SWR LA-8 Combo

I gave this a 5 because of the obvious reason. If you want simple, simple is what you get. Sometimes amps can be made with too many features for what's really needed.

This amp is unforunately a piece of crap! There is no way it is 30 watts like it's supposed to be. I doubt it's even 10 watts. Of course you wouldn't expect to use it in a band, that would be a high expectation, but I found it aggrivating to my ears playing alone in a small room. It distorts terribly when even so very slightly pushed. Not a good distortion either, I agree with the other guy, Fart is the word for it. SWR should be ashamed!

I seriousely considered burning it for kicks but decided I wanted my money back so I returned it immediately. Never buy an amp via catalog! Even with a reputaion like SWR's.

Didn't bother with it.

I've been playing for 30+ yrs. now and have had many amps in my time. This thing reminds me of one of those cheesey, early 70's amps you'd find at, say, Sears or some drug store no-name. I wouldn't be surprized to find out some day that SWR didn't really build this amp, they just farmed out the name to a newbie sister co. or something.

Very basic features but all that's necessary even larger amps. Remember the Fender Bassman? This has more features.
Volume, Bass , Mid & Treble controls with headphone, tuner & CD jacks.

The smallest of the SWR line, this practice amp won't be capable of any gigs unless a quiet amplified acoustic setting. Other reviewers have bashed this little amp and I can understand why IF you expect too much from it. It is 30 watts with an 8" speaker. If serves its purpose well. Quiet practice.

Built VERY heavy duty. It should last forever. Swr gear is fantastic and I own several other of their products. All very well built.

Never ad to have any sevice done

I'll give it an overall "8" again understanding that it is a low wattage, small speakered practice amp. Very compact in size this would be perfect for a student at school or a bedroom. I keep it in the living room for a little "TV Jamming"

Brand new 2001 SWR LA-8 Combo amp. 30 watts, 8" speaker. Very basic controls.

VERY DISAPPOINTED! A long time SWR fan owning several of their amps and cabinets this little guy sounds horrible. Easily overdriven with any active bass. No volume at all. When played at low volumes, still bad sounding.

Should be reliable with SWR's reputation but will most likely blow a speaker because you are forced to push it

Have been very responsive if CALLED in the past. Forget web contact, you'll never hear back

I've played for 20 years. I own 20 basses and six amps. This little guy is junk. Only thing that could be worse is Carvin. It wouldn't be a good value at $100.00 Pass on this one, it doesn't sound good with anything. Passive baases are a must to get any kind of "O.K. sound". Forget 5 or 6 strings. I realize we are talking 30 watts and an 8" speaker but at $219.00 come on!

30 Watt. 8" speaker. Mix in Jack for playing along to Cd's. Headphone Jack.

Unfortunately, I was let down by SWR. I had expected a little more quality from them. Just like most other small practice amps it can't be turned up past half way on the volume or it farts out. I find it hard to believe the power rating of 30 watts. This amp could be a cool little practice amp if it could handle a little more volume. It had a hard time keeping up with my 25 watt stereo set at about 1/4 volume.

I would only use this amp for practicing alone when you need to keep it down.

I shipped it back to the retailer and am still looking for a small, light amp that has some guts to it. I do realise that in order to keep up with a full band you need POWER, but I also don't understand why companies put out an amp that can't handle it's own volume, bass and treble controls, at least to 3/4 level.