Here's an extract from the review in "Guitar & Guitar Acoustic" magazine issued January 2024. Download a pdf of the article here.
"The objective of Three Bananas was to create an original design and this has been accomplished. The Beausonic Deluxe simply doesn't sound like any great role model, not even like one using an EL34 power amp. The basic character of the amplifier is mid-range, but the distortion doesn't just come from the mids à la Plexi, but rather from the upper range - there's a lot of presence and clarity involved here!
Incidentally, this applies to both channels, which only share the equalizer. Bite, gain and master (both post phase inverter) are adjustable for each channel. The advantage of such a rather unconventional design is that you can use the same basic sound marginally adapted for two different situations. This can mean, for example, that you use channel one for rhythm and channel two for solos or channel one for the Strat and channel two for a Paula in order to compensate for the difference in level.
This often works even better than two different channels or even two amplifiers, because the guitar stays in the same place in the band mix. The boost control pushes the phase inverter tube so that it does not act like a conventional overdrive pedal, but adds a juicy compression in the output stage. If you need more sustain, then this is the right thing for you. There is a "second" channel for the solo volume, which can be used almost independently as a solo channel thanks to its own gain, bite and master controls - one of the absolute highlights of this amp for me!
Another special highlight of the Beausonic is the adjustable dynamics via a toggle switch. Like the best single-channel amps, the Beausonic Deluxe interacts really so well with the guitar that anything from crystal clear to classic rock overdrive can be played via the volume pot and the strength of the pickup hand. That's the limit, the Beausonic doesn't want to be a high-gain monster [...]. Until then, the Beausonic Deluxe is a real playground for anyone who wants an organic sound. The amp doesn't sugarcoat, even the compression remains restrained, it mercilessly exposes playful shortcomings - but then rewards you with a cultivated sound with its own character, which is simply a lot of fun!
With the Beausonic Deluxe, Three Bananas offer an amplifier that delivers as promised. A new design, a unique sound, traditionally designed, without semiconductors or digital features. This requires a lot of product development, which, like the production, took place entirely in Germany. The price of 2750 euros is absolutely reasonable! If you are looking for a special boutique item, this is the one to buy."
The original german article has been translated to english with DeepL.
