When it comes to music production, instruments are of crucial importance but every musician knows that choosing the right amplifier is what portrays creativity and performance at its best. An amplifier is an electronic device used for increasing the amplitude of electronic signals used in sound reproduction.
This, some would say, is what makes or breaks a masterpiece. Fender, the most popular instrument manufacturer to date, founded by Leo Fender, makes it increasingly difficult to choose the right amp because of their exponential usage among legendary Musicians, but choosing between Fender Superchamp XD vs X2 doesn’t just come down to popular demand but also to precision and attention to detail.
Amps were made to be inanimate suitors for guitars, so everything from color and output to size and tone can contribute in deciding which one will be the match of a lifetime. Which is why in this article, we will be comparing Fender Superchamp XD vs X2 to aid in your process of choosing the right amp and perfect teammate for both you and your guitar.
Main Differences Between Fender Superchamp XD vs X2
These two amps carry features that are virtually identical to each other, making them difficult to choose between, so here are some of the main differences between the two.
- Fender Superchamp X2 has Fender’s fuse software with an available USB port, while XD does not include a built in software.
- Fender Superchamp X2 has better amp voicing due to its fuse software.
- Fender Superchamp X2 has a tap tempo button for the production of a delay effect.
- Fender Superchamp XD has eternal speaker capability, while X2 lacks this feature.
- Fender Superchamp XD has 16 preamp voices, while X2 has one less.
- Fender Superchamp X2 has a USB output for much better digital connectivity, while XD does not have a USB output at all.
- Fender Superchamp XD is four years older than X2, having been released in 2008.
- Fender Superchamp XD is $100 cheaper than X2
- Fender Superchamp X2 has a 2 band EQ. while XD lacks this feature.
A Full comparison of Fender Superchamp XD and X2
Although Fender Superchamp XD is older and cheaper than X2—which is greatly taken into consideration in the process of investing in high quality equipment—it’s features still have quite the impression on those in search of a versatile combo amp.
Both amps are portable, with a carrying strap made of durable plastic and because of their almost identical appearance, it’s a bit tough to tell the two a part, which calls for an in depth comparison.
The Design
The visual aspects of both amps aren’t that much different when it comes to Fender’s vintage look for their amplifiers. They are both black in color and the control knobs and audio jack are positioned on the front face of both. Only the names placed on the outside seem to carry a slight difference.
As for dimensions, their differences are barely noticeable. Whereas the Fender Superchamp XD measures 38cm x 45cm x 22.9cm, the X2 measures 38cm x 44cm x 23.3cm.
They both weigh 10kgs, which may be considered a little too heavy for some but may not be a problem seeing as they both possess impressive amounts of power. This brings us to one of the most important features of an amplifier, the power output.
Power Output
The level of performance for the Fender Superchamp XD vs X2 is about the same, considering they are both 15 watt amplifiers with a single 12AX7 preamp tube. They both also come along with a pair of 6v6 power tubes.
This amount of power output may only be ample for smaller electric guitars and suitable for at home use. practice sessions or for use in smaller venues. It’s important to take this into consideration, especially if you intend to use a combo amp professionally, like in concerts and larger studio sessions.
For these purposes, you may most likely want an amp with power tubes that have a life span of longer than 2 years, which unfortunately neither of these extend to.
Controls
Another identical feature of both Superchamp XD and X2 amps is the controls. Each amp has a total of 8 control knobs used to attune the instrument’s sound and volume. These knobs include:
- Volume 1
- Gain
- volume 2
- Voice
- Treble
- Bass
- F/X level
- F/X select
The easily accessible knobs make increasing and decreasing volume a breeze, as well as manipulating bass, treble and switching between channels.
Expert Tip: Both amps are capable of generating a first channel with clean blackface tones and a second channel with voicing selection that gives you the ability to venture through range and sound output. One can argue that the purpose of getting a guitar amp is for this very reason.
As previously mentioned, both amps contain voicing knobs that offer the same amount of audio quality, except Superchamp XD has a voicing knob with 16 different preamp voices while X2 only disappoints by one. Both are fully functional and can—in theory—give you the effective level of control you seek for anything.
Hardware
When it comes to hardware, both amps are pretty sturdy and strongly made. The X2’s covering is black, textured vinyl. Silver grille cloth is used on the front face of the amplifier where the buttons and controls are located and this is meant to protect the internal speaker. On the rare of the amp are the input and output connectors, along with the USB output port, power switch and power connector port.
The XD has basically the same hardware design and built using the same materials to portray Fender’s signature vintage look. The only difference is the missing (or most likely intentionally excluded) USB output.
Speakers
Now, when it comes to speakers, which is another crucial feature for amplifiers, these babies are strong but don’t hit very hard. Both amps are equipped with 10″ special design speakers that produce clear sound but is revealed to have limitations while increasing the volume.
Something that can be somewhat impressive about the speakers on these amps is their 8-ohm impedance, which makes them suitable for beginner use and for professionals looking for substantial sound.
Sound Effects Capabilities and Software
Fender Superchamp XD offers the ability to adjust your guitar sound due to its 16 different voicings and DSF effects but while X2 also has 16 voicings, there are 15 effect options and a TAP tempo control for easily attuning the guitar sound while playing. Along wiith voicings and effects.
Fender’s amps also feature FUSE software that allowed accessible compatibility with MAC. PC and USB ports. Unfortunately, the software was discontinued by Fender in March 2020 but can still be downloaded and used to create effect presets along with the default presets offered by Superchamp X2.
Expert Tip: FUSE software grants you full control over mid-range tones to attune guitar sounds with as much precision as possible, as well as allowing you to save all the songs you create within the software directly to your X2 amp. Each song can be easily shared on social media. What a remarkable way to personalize your Superchamp X2 amp.
Suffice to say. the X2 amp is superior to the XD when it comes to control over effects, delay, reverb, customization privilege and digital connectivity but it all comes down to personal experience. The FUSE integrated software have been said to distort effects sounds, which may have been cause for its discontinuation.
Pricing
The final thing we’ll be discussing when comparing Fender Superchamp XD vs X2. will be pricing. Spending large amounts of money does not guarantee the best amp quality or sound you’ll ever experience, so it’s important to be wise in viewing price ranges, which isn’t too high for either of these amps.
The Fender Superchamp XD is the most affordable in it’s generation and class and can be purchased for $300 or less depending on where you buy it, whilst the Superchamp X2 is a bit more pricey. It is set for around $400 but will also provide you with USB connectivity and the discontinued FUSE software that allows you to experiment with your guitar sounds and effects.
All other components regarding both amps are basically identical, so you won’t be lucking out on getting a vintage style Fender amplifier that produces clear and good quality sound and provides you with a variety of effects and voicing options in which ever choice you make.
Regardless, it’s necessary to expand your horizon for the possibility of finding a guitar combo amp with all or more of the qualities and features you may be in search of. so here are a few alternatives for both Fender Superchamp XD and X2.
Alternatives
There are a lot of alternatives around the same price range of Fender amps that are comparable or can even be considered better in performance. Here are a few of the best alternatives to Fender Superchamp XD and X2 to choose from.
Orange Crush 35RT 35W
Orange amps are highly used by countless well known Artists like John McVie of none other than. Fleetwood Mac. This brand being one of Fender’s top competitors comes at no surprise to most which makes the Orange 35FT 35W amp one of the best on the market and a great alternative.
This Orange combo amp shares the same twin channel design as other models in it’s series; digital reverb and chromatic tuner. It’s about the same size as both Fender Superchamp XD and X2 but packs a punch in comparison to it’s previous model, the 20RT.
It comes with a transparent, fully buffered effects loop and goes beyond being a simple practice amplifier. Not to mention it comes in two available colors, orange and black.
It has CabSim technology which grants an incredible 4×12″ cab tone through its available headphone output to give you exquisite sound even during private and silent practice.
Vox AC15C1
This brand is accurately famous for their chime and complex grind that this amp so effortlessly delivers. This combo amp was one of the first to establish the British sound that continues to be used on stages all around the world today by players and Artists such as The Edge. Brian May and Tom Petty, which makes it a non-arguable alternative for Fender Superchamp XD and X2.
It’s 15 watt power grants you full control over your instrument’s sound on stage, in studio or in large venues, slicing though audio mixes in the environment without overpowering other instruments being played.
This combo amp possess celestion 25-watt Greenback speakers, which mellows any harsh frequencies detected with mid-range focused sound, has normal and top boost channels, a built-in tremolo and spring reverb and takes any variety of your favorite effects well with its famous AC curcuit.
In addition to these features, this Vox amp has 3 12AX7 tubes, two 2EL84 tubes and external loudspeaker jacks that can also be extended.
This makes Vpx AC15C1 much more powerful than both Fender Superchamp XD and X2 but also heavier, as they are larger in size and makes it somewhat difficult to carry. It is also found significantly more expensive than the XD and X2 amps.
Bugera V5 Infinium
When it comes to design and overall appearance. Bugera V5 Infinium makes a splendid replacement for both Fender Superchamp XD and X2 in terms of vintage prosthetic. With this amp. you can alter between 5W. 1W and 0.1 W options to control power usage.
The features of this classic amp are extremely similar to both Superchamps as it has headphone output for private practice, an 8-inch and 4- ohm turbosound speaker that produces its own recognizable sound, one 12AX7 preamp tube and one EL84 power tube. Unlike Fender Superchamp XD and X2. it has only one channel but also possesses Gain. Volume. Reverb and Tone controls.
Although this amp is less powerful with fewer controls, it is suitable for use in a variety of music genres and is also cheaper than Fender Superchamp XD and X2 amps.
BOSS KTN-50-MK2
This amp lacks a bit in features and effects categories, only having 5 but is affordable with great value, excellent EQ and is a solid state amp with sag and attack. The Katana MK-II has a tube logic design approach and takes this brand’s design series to another level, with added sounds and more effects and features than previous models.
This amp has 5 amp characters offering from organic vintage tones to more modern high-gain sounds, with new voiced variations for each. This doubles tonal options. As far as usability. Katana MK-II offers a power amp input for modellers and multi-FX. easy and accessible stereo expansion, updated editor software and other included enhancements guarenteed to increase the quality of music production from this device.
Additionally, increasing the volume on this amp results in richer, smoother and more expressive sound from its authentic output distortion features.
Marshall 30GFX
Marshall amps were born through conversations of musician and instrumental needs by Jim Marshall and his store vistors hungry for new equipment and musical lessons, so not only does this brand listen to demand but it executes in distinguishable tone and features.
This amp gives you the optimal choice of Clean. Crunch. OD1 and 0D2 channels that you can personally manipulate with a 3-band EQ.
Reverb, delay and other digital effects are included and best of all. each channel setting can be stored and recalled.
MG30GFX has a solid state design which is more on the modern side if you’re looking to branch away from the classic vintage look that Fender Superchamp XD and X2 carries. The design perfectly reproduces tone and response of other tube amps.
And lastly, MG30GFX supplies a line input (much like Orange) for music players and headphone and line outputs for practice and recording sessions. This amp is a suitable choice in their aesthetically pleasing gold series that produces great sound and feature packed quality.
As far as alternatives go, these options are solid among the few that are comparable to Fender Superchamp XD and X2 but in reference to pricing, size, features and design, your optimal choice would most likely be the Orange Crush 35R T 35W, for the purpose of headphone output availability that will come in handy when private practice or noise resistant environments are not easily accessible.
Final Verdict
All Artists need good quality medium and equipment to produce and perform at their best and highest potential but unless you’re jumping straight into performing at concerts and sold out shows. Fender Superchamp XD and X2 are excellent combo amps for practicing your music skills at home or in smaller studios.
The only distinguishable difference of Fender Superchamp XD vs X2 is the XD not providing USB output as well as the FUSE software. However, the software was discontinued in March 2020, which eradicates the X2’s greatest and maybe only advantage over it’s older model.
The software may be available for download but may also be challenging to find due it being discontinued and non-obtainable by Fender. Besides this dissimilarity, the two are theoretically identical.
Although both amps have the same features, the Fender Superchamp XD offers them at a much lower price, making this the best option for combo amp purchase. Unless you prefer the more technologically based option of connecting the amp to a computer for self recording purposes, which the X2 freely provides, opting for the older version (the XD) is the better choice.
Conclusion
Even though Fender Superchamp XD and X2 seem to be almost the same product, with its identical features, there is call for comparing the two. especially since one is a more updated version of the other.
It’s crucial to wonder, why purchase new when nothing much has changed from the previous model. This fact, along with Fender being a world famous instrument manufacturer, causes lots of Artists and Musicians to refuse to look at any other amps and products in the same category, so we have carefully and fully disclosed information for deciding between Fender Superchamp XD vs X2.
Both are high quality, two channel combo amps that offer the same outface controls, speakers, power output and valves. Their main differences include about one pound in weight $100 in pricing. USB output for better connectivity and FUSE software.
Expert Tip: A full comparison between the two revealed a few details that every musician may take into consideration, such as the XD offering external speaker capabilities, having 16 preamp voicing effects, while X2 has 15. lacking 2-band EQ and is more antique due to it being four years older than its newest version.
Nevertheless, both amps are carefully constructed and made of fibreboard which is considered a substitute for wood. The wood chippings have been binded tighter together resulting in harder formation, much tougher and able to withstand pressure. In this case both amps have a much stronger and stable feel to them whilst being covered in Fender’s traditional vinyl material.
Although both Fender Superchamp XD and X2 are well known, durable and quality classics, there are a few amps that are up for a challenge in terms of additional features, overall sound quality and performance and can be bought as replacements or alternatives for both. Some names among these alternatives include Orange Crush 35RT 35W. Vox AC15C1. Bugera V5 Infinium. BOSS KTN-50-MK2 and Marshall 30GFX.
Most of these alternatives contain the same types of features and design as Fender Superchamp XD and X2 and are seen as substantial competitors for instruments and amplifiers in the music industry.
We hope that this thorough comparison of Fender Superchamp XD vs X2 aids in your final decision for purchasing either of these superb combo amps. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions regarding any of the information shared.
The Fender Superchamp XD combo amp will be the best accurate choice, unless connecting to a computer to record yourself playing is a personal must have. It is the cheaper option of the two and still has identical features, almost the same quality production and longer time for developing opinions than its newer model, the Fender Super Champ X2.