Best combo under $200

[Doublesixes]

What would you choose for small venues/rehearsals and a very tight budget?

Ideally it would have a balanced XLR output and a nice driver that would not distort the E string at gig levels.

[Bass_Pounder]

Under $200 but able to play gig volumes, good speaker, DI - probably NONE

Go used, and even then, $200 will not go very far

[SBassman]

Sometimes I think all these amp threads are practical jokes.

There are 4 billion threads like this here, and about 100 a week.

Seriously - 200 dollars - new anyway - if there's no PA - means - no gigging. Get yourself up to 3 to 400 dollars and that's where it starts - for low volume rehearsals and very small venues.

[Doublesixes]

Well, it looks like $200 ain't gonna cut it. How about the Ampeg BA115?
It'll set me back another $180 but it's got the name recognition and a 15 inch driver.

[SBassman]

Take a look at the GK MB combos. Amazing bang for the buck.

[Sav'nBass]

I don't know about under $200 but this is a good buy.

[4Mal]

Craigslist, used, Peavey or something else that is not light... And you can do something that will be way, way better than that Ampeg... Tried one of those and the best thing about it was the .... Tolex...

There is a used GK MB115 in the GS. For $325... That is a really good bet. I've played through them at open mic's when I was too lazy to drag my rig and listened to them from out front. Had one available to me for use on a small festival setting, side stage on a lareg flatbed that I mixed. I took the DI to the FOH and used that, the GK carried the stage. Six sets of mostly acoustic instruments plus a couple of fusion jazz bands with elec guitars, keys, saxes and drums... No complaints.

So, I've never owned one but based on my experiences with them, the GK 115 combo is a really nice amp in it's range.

That GK will rock the BA115 or the 200 out the back door...

[Rob Martinez]

Ampeg BA112 is excellent for $279 new. I love mine!

[ebonalley]

Peavey.

[Doublesixes]

I'm really thankful to all you for the feedback. It seems that $200 will afford me nothing larger than a 10" driver and maybe 40 Watts. I would think that that is enough for just stage presence, provided the band doesn't play metal or something requiring high output.

I'll playing some fusion, jazz and an occasional T40 tune in a 4 piece band with a drummer but I prefer low volume shows (hate it with when the patrons give you a dirty look if they have difficulty talking among each other). I thought a balanced out was a must if using a PA, if required.

GK gear is awesome but their new line of amps seems a bit too steep for me right now. Heck, BA115 falls in the same category.

[dalkowski]

Used Peavey and you can cancel your gym membership.

[kdogg]

Look for an old peavey tnt 115. They can be had cheap, because they weight a ton, but they are pretty loud and sound pretty good. Did I mention they are really heavy!

[RyanJD]

Acoustic combos generally have good reviews.
To get some sound at a cheap price, check out the B100.
That'll hold up for small venues...not much more.

[Doublesixes]

I do own an old (1987) Peavey TNT 300 combo with a 15" BW driver, but it's in LA, California that is and I'm presently in FL so shipping cost for that baby is a consideration. Certainly that 300 Watts big boy would do any gig but although reliable, the sound was a bit harsh.

[dalkowski]

Originally Posted by Doublesixes

I do own an old (1987) Peavey TNT 300 combo with a 15" BW driver, but it's in LA, California that is and I'm presently in FL so shipping cost for that baby is a consideration. Certainly that 300 Watts big boy would do any gig but although reliable, the sound was a bit harsh.

Finding another TNT shouldn't be that hard.

RE "harsh": Sounds like it boils down to loud enough, short money and good sound. You may have to settle for 2 out of 3.

[MakoMan]

I`ve seen Yorkville XM200 combos pop up in the local classifieds many times for around the $200 mark. They`re a bit heavy, but no more so than a BA115, literally unbreakable and will keep up with anything.... MUCH more volume than a BA115 for example. I also had a GK MB115 and the Yorkville would blow it through the wall in a contest.

[SBassman]

Originally Posted by MakoMan

I also had a GK MB115 and the Yorkville would blow it through the wall in a contest.

!

[1stnamebassist]

Carvin mb is a good combo. And lightweight too. You can find good used peaveys on evilbay sometimes at reasonable prices.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Doublesixes

Well, it looks like $200 ain't gonna cut it. How about the Ampeg BA115?
It'll set me back another $180 but it's got the name recognition and a 15 inch driver.

BA115 is pretty cool and a killer sound for the money. That's right around the stage where they're more useful for other stuff besides light practices and are actually giggable. Having said that, I've gigged on a BA110 and BA108, but distorting the E at louder than acoustic levels is a given with the BA108 and the BA110 works for me on some gigs but doesn't have an XLR out, only 1/4", and I tend to have to push it a little hard sometimes. So the BA115 or similar with 100w and a 115 or 210 is probably your best bet. You could also check out the Micro CL but it's a little lighter in the lows than the BA115, so I think the BA115 would be your best bet.

[FourBanger]

So at least 100 watts and 210, 112, 115 or so?

The Peavey Max II 110 is $200 but just shy on the speaker sizes but puts out 100 watts.

The Max II 112 is 200 watts into a 12 for $250. The 115 is 300 watts $300.

Personally I am looking closely at the 110 and 112 for an inexpensive tweener combo.