The Tubedepot 5e3 kit comes with the "export transformer" (240v and 115v). The amp puts out 15-18 watts with their components. I use the 5e3 in the day time at home and out jamming, but I also use a Vibro Champ XD for late night home use as the 5e3 is too loud. I can't afford a vintage so I make due with the Vibro Champ XD.

I have a 74 SF Champ and consider a bit more than just okay. Nothing wrong with it at all. I bought it used and never had a problem with it in the 25 years I've owned it. It's played almost daily.

The Tweed Champs that I've played anyway both original and reissue, have a sweet spot. They aren't really a turn it all the way up and this glorious tone automatically comes out.

Here's some clarification, when I speak of Tweeds, I'm not talking just about the covering, I'm talking about the circuit like the original 5e3 Deluxe and 5F1 Champ. Not the Tweed covering on the Blues Jr and the rest.

Tweeds are unique. They are very dynamic meaning the harder you hit the strings, the more distortion you get out of them. The tone is pretty complex and takes a little time to learn and master When I went looking at the reissues, some had horrible baffle and cabinet buzz that for me was totally unacceptable in a 5 watt amp in this price range. It's almost in boutique territory. For the money, I'd go Princeton or start looking at Dr. Z or Victoria.

Remember, just because a major musical instrument company puts out a product, it doesn't automatically make it a great product. I'm not just picking on Fender, I'm talking all major manufacturers.

It would be a Leo Fender designed circuit regardless of the name on the tag or who built it.

True, but it is sort of like having a kit car version of an old Porsche. Even though you can end up with a superior product, and even though everything can be "as designed", it's still just not the same.

The question to ask is: do you think that Fender should still be making great amps in the USA? If so, vote with your wallet. If not, then do whatever you like.

You can always get something cheaper, but there comes a time when you look around and notice that your only choice is cheap. Go buy some pots and pans sometime. Your choices are: pay a lot of money and get All-Clad which are made in the USA, or spend some amount less (either a little or a lot) and buy something made in China.

Even on Fender's American made amps, many are still using imported caps and resistors. For example most of the caps come from Taiwan.
I'm sorry, a grand for a simple circuit practice amp is ridiculous. You can sometimes find an original for not much more. The reissues are kind of like kit cars too. Spade connectors?

That depends.



While you may never be able to get 100% domestic, it's still better than 0% domestic.

The problem with only buying originals is that you eventually run out of originals. Here we have a company that's made best efforts to reproduce exactly what you could buy 50 years ago, with necessary modifications to meet safety regulations. Imagine if VW had done that when they reintroduced the Beetle (instead of selling a VW Golf with a silly looking body on it)?

The reissues are not like kit cars, in that kit cars are not made by the original manufacturers. A Porsche kit car may be "almost like the real thing" or even "better than the real thing" but it's never a Porsche.

Even the Weber site sells chinese kits now:
https://taweber.powweb.com/store/kits_weber.htm#sowatt
Wonder if he's turning around in his grave.