Polytone George Benson Mini-Bruite V

Bought new 2006 model. I play mostly straight up jazz. Features:
40 watts RMS active bass, mid, treble controls.
2 separate independent channels:
Ch 1 features the "EDGE"
Master Volume
2 inputs per channel -Hi & Lo gain
Boost/Cut switch per channel
3 spring Hammond Reverb
3 position switch for reverb for Ch 1, Ch 2 or both
Normal / Combine and horn on/off switches
Jacks for Preamp Signal Out and Stereo Footswitch
Remote control of "REVERB" and "EDGE"
Lower rear panel jacks for Ext. Spkr. & Headphones
Heavy Duty 15" speaker plus Horns.
Tough black textured covering & steel mesh grill
Approximate weight 36lbs
20.5"H x 18"W x 12"D

Extremely versatile controls.

I wish I could give this an eleven rating for sound. It is that good for jazz. I had the luxury of A/B-ing this amp IN MY HOME with my other amps before buying, which include: Evans AE200, Acoustic Image Clarus 2R with Raezer's Edge Twin 8 cab, Ultrasound Pro-100, Fender '57 Twin reissue from the Fender custom shop (hand-wired), Mesa-Boogie Heartbreaker. I spent countless hours with the above-listed amps before I got the Polytone. As soon as I fired it up and plugged in my Ibanez GB-10 jazz archtop, I was BLOWN AWAY. First, let's be clear. For jazz, my Evans AE200 and Clarus 2R/Raezer's Edge are superb sounding amps for jazz. Each has it's unique characteristics. Wtih the Polytone V I didn't know what to expect. I thought that if it sounds good, it won't be any better than any of my other jazz amps but will probably have its own unique sound. Well, I can say without equivocation, the Polytone BLEW THE EVANS and CLARUS 2R w/Raezer's Edge away! Yes, the Poly had it's own sound, which for jazz is incredible. But I am referring to more than just the uniqueness of the sound typical of Polytones. I am primarily referring to the QUALITY of the sound. For jazz, it is far superior to my other jazz amps. If I could "beam you up" and transport to my house, I have no doubt you would be equally blown away. The clarity, the warmth, the sweetness, the fullness, the sheer BEAUTY of the sound was nothing short of breathtaking! This Polytone is the model George Benson uses along for his LIVE shows. For the street price of $699, this full-featured amp is a steal. Again, we can talk about this amp being better than that amp. I decided to purchase the three most sought after jazz amps and A/B them and let me ears be the judge. I had no preconceptions or biases. There was NO competiton. As great as my other amps are, for jazz, the Poly came out so clearly ahead of the others, the sound so beautiful that I was dancing with glee; its sound is that beautiful.

Don't know. I will be keeping my Evans AE200 or my AI Clarus 2R/Raezer's Edge cab as a backup.

Don't know. Hope I never need it. I can say that The Music Zoo, where I purchased the amp, was SUPER to do business with. I bought the amp on a trial basis and could return it if I didn't like it for FULL refund.

Nuff said. If you play jazz, take the A/B challenge IN YOUR HOME, where you can spend countless hours comparing the amps to find out which is best for you. It may be something other than a Polytone that works best for you. Just playing the amp in a store is not advised. REMEMBER, I OWN five other great amps, a couple of which many would argue are the best amps for jazz (Evans, AI Clarus/Raezer's Edge). But in my IN HOME test, over countless hours, the Polytone reigned absolutely supreme in every way. THe Ultrasound was disappointing, as was the Fender '57 Twin, believe it or not (sorry tube purists; I also love tube amps, my Mesa Heartbreaker is super for Rock, R&B, Soul, Blues). I hope this review was helpful to those considering purchasing a jazz amp.