It’s well-known that Fender is one of the kings of the guitar amp market, offering coveted clean tones and more than desirable distortion channels.
As such, they’ve got a tonne of amp models on the market. Many of them look to be covering some pretty similar ground.
A quick look at the Super Champ XD and Super Champ X2 combo amps make it difficult to tell if there’s a difference at all, and even the on-paper specs are pretty similar.
So, well that hell is the difference?
That’s what we’re going to take a look at today.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2 comparison:
- Tones
- Software
- Effects
- EQ
- Inputs/Outputs
- Speaker
- Portability
- Price & Value For Money
- Pros & Cons
Ready? Let’s get started…
Which One Are YOU Leaning Towards?
Table of Contents
Main Differences: Fender Super Champ XD and Fender Super Champ X2
The main differences between Fender Super Champ XD and Fender Super Champ X2 are:
- The Super Champ X2 has Fender’s Fuse DSP software with a USB port for updates
- The Super Champ X2 has better amp voicings as a result of the Fuse software
- The Super Champ X2 has a tap tempo button for its delay effect
- The Super Champ XD is about $100 cheaper
So when it comes down to Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2, which one should you choose? Here’s a quick overview:
- Go for Fender Super Champ XD if your budget is super tight. That’s really the only reason, as the X2 is better in most aspects. Still, with the Super Champ XD you get 2 amp channels, 16 different voicings, some great effects like delay and reverb, and the tubey Fender goodness.
- Go for Fender Super Champ X2 if you’re looking to capture that classic Fender tube clean sound, but you’d also love to access 16 other amp voicings like a Tweed Bassman or 65 Deluxe. The Fuse Software makes for some really realistic amp voicings, and the tap tempo button for the delay is pretty handy too.
1. Tones: Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2
Tones: Fender Super Champ XD
The Fender Super Champ XD packs in 16 different amp voicings, most of which are based on vintage Fender amps. That said, some do draw inspiration from other manufacturers. Here’s a full breakdown of the amp models:
Amp model | Sounds like | Based on |
1 – Tweed 1 | Mellow, vintage, clean tones | Fender Tweed Champ |
2 – Tweed 2 | Fat, vintage clean tones | Fender Tweed Bassman |
3 – Tweed 3 | Gritty, bass-heavy drive | Fender Tweed drive channel |
4 – Blackface 1 | Bright, vintage, clean tones | Early Fender Blackface amps |
5 – Blackface 2 | Bright, vintage, slightly driven | Early Fender Blackface amps |
6 – Blackface 3 | Bright, vintage, heavily overdriven | Early Fender Blackface amps |
7 – British 1 | Bright and jangly clean tones | Vintage British combo amps, probably an AC15 or AC30 |
8 – British 2 | Vintage overdrive tone | Based on vintage British stacks, probably a Marshall Plexi |
9 – British 3 | High-gain overdrive drive tone | Based on vintage British high-gain stacks, such as Marshall JCM800 and JCM900 heads |
10 – Hot Rod 1 | Bright, high-gain, American overdrive tones | Fender Hot Rod |
11 – Hot Rod 2 | High-gain distortion tones based on boutique amps | Undisclosed, but given the terms ‘Hot Rod’ and ‘boutique, and the tones on offer, a good guess is that this model is based on the Fender Princeton combos that were hotrodded by Randall Smith, which were the precursors to the Mesa Mark range |
12 – Hot Rod 3 | Even higher-gain distortion tones | As with Hot Rod 2, but with more gain |
13 – Metal 1 | Dark, scooped, and super high-gain | High-gain heads from the likes of Mesa and ENGL |
14 – Metal 2 | Brighter, scooped, and super high-gain | Fender Metalhead |
15 – Jazz | Subdued clean tones optimized for jazz players | Fender Jazz King |
16 – Acoustic | Super clean amp designed for acoustic, great for fingerpicking players | Fender Acoustasonic |
Tones: Fender Super Champ X2
The Fender Super Champ X2 also offers 16 different amp voicings, though the differ somewhat from the XD’s models. The X2 also uses Fender’s Fuse software to power these voices.
Amp model | Sounds like | Based on |
1 – Tweed Champ | Mellow, vintage, clean tones | Fender Tweed Champ |
2 – Tweed Deluxe clean | Smooth, clean tones at lower levels, saturates at higher levels | Fender Tweed Deluxe |
3 – Tweed Deluxe dirty/compressed | Smooth drive tones, responsive | Fender Tweed Deluxe |
4 – Tweed Bassman | Fat, vintage clean tones | Fender Bassman |
5 – 65 Princeton clean | Dynamic clean tones, long spring reverb, tube vibrato tones | Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb |
6 – 65 Princeton dirty/compressed | As per voicing 5 but driven | Fender ’65 Princeton Reverb |
7 – 65 Deluxe | Fat Fender tones for rock, country, or blues | Fender 65 Deluxe Reverb |
8 – 65 Twin Amp | Similar to voicing 7 but ‘bigger’ | Fender Twin Reverb |
9 – 60s British clean | Jangly clean sound with a tonne of top end | Vox AC30 |
10 – 60s British dirty/compressed | Full and thick drive sound | Vox AC30 |
11 – 70s British | Vintage overdrive tone | Marshall Major |
12 – 80s British | High-gain overdrive drive tone | Marshall JCM800 |
13 – Super-Sonic | A wide range of clean and driven tones | Fender Super-Sonic 22 |
14 – 90s Metal | Tonnes of overdrive and sustain | Mesa Boogie Rectifier |
15 – 2000 Metal | Balls to the wall metal. High-gain, fizzy, and in your face | Peavey 6505 |
16 – Jazzmaster | Flat, solid-state, and clean. | Undisclosed, possibly based on the Fender Jazz King |
Tones: Bottom Line
As far as we can see, this one’s a tie.
Both amps have two channels (normal and amp voice), and both offer the same tube complement.
Though many players have commended the tones on the X2 over the XD (thanks to it’s Fuse Software) the problem is that both amps offer different models.
We couldn’t recommend the X2, then, if you needed an acoustic channel.
Both amps sound damn good, too, so here’s the deal:
- Prioritize the amp voicings you would like. If you need a voicing that is offered by the XD but not the X2, then go with the XD, and vice versa
- If the voicings you’re most interested in are covered by both, then go with the X2
Tones Winner: Tie
2. Software: Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2
Software: Fender Super Champ XD
The Fender Super Champ XD doesn’t ship with any software. As such, the amp models that it comes with are what you get, and you can’t edit any parameters.
Software: Fender Super Champ X2
The Super Champ X2, on the other hand, is a tone-tweakers delight, thanks to the included Fender Fuse software.
Fuse allows you to connect your Super Champ X2 to your computer via USB, and edit virtually any component of the presets.
For example, you can delete and replace any of the presets you don’t like (don’t worry, you can always do a factory reset), allowing you to create a completely custom 16-voice beast.
With Fender Fuse, you can edit parameters to a much deeper extent than you have access to on the front panel.
For example, let’s say you’re not super happy with the reverb sound on your Tweed Bassman preset.
Fuse allows you to access and edit these components:
- Level
- Decay
- Dwell
- Diffusion
- Tone
On the front panel, you can only manipulate the level of the reverb effect.
So, Fuse is pretty damn powerful.
Software: Bottom Line
It probably goes without saying that the Super Champ X2 is the winner of this category.
Fender’s Fuse software allows you to access incredibly deep editing features, create your own custom presets, and go as narrow as editing individual aspects of each effect or amp module.
Software Winner: Fender Super Champ X2
3. Effects: Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2
Effects: Fender Super Champ XD
One of the things that separate the Super Champ XD from other combo amps in its category, even other Fender tube amps is the XD’s wide variety of effects.
Here’s what you can access:
- Reverb
- Chorus
- Chorus + Delay
- Chorus + Reverb
- Tremolo
- Vibratone
- Delay
That should be enough for most players, and considering the price of this baby (which we’ll discuss soon), you’ll probably have enough to grab a pedal or two if it isn’t!
Effects: Fender Super Champ X2
The Fender Super Champ X2 has all of the same effects as the XD, except it adds a tap tempo button for the delay.
In my personal experience, I’ve found delays without tap tempos to be painfully unusable unless you’re going for a short slapback style delay sound.
So, this is a welcome addition.
More than that, though, is the fact that you can edit effects parameters using the Super Champ X2’s Fuse software. This allows you to go beyond just accessing ‘delay’, and into editing the various knobs you’d typically find on a fully-fledged delay pedal.
Effects: Bottom Line
With it’s tap tempo functionality, and deep editing features thanks to the include Fuse software, the Super Champ X2 definitely offers a better value proposition when it comes to effects.
Effects Winner: Fender Super Champ X2
4. EQ: Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2
EQ: Fender Super Champ XD
The EQ section on the Super Champ XD is pretty limited. You just get treble and bass controls, no mid.
Still, they are pretty usable, and between the amp models and the EQ section, you should be able to craft the right tone.
EQ: Fender Super Champ X2
The Super Champ X2 offers the same EQ controls as the XD.
EQ: Bottom Line
This one is a tie. Neither amp has particularly sophisticated EQ sections, but they both do the job.
EQ Winner: Tie
Which One Are YOU Leaning Towards?
5. Inputs/Outputs: Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2
Inputs
Both amps have a single guitar input on the front panel and a footswitch jack on the rear.
Neither amp offers an effects loop, which is a little disappointing. To be fair, though, both Super Champs have an excellent array of digital effects on board, so most of the pedal you might want to connect would probably go in front of the preamp anyway.
Outputs
Both the Super Champ XD and the X2 has a dedicated line-out jack on the rear panel. The speaker output isn’t hard-wired either, so you can easily connect an external cabinet if you wanted the sound of a 12-inch speaker or two.
Digital
Only the Fender Super Champ X2 has digital connectivity, thanks to it’s USB port on the rear. This, as discussed, allows you to update the amp voicing presets using the Fender Fuse software package.
As such, the Super Champ X2 wins this round.
Inputs/Outputs Winner: Fender Super Champ X2
6. Speaker: Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2
Stock Speaker
Both the Super Champ XD and the Super Champ X2 has a singular 10” speaker. This speaker is a ‘Fender Special Design’ model, which essentially means it’s one that Fender has ‘designed’ for this amp, rather than pulling in a Celestion or other name-brand speaker.
Some sources state that the speaker is manufactured by Eminence, but Fender doesn’t appear to back up this claim.
Speaker Upgrade Options
Because there is so little said and known about the Fender Special Design speaker in the Super Champ amps, many choose to upgrade the speaker after they’ve given their amp a good test drive.
Some common options that really make your Super Champ XD or X2 shine include:
- Weber 10F125
- Eminence Ragin Cajun
- Celestion Greenback G10L-35
Speaker: Bottom Line
This one is a draw. Both amps ship with the same speaker, which by the way isn’t half bad for a stock unit on a particularly affordable amp.
The jury is still out on the aftermarket speakers too, which rather than giving you a ‘better’ tone as such, provide a ‘different’ option.
Speaker Winner: Tie
7. Portability: Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2
24 lbs | 24 lbs |
Height: 15″ x Width: 17.5″ x Depth: 9″ | Height: 15″ x Width: 17.5″ x Depth: 9.2″ |
Dimensions
The Fender Super Champ XD and Super Champ X2 are literally the same box, the only difference is what’s happening in the top strip of the amp.
These are compact amps that are suitable for home practice (thanks to their small form factor and light wattage) but crank loud enough for gigging as well.
Both cabinets measure 15×17.5×9”, so they aren’t going to crowd your bedroom and can easily sit atop an existing amp or desk!
Weight
In keeping with the lightweight, portable, giggable product design brief, both Super Champ amps weigh just 24lbs.
Compare that to say, a Fender Blues Junior, which weighs close to 32lbs.
This weight reduction comes from the use of a 10” speaker and the fact that the preamp section is solid-state, so the Super Champs only have power amp tubes.
Carrying Handle
The carrying handle on the Super Champ is one of those soft-touch rubbery plastic things, as you’ll find on most amps.
It’s not particularly luxurious, nor is it super grippy, but it does the job. And, considering the amp is small and light, it’s not going to be a problem anyway.
Neither amp wins this round, since they are exactly the same with regard to size, weight, and portability.
Portability Winner: Tie
8. Price & Value For Money: Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2
Price & Value For Money: Fender Super Champ XD
So, with all of the incredible amp voices and digital effects, what does a Super Champ XD actually, cost?
You’re looking at around $300 for one of these babies, which all things considered is dangerously good value for money.
Sure, it’s not a full tube amp, but at $300 for 16 different Fender amps, who the hell cares?
Price & Value For Money: Fender Super Champ X2
The Super Champ X2 is, for all intents and purposes, a slightly upgraded XD.
It has more refined amp models, and, most importantly, that Fender Fuse software. As such, the Fender Super Champ X2 is a little more expensive, clocking in at around $400.
Price & Value For Money: Bottom Line
Both of these amps offer ridiculous value for money if you compare them against other tube combo amps.
Also, most amps that offer digital modeling to the extent that the Super Champs do are completely solid-state, so one thing these guys really excel at is that responsive tube power amp feel.
The bottom line here, though, is that the Super Champ X2 is well worth the extra $100 for its Fuse software. This allows you to edit almost any parameter of your amp profiles, including effects settings that you can’t manipulate on the amp itself.
Price & Value For Money Winner: Fender Super Champ X2
9. Pros & Cons: Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2
Fender Super Champ XD Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 16 amp voicings
- 15w won’t blow the neighbors away
- Gorgeous Fender tube tones
Cons:
- No tap tempo
- No mid control on the EQ section
Fender Super Champ X2 Pros & Cons
Pros:
- 16 fantastic amp voicings
- Fuse software is fantastic
- Tap tempo is helpful
- Direct USB recording
Cons:
- No mid control on the EQ section
Conclusion & Takeaway
To summarize our findings in this Fender Super Champ XD vs Fender Super Champ X2 comparison, here are the winners for each category:
- Tones – Tie
- Software – Fender Super Champ X2
- Effects – Fender Super Champ X2
- EQ – Tie
- Inputs/Outputs – Fender Super Champ X2
- Speaker – Tie
- Portability – Tie
- Price & Value For Money – Fender Super Champ X2
Overall: Fender Super Champ X2
Which One Are YOU Leaning Towards?
Both of these amplifiers are incredibly capable combo amps.
For just $300-400 (depending on which one you chose), you get genuine Fender tube tones (on the clean channel), and an additional 16 amp voicings based on highly-coveted Fender designs.
The effects section covers all the bases you’d expect, and a footswitch improves your access to the amps vast feature set while your fingers are busy shredding.
Something I love about both amps is that though they are compact combos with a single 10-inch speaker, each has a speaker output which essentially allows you to use your Super Champ as a head and power a bigger cab.
Coming down a winner, though, the X2 has it by a couple of inches.
With the Fender Super Champ X2, you get everything you would with the XD, as well as:
- Fender Fuse software
- Better amp voicings
- Tap tempo on the delay
So, in short, if you can afford the extra $100 or so, grab the Super Champ X2.
Products Comparison Table:
Spec / Feature | Fender Super Champ XD | Fender Super Champ X2 |
Tubes | 1 x 12AX7A, 2 x 6V6 (Diode Rectifier) | 1 x 12AX7A, 2 x 6V6 (Diode Rectifier) |
Speaker | 1×10-inch 8-ohm Fender Special Design Speaker | 1×10-inch 8-ohm Fender Special Design Speaker |
Guitar inputs | 1 | 1 |
Channels | Two (Normal and Amp Voice) | Two (Normal and Amp Voice) |
Amp Voicings | 16 | 16 |
Fuse Software | No | Yes |
Output Wattage | 15w | 15w |
Effects | Reverb, Chorus, Chorus + Delay, Chorus + Reverb, Tremolo, Vibratone, Delay | Reverb, Chorus, Chorus + Delay, Chorus + Reverb, Tremolo, Vibratone, Delay |
Tap Tempo | No | Yes |
Footswitch input | Yes | Yes |
DSP | Yes | Yes |
External Speaker Output | Yes | Yes |
Covering | Black Textured Vinyl with Silver Grille Cloth | Black Textured Vinyl with Silver Grille Cloth |
Weight | 24 lbs | 24 lbs |
Dimensions | Height: 15″ x Width: 17.5″ x Depth: 9″ | Height: 15″ x Width: 17.5″ x Depth: 9.2″ |
USB recording | No | Yes |
Controls | Volume 1, Channel Select, Gain, Volume 2, Voice, Treble, Bass, F/X Adjust, F/X Select | Volume 1, Channel Select, Gain, Volume 2, Voice, Treble, Bass, F/X Adjust, F/X Select, Tap |
Line output | Yes | Yes |
