Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (6)
$899.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$899.99
Amazon
5.0 (3)
$899.99
Reverb
$899.99 New
$659.99 Used
zZounds
5.0 (6)
$899.99
Thomann
4.6 (7)
$799.00 $798.00 $1.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£749.00

Average Price: $857

High-end/Boutique

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head is a sonic powerhouse, offering a seamless blend of bold tube tone and modern functionality to satisfy both gigging and recording guitarists. Designed by the legendary amp engineer James Brown, this amplifier head captures the essence of Eddie Van Halen's signature sound with its high-gain, all-tube architecture. The EL34 power tubes provide a British-infused voice, delivering the rich, classic rock timbres that Van Halen fans adore.

Featuring two independent channels, the 5150 Iconic Series offers impressive versatility. The Green channel transitions from pristine cleans to saturated overdrive with the push of an overdrive button, while the Red channel's burn function unleashes fiery distortion for blistering leads. Each channel is equipped with its own Gain and Volume controls, allowing precise level matching and tonal sculpting. The shared EQ section, along with global Resonance and Presence knobs, offers extensive sound-shaping capabilities.

This amp head is packed with practical features for both stage and studio use. It includes a noise gate for clean staccato riffs, an effects loop for seamless pedal integration, and a DI output with power amp mute for direct recording. The power reduction circuit enables cranked tones at lower volumes, ensuring you maintain your sound without overwhelming your space. With its signature black and gold styling, textured vinyl wrap, and iconic 5150 logo, the EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head is as visually striking as it is sonically dynamic.

Key Features:

  • 80W tube amplifier head with EL34 power section
  • Two high-gain channels, each with extra voicing
  • Independent Gain and Volume controls per channel
  • Shared EQ with global Resonance and Presence knobs
  • Built-in noise gate and footswitchable Boost function
  • High-quality reverb and effects loop
  • DI output with power amp mute and power reduction circuit
  • Dual parallel speaker outputs
  • Rugged design with iconic EVH styling and logos
  • Includes a 2-button footswitch

Product specs

Type Tube
Number of Channels 2
Output Power 80W
Preamp Tubes 2 x 12AX7
Power Tubes 4 x EL34
Reverb Yes
Effects Boost
EQ 3-band EQ, Resonance, Presence
Inputs 1 x 1/4" (input)
Outputs 2 x 1/4" (speaker out), 1 x 1/4" (pre out), 1 x XLR (Emulated speaker)
Effects Loop Yes
Footswitch I/O 1 x 1/4" (channel, boost)
Construction Material Black Tolex
Power Source Standard IEC AC cable

FAQs

What type of music is the EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head best suited for?

The EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head is renowned for its high-gain capabilities, making it ideal for metal and hard rock genres. Its aggressive and massive sound is perfect for players looking to achieve tight and powerful tones.

Does the EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head include a reverb effect?

Yes, the EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head features built-in reverb, allowing players to add depth and space to their sound without needing an external pedal.

Can I use the EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head with a footswitch?

Yes, the amp is equipped with a footswitch input for channel switching and activating the boost function, providing convenient control during performances.

What is the power tube configuration of the EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head?

The EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head uses four EL34 power tubes, contributing to its robust and dynamic sound, especially favored in rock and metal music.

Does the EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head have an effects loop?

Yes, the amp includes an effects loop, allowing you to integrate external effects pedals seamlessly into your signal chain for enhanced tonal flexibility.

Kyle Bull

Kyle Bull

The EL34 loaded EVH 5150 ICONIC is here!!

Video thumbnail for The EL34 loaded EVH 5150 ICONIC is here!! by Kyle Bull

The EL34 loaded EVH 5150 ICONIC is here!!

Kyle Bull

Kyle Bull

Video thumbnail for Trying the EVH 5150 Iconic EL34 in a METAL BAND! - Mini VLOG by Kyle Bull 2

Trying the EVH 5150 Iconic EL34 in a METAL BAND! - Mini VLOG

Kyle Bull 2

Kyle Bull 2

Video thumbnail for Jon Jourdan Demos the All-New 5150 Iconic EL34 Series Amps | EVH Gear by EVH Gear

Jon Jourdan Demos the All-New 5150 Iconic EL34 Series Amps | EVH Gear

EVH Gear

EVH Gear

Video thumbnail for How Does It Sound? | 5150 Iconic EL34 First Impressions by High Impakt Audio

How Does It Sound? | 5150 Iconic EL34 First Impressions

High Impakt Audio

High Impakt Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone versatility for blues, rock, hard rock, and metal

  • Outstanding dynamics when rolling off guitar volume/tone knobs

  • Green OD channel and red channel with burn feature offer impressive lead tones

  • 1/4 power switch allows massive saturation without losing tone

  • Amp enhances sound quality of both cheap and high-end guitars

  • Noise gate effectively reduces unwanted noise in single coil pickups

  • Swiss Army knife of amps for various music genres

  • Authentic clean channel that works across diverse musical styles

  • High-quality build with tube-driven gain stages and power stage

CONS

  • Noise gate provides minimal gating for some users

  • Lacks a "Bright-Switch" for clean channel adjustments

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head.

Comparisons

  • The Iconic is described as having more usable clean tones compared to older Peavey 5150 models, and it rivals the Marshall DSL40CR and PRS Archon 50 in tonal variety.

    Source
  • Marshall amps are praised for their versatility and live performance usability, with specific mention of unique EQ adjustments enhancing channel switching.

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  • Users report the Marshall DSL100HR offers easier high-gain settings at any volume with a smoother sound compared to the EVH 5150 Iconic.

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  • The EVH 5150 Iconic is noted as sounding more aggressive for death metal compared to the similarly priced Marshall DSL100HR.

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Use cases and applications

  • EVH 5150 Iconic may require speaker upgrades for optimal performance, with stock speakers criticized for producing a "fizzy" tone.

    Source
  • The built-in noise gate is effective, maintaining tone quality and contributing to the amp's suitability for various high-gain applications without external pedals.

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  • The amp is effective for dense death metal/doom metal mixes, cutting through well in live band settings.

    Source

User experience

  • Transitioning from solid-state to tube amps can be daunting, as noted by a user moving from a Katana 50 to considering a tube amp for richer tones.

    Source
  • An owner with extensive amp experience highlights the Iconic's versatility for blues, ambient tones, rock, and modern metal, noting its suitability as a pedal platform.

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  • Owners find the amp extremely loud, with reports of it overpowering other high-wattage amps like cranked 120w models.

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Setup and maintenance

  • One user highlighted issues with the EVH 5150 Iconic's clean channel, recommending testing at loud volumes and checking tube functionality before purchase.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the fewer preamp tubes, reducing maintenance as fewer tubes require replacement when they become noisy or microphonic.

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  • A 10-band EQ is suggested to round out tone, providing a tighter, more chuggy sound that can slice through mixes.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The amp's red channel is described as having more gain than is typically useful, which can become muddy if not managed.

    Source
  • The EVH 5150 Iconic integrates a high-voltage transistor design for the first gain stage and phase inverter, which maintains clean signal handling even at high volumes.

    Source

Build quality

  • The stock speakers are criticized for being directional with a small magnet, affecting low and low-mid reproduction; replacing with V30 or Creamback 65 is recommended for better sound.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Using an EQ pedal in the effects loop is recommended to manage bass and enhance tonal clarity.

    Source

Critic Reviews

EVH 5150 Iconic EL34 review – Brown Sound tones on a budget?

guitar.com

The EVH 5150 Iconic EL34 delivers a commendable homage to Eddie Van Halen's early tones with impressive gain levels and a competitive price point. Its rugged build and versatile sound options cater well to rock enthusiasts, offering a rich tonal palette that responds beautifully to different guitars. However, its weight may be a drawback for some players, and while it captures a vintage vibe, it might not perfectly replicate the iconic Brown Sound. Overall, it's a solid choice for those seeking high-gain rock tones, but potential buyers should be prepared for a bit of heft.

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Artist usage

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See how Brandon Ellis uses EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head

Brandon Ellis

Guitarist

Cannibal Corpse

...
Verified via Photo

Brandon Ellis is confirmed to use the EVH 5150 Iconic Series EL34 80-watt Head, as shown in an EVH Gear Instagram Story, where he is seen using two of these amplifiers.

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