ORANGE ROCKER 32 2x10 £899

Orange’s re-vamped Rocker range is designed in the UK by their innovative amp guru Adrian Emsley and built to typically indestructible Orange standards. The Rocker 32 is a great double-take amp, because peering round the back reveals two pairs of EL84 output valves, with two output transformers and a pair of 10” speakers – yes, it’s stereo.

The stereo effects loop return opens up all kinds of tempting sonic possibilities, from wet/ dry, to massive tones from super-short delays and ethereal 3D stereo chorus shimmer. This is cleverly enhanced by giving one output stage its own cathode follower, subtly emphasising the stereo width effect, while the resonant frequency of the custom Orange loudspeakers works with the relatively compact cabinet to emphasise bass, making this compact combo sound considerably larger than its physical dimensions. As you’d expect from an Orange, the tones are full-on no compromise. The single-control natural channel is remarkably transparent and well-suited to pedals, while the drive channel can be dialled down for classic boxy 1970s cleans, or pushed up to cover all the familiar Orange crunch tones. It’s a wonderful, off-the-wall design with touches of sheer brilliance, making it a deserving winner and stunning value at the price.