Class A single-ended tube amp, 10 watts, all hand wired. A full tone stack, with volume, treble, mid/raw, bass, and reverb controls. Note that the reverb is true tube driven spring reverb using a 9 inch Accutronics tank. Tubes are one 6L6, two 12AX7, and one 12AT7. The speaker is a 10 inch Copperhead. All high quality components that you expect from an Allen amp. A nice sized cabinet at 17 inches by 17 inches by 9 inches, yet it only weighs 24 pounds.
Sound Quality:
Sounds like a Champ's big brother. The mid/raw feature provides a surprising amount of flexibility in the tonal options. Turn it down and you get scooped blackface with nice cleans. Turn it up and you drive into the tweed zone. The reverb is excellent; best I have heard from a small combo. The aspect that I really like is that the amp never sounds thin; the tone is full and fat. As an extra bonus, the added filtering stage makes this a very quiet amp from a hum standpoint.
I have played a Stratocaster Relic, Comanche, Nocaster Relic, and Cabronita through the amp. All sound fabulous. In particular, the Teles seem like they were made for this amp and the Cabronita, with those TV Jones pickups, simply growls through the Chihuahua.
Reliability/Durability:
This is a new amp, so there is no history. However, the construction of this amp is top quality. I have had numerous boutique amps of fine quality, but the Chihuahua is simply better. Very clean, efficient layout, built to last.
Ease of Use:
I wanted a portable, lightweight, hand wired tube amp with real tube reverb. Most amps with those features weigh in the 30 to 40 pound range. At 24 pounds the Chihuahua is light as a feather and has wonderful performance attributes.
Customer Support:
David Allen provides outstanding customer service. He stands behind his products and is always available, whether by e-mail or phone. I like supporting an American company with excellent workmanship and service.
Overall Rating:
The Allen Chihuahua is a great amp. It sounds very big for its size and has excellent tone. The construction is flawless and it is very lightweight. I rate it highest marks in comparison to other high quality boutiques.
