound high-end alternative

The clean channel on Excalibur have similar circuit.

Seymour Duncan PowerStage 170

$399.00 - $425.00

cheaper alternative similar sound

This should be removed. The Powerblock is a full amp, while the Powerstage 170 is a standalone poweramp.

Orange Pedal Baby 100

$295.00 - $449.00

cheaper alternative

This should be removed. The Powerblock is a full amp, while the Pedal Baby is a standalone poweramp.

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Gear Guides

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    gansy
    gansy

    Gear IQ 129