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Average Price: $398

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$300

$801+

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Description

The Hiwatt Hi-5 2-Channel 5-Watt Guitar Amp Head is a compact yet powerful amplifier designed for guitarists who crave the legendary Hiwatt tone at manageable volumes. Perfect for both practice and studio sessions, this amp head delivers a versatile range of sounds, from pristine cleans to gritty overdrive. With its dual-channel design, you can easily switch between clean and overdriven tones, offering flexibility for various musical styles.

The Hi-5 Amp Head's 5-watt output is driven by a single EL84 power tube, providing a classic tube warmth that is both responsive and dynamic. The preamp section utilizes a 12AX7 tube, further enhancing its tonal richness. Its simple yet effective control layout includes Gain, Volume, Bass, and Treble knobs, allowing players to dial in their desired sound with ease.

Designed with portability and convenience in mind, the Hiwatt Hi-5 is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a reliable and tone-rich amp head for home use, recording, or small gigs. Its robust construction ensures durability, while the iconic Hiwatt aesthetic adds a touch of vintage charm to any setup.

Key Features:

  • 5-watt all-tube amp head
  • Dual-channel design for clean and overdriven tones
  • Single EL84 power tube and 12AX7 preamp tube
  • Simple control layout: Gain, Volume, Bass, Treble
  • Compact and portable for easy transport
  • Classic Hiwatt design and build quality

Product specs

Brand Hiwatt
Model Hi-5 420 Limited Edition 2-Channel 5-Watt Guitar Amp Head, Hi-5 Redhead Limited Edition 2-Channel 5-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black with Green Badge, Green with Black Badge, Red Tolex
Year 2021 - 2023
Made In China
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black, Green, Red
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 5
Power Tube Type EL84
Reverb None

FAQs

Is the Hiwatt Hi-5 2-Channel 5-Watt Guitar Amp Head suitable for home practice?

Yes, the Hiwatt Hi-5 is ideal for home practice due to its 5-watt output, which provides sufficient volume without being overpowering. Its two-channel design allows for versatile tone shaping, making it a great choice for practicing various styles at home.

What are the main tonal characteristics of the Hiwatt Hi-5 amp head?

The Hiwatt Hi-5 is known for its clear and detailed clean tones, a signature of Hiwatt amplifiers. It provides a transparent sound that is well-suited for rock, blues, and prog-rock genres.

Can the Hiwatt Hi-5 amp head handle pedals well?

Yes, the Hiwatt Hi-5 amp head works well with pedals, allowing you to expand your tonal palette by integrating effects into your setup. Its clean tone provides a solid foundation for various effects.

Does the Hiwatt Hi-5 2-Channel 5-Watt Guitar Amp Head have reverb?

No, the Hiwatt Hi-5 does not include built-in reverb. However, you can use external reverb pedals to add this effect to your sound.

What type of power tubes does the Hiwatt Hi-5 use?

The Hiwatt Hi-5 amp head uses EL84 power tubes, which contribute to its rich and dynamic sound, often associated with classic British amplifiers.

Angry Tones Riff Clips

Angry Tones Riff Clips

Hiwatt Hi-5 Pure Tube High Gain Amplifier Full Demo

Video thumbnail for Hiwatt Hi-5 Pure Tube High Gain Amplifier Full Demo by Angry Tones Riff Clips

Hiwatt Hi-5 Pure Tube High Gain Amplifier Full Demo

Angry Tones Riff Clips

Angry Tones Riff Clips

Video thumbnail for Limited Edition Red Hi-5 Playthrough by HiwattOfficial

Limited Edition Red Hi-5 Playthrough

HiwattOfficial

HiwattOfficial

Video thumbnail for This Little Amp Shocked Me ?! HIWATT HI-5 by Fuzzed Drones

This Little Amp Shocked Me ?! HIWATT HI-5

Fuzzed Drones

Fuzzed Drones

Video thumbnail for Hiwatt Hi-5 5w tube guitar amplifier quick demo (all play, no talk) by Jake Wildwood & Co

Hiwatt Hi-5 5w tube guitar amplifier quick demo (all play, no talk)

Jake Wildwood & Co

Jake Wildwood & Co

Video thumbnail for HIWATT Hi-5 Pure Tube Amplifier High Gain Metal Tone TEASER (Nails it in 14 Seconds)!!! by Angry Tones Riff Clips

HIWATT Hi-5 Pure Tube Amplifier High Gain Metal Tone TEASER (Nails it in 14 Seconds)!!!

Angry Tones Riff Clips

Angry Tones Riff Clips

Reviews

PROS

  • Impressive build quality and aesthetics

  • Clean and overdrive channels have distinct, quality sounds

  • Works well with a variety of pedals

  • Surprisingly loud for its 5-watt power

  • Offers a wide range of tonal options with a two-band EQ

  • Gain channel exceeds expectations

  • Clear and pleasant cleans, even with limited headroom

  • Positive experiences with customer service

CONS

  • Limited clean headroom

  • Lacks bottom end without specific cabinets

  • Might require external boost for heavy modern tones

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Hiwatt Hi-5 2-Channel 5-Watt Guitar Amp Head.

Build quality

  • Known for its lovely red tolex, the Hi-5's chassis houses an opamp (NE5532) with diodes, similar to a distortion pedal.

    Source
  • The metal cover on the strap handle can detach easily, affecting portability.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The clean channel tops out at 12:00 with added compression beyond that point, offering diverse timbres.

    Source
  • The EQ is interactive and provides a wide range with just two knobs, though some find the tone "flat."

    Source

User experience

  • The gain channel becomes unusable after 1:00 with a Gibson Les Paul, sounding flabby.

    Source
  • Users have noted that the amp doesn't handle fuzz pedals well, particularly models like muffs and super fuzz.

    Source
  • Some owners find the HI-5 lacks the special characteristics needed to stand out, often leaving it unused compared to other amps.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest modifying the gain control for a more gradual increase, as it currently comes on too hot.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The amp's clean channel can be preferable, especially for practice, despite being quieter than other practice amps.

    Source
  • The HI-5 may not be ideal for users seeking a versatile, low-wattage tube amp for both rock tones and pedal platforms.

    Source
  • Some users prefer the Hi-5 for its compact size and unique sound character, favoring it over investing in a single expensive combo amp.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to Vox, Marshall, and Fender, the Hi-5 lacks the same level of control from bedroom to band volumes.

    Source
  • The HI-5's dirty channel is an overdrive circuit on the clean channel, described as thin and sterile compared to a Marshall Lead 12, which offers more versatility.

    Source
  • The Hiwatt Hi-5 is mentioned as an affordable alternative, allowing users to experience its unique tone without heavy investment compared to pricier combo amps.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Hi-5 is valued for offering a taste of Hiwatt's signature sound at a budget-friendly price point, making it attractive for enthusiasts on a tight budget.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Josh Elmore uses Hiwatt Hi-5 2-Channel 5-Watt Guitar Amp Head

Josh Elmore

Guitarist

Cattle Decapitation

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Verified via Instagram

Josh Elmore posted on his Instagram account about his new Hiwatt Hi-5 amp. The next post on his account is him demoing the amp. He also mentioned this amp on his interview with RigsOfDeatgMetal on YouTube.

Genre Usage

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