Pricing and availability

Average Price: $100

Budget/Beginner

$300

$701+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Peavey Audition 20". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 3, 2026.

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Description

For guitarists seeking a compact yet powerful amp, the Peavey Audition 20 is a solid choice that offers both versatility and reliability. This combo guitar amplifier is designed for musicians who need a practice amp with ample features to explore their sound. Equipped with transistor-based circuitry and a 20-watt output, it delivers clear, crisp tones that suit a variety of musical styles. Whether you're practicing at home or playing in a small venue, this amp provides the sound you need without overwhelming your space.

The Peavey Audition 20 features a 6.5-inch speaker, ensuring that your guitar's nuances are accurately projected. It has a clean channel and an overdrive option, allowing you to switch between smooth, clean tones and gritty, distorted sounds with ease. The built-in EQ gives you control over your sound, with separate controls for bass, mid, and treble. This makes it easy to dial in your preferred tone, whether you're playing rock, blues, or jazz.

With its durable construction, the Peavey Audition 20 is built to withstand the rigors of regular use. The amp's portability makes it a convenient choice for musicians on the go, while its reliable performance ensures consistent sound quality every time you plug in.

Key Features:

  • Transistor-based circuitry
  • 20-watt output
  • 6.5-inch speaker
  • Clean and overdrive channels
  • Separate bass, mid, and treble controls
  • Compact and portable design
  • Durable construction

Product specs

Brand Peavey
Model Audition 20 12-Watt 1x8" Guitar Combo
Finish Black
Year 1980s
Categories Guitar Combo Amps
Color Family Black
Electronics Solid State
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 1 Input
Output Power (Watts) 12
Power Tube Type None
Reverb None
Speaker Configuration 1x8"

FAQs

What type of music is the Peavey Audition 20 best suited for?

The Peavey Audition 20 is ideal for practice and small performances, offering classic solid-state tones suitable for genres like rock, blues, and pop. Its 12-watt power output is perfect for home use or small venues.

Does the Peavey Audition 20 have built-in reverb?

No, the Peavey Audition 20 does not feature built-in reverb. It is a straightforward solid-state amplifier designed for simplicity and reliability.

Can the Peavey Audition 20 handle pedal effects well?

Yes, the Peavey Audition 20 can handle pedal effects effectively. Its clean channel makes it a good platform for integrating various pedals to shape your sound.

Is the Peavey Audition 20 suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Peavey Audition 20 is suitable for beginners due to its simple controls and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for learning and practicing guitar.

How portable is the Peavey Audition 20?

The Peavey Audition 20 is quite portable, featuring a compact design and lightweight build, which makes it easy to transport for practice sessions or small gigs.

Kevys RC & Music

Kevys RC & Music

Peavey Audition 20 Guitar Amp Demo

Video thumbnail for Peavey Audition 20 Guitar Amp Demo by Kevys RC & Music

Peavey Audition 20 Guitar Amp Demo

Kevys RC & Music

Kevys RC & Music

Video thumbnail for Peavey Audition 20 Guitar amp score for 20 bucks by Kevys RC & Music

Peavey Audition 20 Guitar amp score for 20 bucks

Kevys RC & Music

Kevys RC & Music

Video thumbnail for Peavey Audition 20 amp restore and test by Kevys RC & Music

Peavey Audition 20 amp restore and test

Kevys RC & Music

Kevys RC & Music

Video thumbnail for Peavey Audition 20 12 Watt guitar amp gets over drums with ease by Kevys RC & Music

Peavey Audition 20 12 Watt guitar amp gets over drums with ease

Kevys RC & Music

Kevys RC & Music

Video thumbnail for 1980s Peavey Audition 20 Guitar Amp + EHX Big Muff [Stoner/Doom Sound Demo] by Caleb Andresen

1980s Peavey Audition 20 Guitar Amp + EHX Big Muff [Stoner/Doom Sound Demo]

Caleb Andresen

Caleb Andresen

Video thumbnail for Peavey Audition 20 Guitar Amp Converted To A Head by Kevys RC & Music

Peavey Audition 20 Guitar Amp Converted To A Head

Kevys RC & Music

Kevys RC & Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry and store

  • Surprisingly full sound despite its small 4" speaker

  • Rugged construction typical of Peavey products

  • Pre-amp out feature allows for direct mixing board connection

  • Effective lead switch transforms it into a powerful practice amp

  • Suitable for live acoustic settings with proper EQ adjustments

  • Affordable price point for the quality offered

CONS

  • Requires specific EQ adjustments to optimize sound quality

  • Overdrive setting not particularly inspiring for some players

  • Initial sound may seem unexciting without comparison to similar models

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Peavey Audition 20.

Mods and upgrades

  • Replacing the stock speaker with a Jensen Mod 8 or an Eminence 30 watt 1x10 significantly enhances the amp's sound quality.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The preamp out can be used to drive sound through larger speaker setups, enhancing its versatility as a head unit.

    Source
  • The Audition 20 features a push-pull high EQ setting, adding flexibility to tone shaping, especially useful for metal genres.

    Source
  • The Audition 20 includes a headphone jack, providing a convenient option for silent practice sessions.

    Source
  • The Saturation and Thick pull knobs offer a versatile range of tones, from thick clean to crunchy, even at low volumes.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Peavey Audition 20 shares a similar circuit to the Peavey Decade, with differences mainly in speaker size and preamp power.

    Source
  • The Audition 20 is noted for having more gain options compared to the Backstage 30, making it preferable for achieving heavier overdrive tones.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for travel due to its compact size and robust performance, making it a perfect portable option.

    Source
  • Ideal for home practice, especially for genres like death metal and black metal, when paired with boosters or tone shapers.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have praised the amp's EQ and saturation controls for their ability to achieve a wide range of tones, from clean to heavily saturated sounds.

    Source
  • Owners report that the amp takes pedals well, enhancing its capability to achieve gnarly tones with added fuzz and overdrive.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Securing a Peavey Audition 20 for $30 is considered a significant bargain among enthusiasts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Peavey Audition & Backstage Combos (IT Jun 85)

muzines.co.uk

The Peavey Audition 20 is an affordable, sturdy practice amp ideal for beginners or as a versatile extra for more seasoned players. Praised for its build quality and portability, it features straightforward controls and a useful distortion effect, though the latter isn't the smoothest around. The sound, while notably bright, can be adjusted for added richness. Its versatility shines with both single-coil and humbucker guitars. However, the distortion isn't the best among small practice amps, yet its tonal range and value for money make it a worthy contender in its category. If you're seeking a reliable, multi-purpose small amp, the Audition deserves consideration.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
W

Nice compact amp

Nice to be able to carry something small. I also like the Pre-amp out, and so like my Special 130, it is patched into the mixing board.

Genre Usage

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

1 alternative for Peavey Audition 20, curated by the Equipboard community.

Peavey Decade

$220.00

Vintage or Discontinued similar sound high-end alternative

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