Which amp sounds similar to a Walkabout but at a more affordable price?
 

So I recently tried a Walkabout Scout at a GC and it was like the clouds part everything becoming clear. For me it was exactly what I was looking for tonally and despite having a solid state power section it reacted exactly like a fully tube amp (at least as far as I was concerned).

The Walkabout Scout is outside my price range and at higher volumes might not be enough for my needs so I started looking into the M-Pulse 600 and those still go for a lot on the used market.

I am wondering which amp gets close to the tone of the M-Pulse series at a lower cost? I know there is no amp that will hit it exactly but I sure would like something similar.

Really none. Every amp sounds a bit different from each other, and the Walkabout's warm, tubey, midrange complexity is among the most unique voicing out there. Even the MPulse600 sounds little like the Walkabout (much bigger low end, cleaner, smoother mids).

Small heads that at least can be considered 'tubey and organic' sounding, if in a different way from the Walkabout, are IMO the Aguilar TH350/500, the Genz Streamliner 600/900, and the Orange Terror500/1000.

I would think, if you were on a budget, the Aguilar TH350 would match the Walkabout's output into 4ohms, be VERY affordable, especially if purchased during one of Musician's Friend's 10% or 15% off sales. Also, the good news about buying from Musician's Friend (assuming you are in the US) is that you can return within 30 days, no questions asked, and only be out a bit of shipping.

The TH500/350 is voiced very 'organically'... big low end, VERY complex present midrange, and a relaxed 'non sizzly' top end. Again, doesn't sound like the Walkabout (nothing does), but it is in that tone universe I call 'vintage meets modern'. Nicely featured also, and super reliability/quality IMO.

Just buy a used Walkabout. I grabbed mine for $500 with the bag on here.:D:D

Go the used route. Walkabout heads can easily be had for ~$500-550 and then you can pair it with a wide variety of inexpensive cabs. I use mine with a Bag End S12-D and S15-D. Neither of those cost me more than $300 on the used market. Incredible sound, very portable and built like tanks.

Nothing really sounds like a Walkabout. Save some money, go used and you'll be glad that you did.

I agree with all of the above
You should have bought mine for $500 as it came with a Telefunken and an Amperex tube.