PRS ARCHON 50 HEAD MKII

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

At PRS, the Archon has established itself as a "modern" high-gain head that does not sacrifice the clean channel. Its name, derived from Greek and associated with the idea of "chief" or "lord," fits its character well: a powerful platform with a very clean sound designed to cover a wide spectrum of tones without becoming muddy at high gain levels. Within the PRS lineup, the Archon 50 Head holds a prime position for guitarists seeking a true all-tube feel, with comprehensive controls and stage/studio-oriented ergonomics.

Who This Amp Is For

The Archon 50 Head targets intermediate to advanced guitarists looking for a tube head capable of performing well in rehearsals, studio sessions, and on stage, provided it is paired with a suitable speaker cabinet. Its two channels make it an excellent choice for musicians who need to switch from a three-dimensional clean to massive drive without relying on a complex pedalboard. Style-wise, it excels in rock, hard rock, and metal (tight riffs, clean palm mutes, singing leads), while remaining very credible for funk, pop, indie, or modern blues cleans thanks to its dynamic range.

Features and Innovations

The Archon 50 Head is a 2-channel amp (Clean and Lead), each equipped with its own Volume, Bright Switch, Treble / Middle / Bass EQ, and dedicated Master Volume : a real advantage for controlling preamp saturation independently from output volume. The shared Presence and Depth controls allow fine-tuning of the "in-room" feel: Presence adds bite and air in the upper frequencies, while Depth enhances the low-end foundation and depth, useful for adapting the amp to different cabinets and volume levels. The rear panel complements the pro approach with a tube-driven serial effects loop (ideal for delays/reverbs), multiple speaker outputs, and an adjustable bias with monitoring jacks for maintenance.

Sound

100% tube, the Archon 50 Head combines a crisp attack, controlled natural compression, and great clarity even as gain increases. The Clean channel targets rich, bright, and full tones with excellent sustain at high volumes: perfect as a foundation for pedals (overdrive, fuzz, modulation) without losing definition. The Lead channel, with its gain stages and dedicated master, covers a continuum from muscular crunch to modern metal: solid low end, present mids without muddiness, and adjustable highs via the Bright and Presence controls to maintain a clear pick attack. This tonal identity is favored by guitarists associated with demanding precision and articulation, such as Tosin Abasi, Mark Tremonti, Vernon Reid, and Ryan Primack, illustrating the Archon's ability to stay clear, punchy, and "mix-ready" in rock/metal contexts.

Technical specifications

Category	Guitar amp head	Number of channels	2
Technology	Tubes	EQ	3 channels
Effects loop	Yes	Color	Black
Amp tubes	2 x 6L6, 2 x EL34	Finishing	Black tolex
Pre-amp tubes	6 x 12AX7	Power output	50 W
Category	Amplifier

Format	head	Speaker outputs	5 extension jacks
Type	all-tube guitar amplifier	Impedance selector/options	2 x 4 ohms (parallel), 2 x 8 ohms (parallel), 1 x 16 ohms
Channels	2 (Lead and Clean)	Bias	adjustable with monitoring jacks (measurement)
Available configurations in the series	Head, Combo 1x12 (depending on versions)	Covering	textured black vinyl
Power	50 W	Piping	embossed black
Power tubes	2 x 6CA7 or 2 x 6L6GC	Panel	brushed black metal
Preamp tubes	6 x 12AX7 / ECC83	Handle	stitched black faux leather
Lead Channel	Volume, Bright Switch, Treble, Middle, Bass, Master Volume	Width	54.61 cm (21.5 inches)
Clean Channel	Volume, Bright Switch, Treble, Middle, Bass, Master Volume	Depth	25.4 cm (10 inches)
Global Controls	Presence, Depth	Height	25.4 cm (10 inches)
Power supply	IEC socket with fuse	Weight	14.7 kg (32.4 lbs)