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Guitar amplifiers fall into two categories. First, the combination (combo) amplifier is a single unit containing both the amplifier head and audio speakers. The amplifier head, commonly referred to as the ‘amp head’ houses electronic circuitry for the preamp, installed effects processing and power amplifier.

The second category of guitar amplifier is called an amplifier stack or ‘amp stack’, for short. The amplifier head is a separate unit and connects to the audio speakers via a series of cables. The amplifier head is conveniently placed on top of the audio speaker cabinet.

In regards to engineering designs, there are a range of options.

Solid State. These types of guitar amplifier were engineered to improve on their predecessor, the vacuum tube amplifier. Solid stage guitar amplifiers are considered superior to the original tube amplifier design, as least in engineering and technical terms. However, many do not agree. Solid state guitar amplifiers use higher frequencies compared to tube amplifiers, deliver more audio range and produce more power and wattage. Solid state amplifiers are generally easier to repair, lighter, less expensive.

Vacuum Tube Amplifiers, On The Other Hand, Are Considered By Many Musicians To Be The Superior Choice Simply Because Of The Perceived Analogue Audio Quality Guide. A sound reproduction that is termed rich and full. This analogue and human bias prevails among purist musicians despite tube amplifier limitations such as: lack of power, fragile and prone to tube failure, comparatively heavy and higher repair and servicing costs.

Hybrid Amplifiers are an attempt by some designers to capture and blend the qualities of both solid state and vacuum tube amplifiers.

Modeling amplifiers started to appear in the market in the late 1990s and incorporate microprocessors, digital signal processing and software. The objective of this engineering direction is to simulate the sound qualities of the analogue tube amplifier.

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