Compared to the majority of boutique amplifiers, Magnatone stands out with such adventurous models as the Panoramic and Twilighter Stereo, both of which feature true stereo vibrato, and the Double V, with its dual monobloc power amps. However, it’s the Master Collection — which includes the Super Fifty-Nine MKI and MKII amps — that has inspired players like Billy Gibbons and Jeff Beck, and new additions to the line include the Super Fifty-Nine M80 and the Super Fifteen on deck here.
The smallest in the series, the Super Fifteen is nonetheless a stately amp that features solid-wood cabinetry with nickel-plated brass vents and a neatly applied covering made of 100-percent cotton textile in Black Levant color. White piping and off-white woven grille cloth, along with a logo that’s illuminated by nine incandescent bulbs, make for one classy-looking combo. As with all Magnatone amps, the Super Fifteen comes with a protective cover made of Rolls-Royce convertible top material.
Magnatone didn’t overlook the ergonomics either. The brushed-aluminum panel’s control labels are oriented so that you can read them when standing in front of the amp, and the custom-made knobs sport white lines that make it easy to see their settings even in dim light. At 37 pounds, the Super Fifteen is an easy carry.
The attention to detail extends to the inner regions, which are exposed after removing 11 stainless-steel machine screws on the back panel. Inside the thick, box-welded aluminum chassis we find hand-wired components on a glass-epoxy board with chassis-mounted pots, jacks, switches, and a DIN outlet that provides 6.3 volts for the lighted logo on the optional Magnatone 1x12 extension cabinet ($599 street). A smaller board holds the rear-panel jacks and speaker emulator pot, and the tube sockets are also