Here's the DR20/0.5 in its new and improved version, still handcrafted in England by the brand's Custom Shop, with the exacting standards that define Hiwatt sound quality.
It embeds the legendary preamp circuit of the DR103 and 504, paired with a 20-watt power section and EL84 tubes. It delivers the headroom, clarity, and punch of the DR amp line at lower volumes, perfect for both live performance and recording. To enjoy this sound in all circumstances, it features a built-in attenuation from 20 to 0.5 watts.
The DR20/0.5 is probably the best amplifier to experience everything the DR series offered through its history. Just like the larger DR103 and DR504 models, it uses David Reeve's original preamp circuitry and Harry Joice's military wiring method.
Its different power stage switches from EL34s to EL84s, but keeps the tone identical to its big brothers. A very pure, wide, and dynamic clean tone, making it a first-class effects pedal platform. If you're looking for the legendary DR sound in a compact and portable format, this DR20/0.5 is the amp you need.
But it doesn't stop there. To allow guitarists, especially Pink Floyd fans to easily enjoy the Hiwatt overdrive sound, its development embbeds Pete Cornish's famous modification for David Gilmour: a dedicated "Linked" input that jumps the Normal and Bright channels. No need for a patch cable anymore, you can use the DR20/0.5 just like a modern amp. Furthermore, this mod gives access to the large tone variety by mixing the two channels, while increasing the signal driving the first preamp tube. This results in a richer, more present, and more in-your-face sound.
Among the options that make this amp the best compromise in the entire DR range, there's a front-panel switch that boosts the low-end and volume for an even bigger sound. For use at home, backstage, and in other volume-sensitive environments, the power can be lowered to 0.5 watts.
This version of the DR20/0.5 is equipped with the 12" 150W Purpleback speaker.
This Fane Acoustics™ speaker, custom-developed for Hiwatt, is essential for recreating the brand's signature sound. With a power handling capacity of 150W, it has tremendous headroom making it ideal for maintaining pristine, clean tone at really high volumes. This feature, perfectly aligned with the design of the DR Series, is also important for handling the ultra-powerful overdrive sound these amps can deliver.
Designed at the time according to David Reeve precise specifications, including a molded frame and maximum headroom, the Fane speaker is part of the Hiwatt sound. This 12" 150W Purpleback is still manufactured in England by Fane Acoustics™. It meets these same specifications and also features a cast frame and all the necessary headroom to make a the 20/0.5 reach the famous DR Series tone.