EHX Soul Food vs Klon Centaur
The Soul Food wins on value — at $50 it delivers a topologically similar Klon-style circuit that gets close to the original's transparency and sparkle. The Klon wins for nuance and feel — its complex response to dynamic playing is noticeably more sophisticated.
EHX Soul Food
Electro-Harmonix's affordable Klon-inspired transparent overdrive. Uses a similar topological approach with op-amp-based clipping and a blend of dry and wet signal. The most accessible entry point to the Klon character.
Budget-conscious players who want to explore the transparent Klon-style boost character before committing to a more expensive clone
Klon Centaur
The most mythologised overdrive in history. Bill Finnegan's parallel clean/clipped blend architecture produces a transparent, amp-like boost with unique harmonic sparkle. Fewer than 8,000 made between 1994–1999. The KTR is the official reissue.
Players who want an overdrive that thickens and brightens the signal without defining its own character — especially effective as a boost into a tube amp
Tone Character
EHX Soul Food
- ✓ Most affordable Klon-style overdrive
- ✓ True bypass (unlike original Klon)
- ✓ Bright, articulate overdrive character
- ✓ Wide availability and reliability
- ✗ Different op-amp character than original Klon
- ✗ Slightly brighter and less nuanced than higher-end Klon clones
- ✗ True bypass can cause tone suck with long cable runs vs buffered
Klon Centaur
- ✓ Unique parallel clean/clipped signal blend
- ✓ Preserves guitar character beneath overdrive
- ✓ Adds harmonic sparkle without colouring tone
- ✓ The reference for transparent boost
- ✗ Original costs £1,500–£3,000+ on used market
- ✗ Relatively limited gain range
- ✗ High price-to-performance ratio vs quality clones
When To Choose Each
Budget-conscious players who want Klon-style transparent boost — the Soul Food is the most affordable entry point.
Players who believe the original circuit's specific components create a uniquely responsive feel — and collectors.
Final Verdict — EHX Soul Food vs Klon Centaur
Best for beginners
EHX Soul Food
EHX Soul Food scores higher on versatility (58/100) and lower on gain (22/100) — a more forgiving starting point than Klon Centaur.
Best for metal tones
Klon Centaur
Klon Centaur leads on gain (25/100) and bass response (48/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
EHX Soul Food
At £59 vs £1,500, EHX Soul Food delivers 96% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is minor.
Specification Summary
| EHX Soul Food | Klon Centaur | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £59 | £1,500 |
| Category | Overdrive | Overdrive |
| Gain | 22/100 | 25/100 |
| Warmth | 58/100 | 62/100 |
| Treble | 70/100 | 68/100 |
| Bass | 46/100 | 48/100 |
| Versatility | 58/100 | 60/100 |
| Best for | Budget-conscious players who want to explore the transparent Klon-style boost character before committing to a more expensive clone | Players who want an overdrive that thickens and brightens the signal without defining its own character |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Topologically similar but the Soul Food uses different op-amps. It's bright, transparent and articulate — in the right ballpark.
No — buffered bypass. The Klon was also buffered; both preserve treble on long cable runs.
Soul Food if budget matters. Tumnus or KTR if you want closer accuracy. Original Klon only for collecting.
Similar but less nuanced. The original Klon has a more complex feel that rewards dynamic playing.