Best Amp Heads

OneStepBehind · #1 03-23-2010, 07:51 PM

I currently have a Ampeg BA 115 and I just fixed up a Ampeg SVT-410, just a few loose wires. I was wondering what are the best heads? I have just about no knowledge on amp heads at all. I play a Ibanez SRX-705 in a 3 piece band.

RickenBoogie · #2 03-23-2010, 08:00 PM

Just read the amps forums, and learn that way. No such thing as the "best" amp head.

lookiel · #3 03-23-2010, 10:17 PM

Agreed. No right answer to the question.
Plus it depends on your budget and tone goals/style of music.
I suggest you go to a reputable music store and try some stuff out to help get an idea.

vinxbass · #4 03-23-2010, 10:59 PM

The best amp head doesn't exist, I hate to bust your bubble - but come on, really ~

REAPER52 · #5 03-23-2010, 11:00 PM

The one in your price range that sounds the best to you.

Matt Dean · #6 03-23-2010, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

Just read the amps forums, and learn that way. No such thing as the "best" amp head.

Big +1!

livinglow · #7 03-23-2010, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REAPER52

The one in your price range that sounds the best to you.

That's the best answer.

xray · #8 03-23-2010, 11:20 PM

Although, I agree with most of the comments so far - a price range makes a B-I-G difference in the "so called" best category. I used to love the Genz Benz Shuttle 6.0 at $500.00. Hard to beat this amps "dollar to watt to weight ratio" and tonal possibilities. Plus, since the release of the 9.0 the price has come way down. But since scoring my SVT Classic that's all changed. Now you're looking at an all tube solution that's 2-3x the price of a GB 6.0. Even better (to me) is the holy grail of amps: the Hiwatt DR-01 @ $3,800. Now you're talking about trading cars for amps! I'm sure there are still "better", more expensive amps than this on the market as well. Keep reading!

**nostatic** · #9 03-23-2010, 11:25 PM

Each amp tends to have a certain "character" to the tone, though some also have fairly powerful eq for shaping things. Some will argue that certain amps are a good/better fit for certain types of music, but you can make most anything work. Really depends on what you hear in your head and what goals you have.

And...I've found that the amp that sounds great played along often doesn't work particularly well in a band setting. You just need to play a bunch of different stuff, read threads here, then waste thousands of dollars like the rest of us...

EricF · #10 03-24-2010, 10:50 AM

The best amp head in the world is unquestionably the Aguilar DB750. There is no other. If you don't agree, you're wrong.*

* By "best" I mean "best suited for my personal preferences at the moment." Your opinion may be different, and that's perfectly acceptable.

PSPookie · #11 03-24-2010, 10:56 AM

Whatever I'm currently using.

Din Of Win · #12 03-24-2010, 11:20 AM

Cheap. Old. Used. Loud. Reliable.

Jojabeau · #13 03-24-2010, 11:25 AM

Whatever is working!

sobie18 · #14 03-24-2010, 01:32 PM

My Peavey Mark IV has been a great amp for me.

oldrockerdude · #15 03-24-2010, 05:18 PM

what ever one keeps you going

MetroBass · #16 03-24-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Din Of Win

Cheap. Old. Used. Loud. Reliable.

+1

Matt Dean · #17 03-24-2010, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Din Of Win

Cheap. Old. Used. Loud. Reliable.

Expensive, New, Boutique, with lots of tubes...

Din Of Win · #18 03-25-2010, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Dean

Expensive, New, Boutique, with lots of tubes...

Touche!

Matt Dean · #19 03-25-2010, 11:20 AM

Actually, I prefer used, hybrid and 2 tubes.

Webtroll · #20 03-25-2010, 11:24 AM

The best amps are obviously listed in the TB classifieds! I just scored a Mesa for a great price, had nearly pulled the trigger on an all tube Traynor instead. I suspect I'd have been just as happy with it but I wanted to go rack mount. Plenty of solid state options listed too.