Benson Amps Bellringer 1x12 Combo, Blonde/Oxblood

The Bellringer takes the concept of the Chimera circuit - Benson's first 30 watt amp - and gives it a bit of a British tweak along with versatile power scaling.

Benson's first step into the higher powered amp world was with the Chimera. Essentially a double-power Monarch with a tweaked tone stack, the Chimera brought volume and headroom up in a big way.

The Bellringer comes along with the Chimera as its primary foundation. This time around, a set of EL34 tubes provide the output, replacing the quartet of 6V6s used to power the Chimera. Tube-driven spring reverb is added to the mix as well, along with Benson's great power scaling circuitry. One of the coolest features of the Bellringer is the power scaling circuitry. We absolutely love the functionality of the stepped wattage control, and the ability to harness volume without compromising feel is fantastic. Here's what Benson says about the power scaling:

"We have incorporated into the design a novel tube driven power scaling circuit powered by a 6L6 power tube (set up like a voltage regulator). This approach allows plate resistance to still exist in the power supply (despite the lack of a tube rectifier) which leads to sag and harmonic richness at any volume. The maximum wattage setting (35 watts) bypasses the 6L6 in order to create an option for pure solid state rectification if desired. The power ranges from 1 watt to 35 watts making this an incredibly versatile amplifier for studio or stage!"