TEST: Harley Benton Mighty 15TH

 A full tube head for under 250 euros? Some people will ask themselves, not without reason, whether this can work, especially since comparable products from the ranks of established trademarks are often sold five times or more and competitors such as e.g. For example, there is the 6505 Mini Head from Peavey, which costs almost 200 euros more, but is also a real 2-channel speaker with a large sound range. Of course, this only works if certain direct marketing methods are used, such as those used by Thomann's own brands. As is well known, the house brand in the string sector is Harley Benton and with the Harley Benton Mighty-15TH, Europe's leading sales house is once again setting out to raise incredulous faces when it comes to price/performance.

The structure of the Harley Benton Mighty-15TH

In order to be able to maintain a retail price like the one mentioned above, production in Asia is an integral part of any calculation. While much of the manufacturing of instruments has now been relocated to Indonesia, the majority of electronic component production is still carried out in China. The Harley Benton Mighty-15TH is also built in China and delivered directly to the warehouse of the Thomann music store without an intermediary, which also explains the very low retail price.

The Harley Benton Mighty-15TH is a mix of modern and traditional. The single-channel master volume alignment must be seen as a tradition, as it began its triumphal march around the world almost 40 years ago with the 2203 / 2204 models from Marshall. The lunch box class, on the other hand, can be seen as modern, which brings the increasingly important issue of portability to the fore.

In addition, it is always a good idea to save on the output power, as you can take advantage of the effect of power amplifier sagging even at comparatively low volumes. This means you can drive the amp between 7 and 15 watts, which is probably achieved using a triode/pentode circuit. But be careful, a roaring loud 50 watt all-tube head is only about 30 percent louder than the Harley Benton Mighty-15TH in the 15 watt circuit, i.e. H. Even with these performance specifications, power amplifier saturation is not possible at room volume!

The output volume in this class is almost always generated using 1, 2 or 4 pieces. EL84 power tubes, which, with their subtly sharp sounding basic sound, clearly differentiate themselves from the EL34 or even 6L6 range. In terms of sound, this is all a matter of taste, but the larger glass bulbs and transformers etc. simply cannot be accommodated in a housing like this amp with the dimensions W x H x D): 330 mm x 162 mm x 146 mm. Like many small amps, the Harley Benton Mighty-15TH runs in Class A, i.e. continuous full load, with the preamplifier running at 2 pcs. 12AX7 (ECC83) tubes and, as a special feature, was equipped with a 6E2 indicator tube.

The hefty readers among the readers will probably still remember the legendary effect when they found their grandma's tube radio in the attic and after switching on the device after a few seconds a turquoise-colored bar lit up, its time as the " “magic eye”. Depending on the load on the power amplifier, the strip “pumps” outwards and gives the listener/viewer a beginner’s light organ for pedestrians. Based on this effect, Harley Benton also installed this “funny thing” and visually entertains the user with a turquoise light play depending on the strength of the touch, but here in the vertical direction. Visually pretty, but sonically meaningless.

In terms of its general appearance, the head could also be said to be “Russian” manufactured; with its solid, metallic appearance in every respect, the amp conveys a long service life and sufficient resistance to clumsy colleagues or sometimes stupid stage hands. The clean workmanship in every respect as well as the solid metal sheets also have to be paid for with a weight of 9.5 kg, although as a bonus there are four strong feet and a high-quality folding handle as a carrying handle.

In general, you get the impression that Harley Benton put a lot of effort into the visual appearance of the amplifier, despite the comparatively small margin. The outfit of white lettering and silver or black components is nice to look at and gives the amplifier enough opportunity to dissipate the heat inside. Not only the front and back panels and the top have ventilation slots, no, even the side panels each have 3 small covered slots. Also pretty.

When it comes to controls and switches, the Harley Benton Mighty-15TH is very purist and even does without the usual presence control. In addition to a standard three-band tone control and the gain / master function, the amp also offers a boost switch for a little more steam in the boiler. A special feature is that the power selector switch is located on the front of the housing and has been integrated into the standby switch, which turns out to be not entirely practical. If you want to switch the amp to standby, you can only do this with a lot of feeling, or you can use 2 fingers, as you like to get to the middle switch position with a lot of momentum, so that you regularly slide over the standby position and into the other Power setting lands. Unfortunately, all of the controls, including the two toggle switches, protrude significantly to the front and would not survive a flat force applied from the side. I therefore definitely recommend giving the amplifier a corresponding case and packing it heavily in foam.

The back is even more spartan, with only 3 speaker outputs (1x 16 Ohm plus 2x 16 Ohm, or 1x 8 Ohm) plus an IEC socket and main fuse. An FX loop is not offered, which means that all effects, including delay and reverb, must be placed before the amplifier's preamp.

In practice

Anyone who uses a single-channel all-tube system for live operation usually chooses between two different orientations when it comes to its use. Option 1 is the “AC/DC Tribute Band” variant, which means you have found a perfect sound and don’t have to change it during the entire live show, apart from perhaps working a little with the guitar’s volume control. Option two is the variant in which you use the amp as a more or less clean base station and generate all gain levels via external pedals, as guitarists of the caliber of Michael Landau do, for example. To put it bluntly, the Harley Benton Mighty-15TH cuts a fine figure in both versions.

As is well known, single-channel speakers are almost never bred for high-gain sounds. Why? Well, it would significantly limit the “flexibility” of the amp. If the preamplifier were designed to be gain-heavy, a real clean sound would be lost and the volume control could be used to achieve something closer to a crunchy sound, but usually with the background noise associated with the gain setting. But if you use the amp as a clean / subtle crunch representative, you get a lead sound with an additional overdrive and a clean sound with the volume control turned back, or you set the amp clean and use 2 pedals, overdrive and distortion for one additional gain variation. Works perfectly, tons of amps in the 2203 / 2204 style speak for themselves.

If you take the Harley Benton Mighty-15TH for the clean sound, you immediately notice a slight shortcoming that affects all of the available sounds. The amp sounds decent, but has a latent “insignificance” in the sound. The sound is always a little dull and lacks the “liveliness” that you get from higher-priced competitors.

Of course it would be presumptuous to label the amp with the boutique department or reissue editions, for example. B. from Marshall, the price differences are simply too high. Overall, however, the amp does what it promises. Depending on the design and the DC resistance of the pickups, it offers everything from clean to crunch and also works well with all kinds of distortions, which can imprint their very own sound profile on the amp. Exactly the right choice for guitarists who know what they want and need a small, stable and inexpensive all-tube single-channel speaker.

Conclusion

With the Harley Benton Mighty-15TH, the Thomann house brand is launching a price war in the all-tube lunchbox amp class. The head is very well made, comparatively easy to transport and offers a wide range of clean and crunchy sounds.

The very favorable price compensates for the somewhat colorless basic sound, but this does not detract from the practicality of the amp.

———————

Additional Informations:

Introduction:
Harley Benton, a brand known for its affordable yet high-quality musical instruments and equipment, has made significant strides in the amplifier market. Offering a wide range of amplifiers catering to different needs and preferences, Harley Benton has garnered attention from musicians worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of Harley Benton amplifiers, exploring their features, performance, and value proposition.

1. History and Background:
Harley Benton, a brand under the umbrella of Thomann, emerged as a response to the demand for affordable musical instruments and equipment without compromising on quality. With a focus on providing musicians with budget-friendly alternatives, Harley Benton quickly gained popularity, particularly among beginners and intermediate players. Over the years, the brand has expanded its product lineup to include amplifiers, ranging from practice amps to gig-ready models.

2. Range of Amplifiers:
Harley Benton offers a diverse range of amplifiers to suit various musical styles, performance settings, and budgets. The lineup includes:

   a. Tube Amplifiers: Harley Benton's tube amplifiers combine classic tube warmth with modern features. These amps are favored by guitarists seeking authentic vintage tones and responsive dynamics.

   b. Solid-State Amplifiers: Solid-state amplifiers from Harley Benton offer reliability, versatility, and affordability. With features like built-in effects and amp modeling, these amps are suitable for a wide range of musical genres and playing styles.

   c. Hybrid Amplifiers: Hybrid amplifiers combine the best of both worlds, featuring a blend of tube and solid-state technology. These amps deliver the warmth of tubes with the reliability of solid-state circuitry, making them ideal for players who value versatility and tone quality.

3. Features and Technology:
Harley Benton amplifiers come equipped with a variety of features and innovative technologies aimed at enhancing the overall playing experience. Some common features found in Harley Benton amps include:

   a. Built-in Effects: Many Harley Benton amplifiers feature built-in effects such as reverb, delay, chorus, and overdrive. These effects allow players to customize their sound without the need for external pedals.

   b. Amp Modeling: Certain Harley Benton amps incorporate amp modeling technology, allowing players to emulate the tones of various classic amplifiers. This feature provides flexibility and versatility, enabling musicians to explore different sounds and styles.

   c. Power Scaling: Some Harley Benton tube amplifiers feature power scaling functionality, which allows players to adjust the output wattage to suit different playing environments. This feature is particularly useful for achieving desirable tube saturation at lower volume levels.

   d. Bluetooth Connectivity: Modern Harley Benton amplifiers may offer Bluetooth connectivity, enabling wireless audio streaming from compatible devices such as smartphones and tablets. This feature enhances convenience and expands the amplifier's functionality beyond traditional guitar applications.

4. Performance and Sound Quality:
One of the key factors that contribute to the popularity of Harley Benton amplifiers is their performance and sound quality. Despite their affordable price point, Harley Benton amps are renowned for delivering impressive tone, dynamics, and responsiveness. Whether you're practicing at home, recording in the studio, or performing live on stage, Harley Benton amplifiers excel in providing reliable and great-sounding amplification.

5. Value Proposition:
Harley Benton amplifiers offer exceptional value for money, providing musicians with access to high-quality amplification at affordable prices. Compared to other brands in the same price range, Harley Benton amps stand out for their solid construction, versatile features, and impressive sound quality. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first amplifier or a seasoned player seeking a backup or practice amp, Harley Benton offers a compelling value proposition.

6. Customer Satisfaction and Reviews:
Feedback from customers and reviews of Harley Benton amplifiers have been overwhelmingly positive. Musicians praise the brand for its commitment to quality, affordability, and customer satisfaction. Many users commend Harley Benton amps for their reliability, durability, and excellent tone, making them a popular choice among players of all skill levels.

7. Conclusion:
In conclusion, Harley Benton amplifiers represent a compelling option for musicians seeking high-quality amplification without breaking the bank. With a diverse range of models catering to different needs and preferences, Harley Benton continues to make waves in the amplifier market. Whether you're a bedroom guitarist, a recording artist, or a gigging musician, Harley Benton amplifiers offer the perfect balance of performance, features, and affordability.