Best Combo Amp for the Money?

Magic Kenny · #1 02-08-2013, 03:49 PM

Hi everyone - fairly new bass player here. I'm using a Carvin MB 115 combo for most gigs - it's portable and sounds pretty good. However, I'm curious if there are better combo amps out there for the money.

stepswork4me · #2 02-08-2013, 03:55 PM

There will be lots of answers. I like this....
TC Electronic BG250 Club

ksandvik · #3 02-08-2013, 03:55 PM

As I usually say, you are more flexible with a separate cab/amp combo.

kochkoch · #4 02-08-2013, 03:58 PM

I love the GK combos.

Joedog · #5 02-08-2013, 04:15 PM

I'm currently using a GK MB115, and am reasonably happy. I haven't tried the Carvin, or the TC, but my guess is there is not a "quantum leap" in quality of sound or volume between the 3, or any of the others for the money. I had an Acoustic 200B for a short time, but didn't care for the sound (or especially the weight). It's all subjective. If I wanted to spend several times the $$, I'd go with micro head/neo cab combo. The sky's the limit. Depends on your needs, budget, and ear. I think you are having a gas attack? Join the club! It goes with the territory! For now, my needs are met, and while I have some spare $$, I'm OK w/what I have.

RickenBoogie · #6 02-08-2013, 05:22 PM

If your Carvin combo has an ext spkr jack, adding a 2nd Carvin 1x15 spkr cab will significantly increase your volume, low end, and overall fatness of the amp. "Better" is subjective, if you're happy with what you have, and it's loud enough, you already have the best combo amp.

1stnamebassist · #7 02-08-2013, 08:45 PM

Yeah RickenBoogie is right, I run my Carvin mb15 with the 15" extension cab and its like a whole new amp! Its fat, rich and a whole lot louder than the standalone mb15. I don't think I will need another amp for a long time, its serves its purpose for me which is practice, jamming with friends, and any gig which may happen to come up. The GK micro amps look good especially with the powered ext cab. My only experience with them was the 2/10 combo I tried at GC a few years back. Pretty impressive for its size.

Inconnu · #8 02-08-2013, 08:50 PM

I'll be curious about Traynor's new Small Block line they've shown at the NAMM. Pretty loud, light, cheap and Traynor as a reputation of making reliable gear.

**mjac28** · #9 02-08-2013, 08:51 PM

I have to say my Mesa M3 Carbine is the best combo I have ever,ever played through and over the years I have played through just about everything that has a speaker and a amp in one package except a Carvin and from the first buttery note I knew this baby was what I had been looking for all these years.

Russell L · #10 02-08-2013, 11:55 PM

Maybe Markbass Jeff Berlin combo. IMO.

Davyo · #11 02-09-2013, 12:06 AM

Another vote for the GK MB combos,,, best bang for the buck and they have great tone.

As far as the suggestion for the BG 250,,, it's got a very lifeless tone, worst sounding combo I have ever owned,,, and I've owned more than I can count or remember.

Cheers
Davyo

qervo · #12 02-09-2013, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russell L

Maybe Markbass Jeff Berlin combo. IMO.

+1.. I like this combo

boom boom brown · #13 03-14-2013, 06:05 PM

the vox t 60 has a killer tone , and easy to lug around!

straightblues · #14 03-14-2013, 06:43 PM

I just listened to all of the current ones out on the market. I selected the TC BG250. It is perfect for what I do. It is light and easy to carry. It sounds good and gets plenty loud with the band.

JoeWPgh · #15 03-14-2013, 06:47 PM

If lightweight is part of the desirability of a combo, the TC250 is awfully tough to top. As for best value? That depends on price. A sale on one combo can make it the value choice over another. I got my TC250 for almost $100 off street price, so it was a no brainer 'value choice'

marksrick · #16 03-16-2013, 05:58 AM

SWR SUPER REDHEAD 2X10 COMBO [550-700] USED ALOT OF PLACES. alot of potential.