Synergy Amps finally delivers a Combo Edition of its Modular Amp - the SYN-20IR 1 x 12 Combo with Celestion G12 Vintage 30 Speaker onboard

Feb 2, 202612:00 by

Stefan Karlsson

AmpsCombo AmpPower AmpPreAmpSynergy AmpsTube Amp+-

Like all the other Synergy Amp variants - the core SYN-20IR Combo Amp is simply just the Power Amp Stage with a Classic American Clean Channel (Fender) - where you can slot in currently 26 different Tube Preamp Modules - which for this device - slot into the top of the amp. Those Modules typically add 2 further Channels - so you end up with a very formidable 3-Channel Amp that you can easily upgrade with any of those snap-in Modules!

As this is a Combo Amp it also has the Celestion Vintage 30 Speaker onboard. Powered by a 20W rated EL84 tube.

The core / power amp + Clean Channel has 8 key controls - Volume, Tone, Reactance, Master, Power Structure : A / B / C, Channel / Store : 1-4, IR Bypass), Standby : On/Off.

There is a further Synergy Editor Software which allows you to configure the Power Structure, Channel Etc.

The SYN-20IR Combo Amp ranges from $1,499 (Standard) to $1,799 (Custom Shop) for different styles of enclosure finish. The Blue Snakeskin edition pictured is priced at $1,699. And the Marshall JMP Preamp Module is at $399. The Tweed enclosure which has an additional layer of lacquer is the dearest option - at $1,799.

You have a vast choice of Preamp Modules which you can choose from. I have prioritised the colour ones in my visuals, where the Gold of the Marshall JMP Module tones beautifully with the Blue Snakeskin Combo!

The 26 Current Modules - all at $399, in alphabetical order

Each of these Preamp Models is typically powered by dual 12AX7 Tubes - so both Power and Preamp Stages are fully Tube-based.

Bman (Fender Bassman)
Bogner Ecstasy
Bogner Überschall
Diezel Herbert
Diezel VH4
Engl Powerball
Engl Savage
Dr. Z Z-Wreck
Fortin Killer Kali
Friedman BE-BB
Friedman BE-DLX
Friedman DS
Fryette Deliverance

Fryette Pittbull Ultra-Lead
Marshall JMP
Metropoulos Metro Plex
Morgan AC
OS Preamp (Dumble ODS)
Peavey 6505
Soldano SLO II
Soldano SLO II Special Purple Edition
Synergy IICP (MESA/Boogie MK2 IIC+)
Synergy Drect (MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier style)
TDLX Preamp (Fender Tweed Deluxe)
Tone King Imperial MKII
Vai Signature (Neon Green)

Featured Marshall JMP Preamp Controls

CHANNEL 1 } 70s / 60s, Volume 2, Bright Switch, Volume 1, Bright Switch, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master
CHANNEL 2 } 70s / 60s, Volume 2, Bright Switch, Volume 1, Bright Switch, Bass, Middle, Treble, Master

I am currently loyal to my Gen III Boss Katana Artist, and Carvin V3MC on Left and Right channels.

While I can see myself at some stage having 2 of these SYN-20IR - with the Marshall JMP on the left channel, and the Morgan AC on the right.

Likely I would acquire them one at a time - with definitely the Blue Snakeskin on the Left Amp, and the AC Classic look on the right one - to match the amps onboard.

I love that you can chop and change Preamp Modules for just $399 a pop - and I love the wide variety of style those Combo amps come in.

This is such a compelling proposition - it deserver to sell by the boat-load!

You can read up more on the Synergy Amps Website.

My only quibble with this amp is that the Module essentially slots in upside down when the amp is facing you and you're looking down. So for most of us - whose amps are up against the wall - we need to read all the controls upside down - which is not ideal!