| Amp, preamp, combo, or mixer for quiet practice?
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I started learning bass in November and have been using what I've had on hand to practice...bass>zoom guitar mfx set to AC30 sim>cheap stereo mic input and it naturally doesn't sound the best. I've been reading on here since before I even got a bass and cant make up my mind what the best purchase would be to get something better.
A) An gig ready amp combo or head sans cab just run into headphones. I've tried and liked the Acoustic/MarkBass amps and the GB Shuttle series looks good too. Big expense up front but I wouldn't need to buy anything bigger later.
B) A preamp like a BDDI or the VT or even the Bass Zoom pedal. I would think they would sound ok through phones and could always be used with a full rig later if need be.
C) A basic practice amp. I liked the Acoustic mini stack, but still too loud for use without phones since I live in a condo. I also imagine I'd want something better than a cheap combo later once my playing improves.
D) A mixer into phones. Could mix my mp3s with the bass to play along. If I go this way, would a I need a powered mixer to amplify the bass?
Budget isn't too important, I'm more concerned about having something I won't out grow and have to buy something better later leaving me with a pile of stuff I'll never use. I'd like to keep it under $500 for a head/combo or $200 for the other options. I'm not in a band, but I'd like to be some day, I play mainly hard rock but would like to learn some funk/slap, and my bass is a Ibanez Soundgear SR800 PJ with active preamp. I don't have phones yet, but I'm leaning towards ATH-M50s.
Sorry for a long post, but I wanted to give enough info to help anyone to answer and to show I've already used the "Search" feature a bunch and have tried some amps in stores. Just trying not to blow money while still trying to figure out what sound I'm looking for. Thanks! | 
