Best Amp for A Line 6 Helix (simple is better)
Fender '65 Princeton Reverb
The Line 6 Helix does all the heavy lifting. So if you want to treat it like a traditional effects pedal and run it to an amp, we'd recommend a simple tube amp where all the value is in a solid clean tone. For that, the Fender '65 Princeton Reverb is an easy choice.
There is very little the Line 6 Helix does not do.
Even the Helix LT is an incredibly powerful processor that can replace your entire electric guitar rig without skipping a beat.
But what if you want to run the Helix, or the Helix LT, to a guitar amp?
You can treat these like a traditional effects pedal, because that's all they really are. We can easily run the output to an amplifier instead of (or in addition to) a PA system or audio interface.
But which amp would be a good fit for the Helix?
The Line 6 Helix does it all, but there's still room for a nice amp.
Just about any guitar amp will work. But I like the Fender tube combo amps because they're simple with high-quality tube circuits and all their value in the base clean tone. From there, the Helix can handle everything else.
If you're looking for a specific recommendation from the Fender tube lineup, I'd go with the Fender '65 Princeton Reverb.
Read more: Best Fender Amps
More Amps we Like for the Line 6 Helix
Here's a comparison table with some other amps we'd recommend for the Line 6 Helix. You can compare the ones we have here with simple specs and live pricing. You can also add more amps to the comparison bar (see below).
Amp | Name | Rate | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Marshall DSL40CR | n/a | |
 | Fender Tone Master Twin Reverb | n/a | |
| Fender '65 Princeton Reverb | n/a | |
 | Fender Blues Junior | n/a |
Compare More Amps
If you want to compare more guitar amps, you can search our database and add new amps to the comparison bar. We don't have everything, but we have a lot, and are adding to it regularly.
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Methodology
To make these recommendations, I focus on brands that I know and trust. I also draw on the knowledge of other guitar players and musicians that have helped me and worked with me over the years.
Once I've got a brand, I focus on reputable products within that brand.
From there, I look for products that fit the requirements for the recommendation itself.
For example:
When looking for an amp to pair with the Helix, I wanted these three qualities:
- Simple control scheme
- Tube powered
- Very high-quality clean tone
This led me to Fender amps and specifically the '65 Princeton Reverb.
It fit my three requirements, came from a reputable brand, and happens to be a product that I'm very familiar with.
All our recommendations are made using this methodology.
We lean on firsthand experience from actual musicians.
For pairing with a Helix, go simple and polished. The Fender '65 Princeton Reverb is nothing but simple and polished.
Price Guide for the '65 Princeton Reverb
This pricing table shows the '65 Princeton Reverb's current listings from some of the most popular retailers. Note that used inventory is not reflected here unless you see some listings on Amazon.
Specific Features We Like
As I mentioned in the methodology section (above), I was looking for a very high-quality clean tone, tube circuits, and simplicity.
Since the Helix handles everything in terms of effects and sound tweaking, I want the money you spend on an amp to go primarily to the quality of the clean tone.
The Fender '65 Princeton Reverb is all about that.
It's simple, moderately priced, and produces some of the most beautiful and sought-after clean tones known to man.
Princeton Reverb Pros
- Tweed look is awesome
- Fender tube amp clean tones are the best money can buy (in my humble opinion)
- Even with the Helix, onboard Fender amp reverb is worth it
- Handles a mic really well
- Eminence speaker sounds great
- Footswitch included
Cons
- Minimalist control scheme, but that's what we want
- Another four figure investment after you've already bought the Helix
Why we like the Fender amps for the Helix
I think Fender tube amps are, in general, a good choice for Helix owners.
They handle the basics of what a guitar amp is supposed to do, which leaves the Helix to run wild. Effects, multiple channels (sounds), and tone flexibility can all be handled at the Helix level.
From there, the amp just has to sound good and look pretty.
Anything from the Fender tube lineup would work, but I think the '65 Princeton is a sweet meeting spot of price and quality.
Summary
Of course, there are arguments to be made here for other amps. If you want flexibility at the amp level as well, you can go with something like the Boss Katana 50 or a Mesa Badlander.
But my recommendation would be to go simple.
Take it all in and make a decision based on your playing style, the rest of your rig and what works best for you.
If you have questions, leave them in the comments section below and I'll try to help.
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Effects & Roundups
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
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