Amp or Cab/Head? Your suggestions.

[tazthewonderdog]

Hey guys, so I'm going to be buying either an amp or a head/cab because I'm sick of borrowing amps from friends and finally want my own.
I'm not in a band yet, but when I am, it'll be metalcore/hardcore and I may also be playing worship at my church (Yes, metalheads play worship, too.... :P ). Anyway, I like using some distortion, but I'll probably get a pedal for that.
So should I get an amp or a cab/head? I'm leaning toward amp, and I think it's a better choice because I'll only be playing small shows, if any real shows (outside jamming and church).
So what are your suggestions? Any favorable brands? I've only got experience with Fishman (at church) and Peavey (at a friend's jam sesh), and I wasn't allowed to change the EQ on either of them, so I really can't form an opinion on either.
Oh yeah- and I've got about $300 (Canadian, remember shipping is expensive, too) as a budget... if you can help, please do.

[Alex1984]

Hmm. That budget's a bit tight, I'd go for an SWR Workingman or WorkingPro combo, or something along the lines of Traynor or Peavey.

[tazthewonderdog]

Thanks, I think I'll look at Peavey's selection right now.......

[Gearhead17]

If amp means = combo amp: I suggest you get an amp head and cab. Having a bigger rig is not going to hurt you in a metal style band setting. You can always add on, swap out, and turn your self down. Look for a used 410 and head and go from there. Cheap combo amps do not cut it in the volume department. The GK NEO series combos do however, but the brand new prices are out of your range.

[Alex1984]

A decent cab like a Goliath or something would at least take up his whole budget. Given the lack of used gear in the OP's area (I checked his CL and kijiji), I'd say odds are low that he'd be able to find a Peavey TVX cab. So, if it boils down to using the GK Backline cabs or Behringer stuff, I'd strongly suggest going for combos, with at least a 210.

[NKBassman]

Getting seperate head/cab allows you to upgrade either one individually when your budget increases. Getting just a combo amp forces you into selling the whole thing and picking up an entire new rig when/if you want to upgrade down the road.

I've had lots of luck with Yorkville stuff over the years. As I recall, you've got several good options for music stores in Saskatoon, so make the rounds and see what kind of used deals you can drum up.

[cchorney]

Combos are easier - just plug and play - but components allow more growth. Either way, I've had good experience with SWR giving nice quality for price, and I've heard folks say the same about Carvin. Given your budget, used gear is the way to go, and you may need to start smaller than you'll eventually need - maybe a SWR Workingman's 15 or something similar, for example. Also, if your church has a PA, consider getting a Sansamp BDDI. Then you can get great tone (and some crunch if you want it) without any amp to lug around. They go used for about $140 US.