The Monarch circuit is where it all began for Chris Benson. With the Monarch Reverb Plus, you get the rich harmonic content, dynamic response, and touch sensitivity that made the original a modern classic, but with wider functionality for even greater versatility. It features real spring reverb and Benson's Chimera tone stock, which gives more granular control over the amp's tonal character. But what's most impressive is the unique power-scaling "Wattage" circuit, which makes the Monarch the only combo amp you need.
Powered by a 6L6 power tube set up like a voltage regulator, Benson's novel tube-driven power scaling circuit allows plate resistance to still exist in the power supply, which leads to sag and harmonic richness at any volume. With a variable power range from ½ watt to 15 watts—and the option to bypass the 6L6 for pure solid-state rectification at full output—the Monarch Reverb Plus delivers remarkable flexibility without compromising the organic feel and dynamic response that define the Benson sound.
This Monarch Reverb + is brand new, and it features a blonde tolex wrap with a muted purple grille cloth—an elegant look that matches its boutique pedigree. It’s housed in a lightweight dovetailed pine cabinet and loaded with a custom-voiced 12" ceramic speaker made by Weber. Like all Benson amps, it's built point-to-point on terminal strips (no circuit, turret, or eyelet board), using premium components including Mallory 150M capacitors and custom Soursound transformers.
- Power: Variable from 0.5W to 15W (6L6 power-scaling circuit with bypassable solid-state rectification)
- Tubes: 2 × JJ 6V6 (power), 2 × JJ 12AX7 (preamp), 1 × JJ 12DW7 (reverb driver), 1 × JJ 6L6GC (power scaling)
- Speaker: 12" Benson Custom Ceramic by Weber
- Cabinet: Dovetailed pine, blonde tolex with purple grille cloth
- Speaker Output: 1 × 8 ohm
- Footswitchable reverb
- Construction: Point-to-point wiring on terminal strips (no circuit, turret, or eyelet boards)
- Components: Mallory 150M capacitors, custom Soursound transformers