Advice needed!

[tgriley62]

I am looking to buy my first head. The ones listed are evenly priced ($380-$400), new & fit my budget at this time. Of the ones here which would you recommend based just on dependibility, reliablity & CS from the manufacturer. Ampeg PF500, Hartke LH500, Carvin BX500 or Peavey headliner (this one is a wild card since it is rated at 600w but still in my price range). I know that each wil sound different with whatever cab I get latter on. but, as stated I just need info on dependibilit, CS etc.. I also know that I can get other possibly better brands used for the same amount or much less but since I am on a tight budget I would like something new in case of problems

[MNAirHead]

What used options do you have?

[tgriley62]

As I stated I would like something new in case of problems. It would be hard for me to come up with another $400 at this time to replace a used head that did not work out or from someone that did not back up there product

[bassgod0dmw]

Of those you listed I would go with the PF500, but without any more info I have no idea if it would fit your tonal goals...I just know that it would fit mine.

[will33]

I wouldn't complain about having any of those heads. According to most, Ampegs CS has been quite good since getting the Loud thing sorted, Peaveys always has been, Hartke is top notch, Carvin's has been good as well. Carvins is a ship back and forth deal, the rest have service centers around although if you live in a rural area, that may be a ship back and forth deal too. I've had good experiences with all those brands. I think it comes down to features/general tone for the price. Peavey is at the top of the heap as far as reliability although the rest aren't bad either. I've got Peavey products that are as old as me although the same can be said for some models of Ampeg and there are plenty of 80's hartkes and carvins around as well.

Carvin little 250, ampegs pf350 are both on my short list for small amps. Hartkes lh500 is in there in the medium category and I still play a peavey tmax all the time. Getting another amp would be purely for convenience.

[shoot-r]

Originally Posted by tgriley62

I am looking to buy my first head. The ones listed are evenly priced ($380-$400), new & fit my budget at this time. Of the ones here which would you recommend based just on dependibility, reliablity & CS from the manufacturer. Ampeg PF500, Hartke LH500, Carvin BX500 or Peavey headliner (this one is a wild card since it is rated at 600w but still in my price range). I know that each wil sound different with whatever cab I get latter on. but, as stated I just need info on dependibilit, CS etc.. I also know that I can get other possibly better brands used for the same amount or much less but since I am on a tight budget I would like something new in case of problems

Hands down...for $399.00...the Ampeg PF500 is the BEST head on the market at this time.
I've three S.S. heads, two of them cost more than the PF, but I'm using the PF on jobs more and more...love it's compressor, love it's warm Ampeg sound!!!