If you have ever been in a subway station in London, England, you have heard a "busker." A busker is a musician that performs for tips and gratuities. As there is no place to plug in a guitar amp, buskers playing an electric guitar need a battery powered amp. The DA5 is often known as a "busker" amp for this reason. The DA5 amp can operate either on six "C" cells or with the included "wall wart" power supply.
The DA5 includes many of the features found in Vox Valvetronix amps. Eleven amp models and eleven guitar effects are included on the DA5. A built in rotary power output selector switch (5 watts, 1.5 watts, or 0.5 watts) helps to extend battery life and allows you to play at a lower volume level without losing any tone or feel. Mounting buttons are included on the sides of the amp so that you can attach the amp to a guitar strap.
The DA5 has a chrome plated steel grill, while the DA5 Classic has a traditional Vox cloth diamond grill.
The DA5 was introduced in 2006 and discontinued in 2010, replaced by the Vox Mini3.