Orange Crush 20 VS 20RT (Comparison)
Our Pick: Either One
There are two main differences between these amps, both explained by features included in the RT version that are omitted from the non-RT version. The Orange Crush 20RT includes reverb and a built-in tuner. Both have a 4-stage preamp, high-gain, and the CabSim circuit. Other than the reverb and tuner, there are essentially no additional differences between these two amplifiers.
Sometimes, comparisons are easy to make. In the case of the Orange Crush 20 and the 20RT, it's a really easy comparison. Because these are the exact same amps aside from the reverb and onboard tuner that are included in the RT version. Otherwise, the two amps sound the same and have the exact same set of features.
Orange Crush 20 VS 20RT (Basic Comparison Table)
Surprisingly, the difference in price between the amps is fairly significant. You tack on $50 for the RT version, which may or may not be worth it to you, depending on how you feel about reverb and the tuner. If you already have a tuner and/or reverb pedal or external reverb source, you'd probably want to consider the Orange Crush 20 and saving the $50.
In this table, we've setup a simple comparison that shows you pricing and basics specs for each amp.
Note that specs in this case are the same, since this particular table doesn't address reverb or tuner.
Amp | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orange Crush 20RT | n/a | |
 | Orange Crush 20 | n/a |
Prefer to watch the comparison?
We've summarized this article into a simple video with bullet points, for those who prefer not to read the whole thing.
Video Demo Comparison
You won't notice a tone difference in the two demos. The solid state circuit in the 20 is the exact same as the 20RT. Still, I've included a demo of each amplifier here for reference.
Specs Sheet (detailed)
In the detailed spec sheet, we see that the only two differences are the reverb and onboard tuner included in the RT version of the amp. Otherwise, the rest of the spec sheet matches up perfectly.
Header | 20RT | 20 |
|---|---|---|
Circuit Type | Solid State | Solid State |
Channels | 2 | 2 |
Speaker Size | 1 x 8" | 1 x 8" |
Reverb | Yes | No |
Onboard Tuner | Yes | No |
EQ | Three-band | Three-band |
Inputs | 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" | 1 x 1/4", 1 x 1/8" |
Headphones | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" |
Footswitch i/o | 1 x 1/4" (channel) | 1 x 1/4" (channel) |
Height | 12.8" | 12.8" |
Width | 14.67" | 14.67" |
Depth | 7.75" | 7.75" |
Weight | 15.9 lbs. | 15.8 lbs. |
Summary: Is there a difference?
To summarize, the reverb and tuner in the Orange Crush 20RT are the only differences we can identify that would separate it from the Orange Crush 20. In terms of which one is better, we'd say that depends entirely on how much you need the reverb and tuner in your amp.
Most high-end amplifiers have reverb included, though tuners are more often left to an external device, like a pedal or even a multi-effects processor.
So it's hard to say whether the Orange Crush 20RT is "worth it."
For an amp this small, that's almost certainly to be used as a practice amp, we'd probably recommend going with the Orange Crush 20 (saving the $50), then adding reverb and a tuning pedal later, if needed.
If you have questions about our Orange Crush 20 VS 20RT comparison, or you just want to share you own experience, drop us a line in the comments section below.
We'll see you there.
Other Orange Amp Comparison Resources
Written by GC Editorial on Amps and Comparisons
Written by GC Editorial on Amps and Comparisons
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