Best quality amp head under $300

[GangstaBean]

I want to get a new amp but don't have much money. I just bought a Spector NS4CR Euro and love it. I currently have a late 70s Peavey combo. Any suggestions? I need to have a line out. Wattage: 100-300 @ 8ohms. I don't need to break my windows and I also want it to not be made in China.
Thanks, Nate.

(this thread used to be "Tube vs Solid-State" but i changed it )

[rockstarbassist]

pc or mac yes is

[GangstaBean]

Originally Posted by rockstarbassist

pc or mac yes is

What?

[waveman]

Originally Posted by GangstaBean

What?

Pepsi or Coke ?

There are so many threads on this here, it's not funny.

[rockstarbassist]

Originally Posted by GangstaBean

What?

search harder

there's not just "a" thread on this

there's about 50,000. and that's not an exaggeration

[GangstaBean]

Okay, well whats the best amp head under $300 used and that's not made in
China?

[jnewmark]

Again, you are asking a pretty subjective question. How about some more info, like, what kind of music do you play, what's your gig situation, etc. Even so, you will get a million replies. Best advice is go try some amps, then try to find some used versions.

[WhoDidTheElf]

What kind of music do you play and what are you playing with? What cabs? What bass?

What tone are you aiming for?

[staindbass]

hi gangsta, you will get many opinions, here are mine. (i couldent understand what he said either, some of the guys are from other countries and no speak english too good, but are great players) i would say a hybrid amp is halfway there. if you do not notice tube sound, or appreciate it, then it should not matter. (say that on a guitar forum,lol). i think the tube sound is warmer, more organic. especially when you want some grind or distortion. i have heard solid state described as sterile, steely, strident , etched, cold, bright, etc. i have used many solid state amps (using crown macro tech now) and it didnt bother me. when a tube amp distorts is produces even order harmonics that are pleasing to the ear. solid state produces odd order harmonics which sound non musical and annoying. its hard to hear tube sound in a music store. you cant crank it up. an ampeg svt doesnt really start pumping until about 200 watts. listen to everyones opinions then go to a music store and pretend you are thinking of buying an amp (like i always do) and try an ampeg svt or other tube rig versus some solid state rigs and see if it matters to you. johnny a. staind

[GangstaBean]

I just got a Spector Euro NS4CR last weekend and now a want to get a new amp. Currently I play out of a Peavey 115 combo from 1978. Built like a tank, yes, but it's tone is just average. I want a clear, punchy, warm tone. And right now i don't have any cabs. But I'd like to keep it simple with a 210 and 115 if necessary. Wattage doesn't matter, I'd actually like to have a low wattage amp: 100-300 @ 8 ohms.

[BigOldHarry]

Used GK. I guess you're looking for a combo?

[GangstaBean]

No, I don't want a combo, I'm looking
For just a head.

[Hellbastard]

Trace Elliot Bass Amp Head AH350SM BLACKLIGHT used | eBay

[Jim Carr]

Used. Get more watts than you think you need.

[fuzzy beard]

Carvin bx250

[bwoodman]

Originally Posted by fuzzy beard

Carvin bx250

+1

Or the BX500. It's hard to find a good USA amp for under $300, but Carvin is pretty good stuff, good prices and made here in CA. I have several Carvin amps.

[jeff7bass]

Carvin BX250 or, don't laugh, Behringer B4500. I'd go for the Carvin though. Small, light, plenty of power and tons of features.

[GangstaBean]

Originally Posted by Jim Carr

Used. Get more watts than you think you need.

I typically play through a PA system so I don't need 1200 watts lol

[GangstaBean]

How are the SWRs? Like the 350x

[60bass]

Originally Posted by GangstaBean

Okay, well whats the best amp head under $300 used and that's not made in
China?

Under 300 and USA made with any decent amount of power will be a tough one. I'm pretty sure the GK RB series are "assembled" in the USA. I say "assembled" because almost every amp nowadays whether made here or somewhere in Asia are full of parts from, Taiwan, China, or elsewhere in the east. That's where the parts are made now.

For used the GK RB series are plentiful on the used market and sound good.

I wouldn't focus on where it's made. My Genz Benz GBE1200 is made in Taiwan in a factory operated by Genz Benz and is their top of the line unit. The majority of manufactures all have their factories in Asia now. Would I rather have those factories here in the USA? You bet, but we live in a world where the bulk of electronic components are manufactured in Asia and assembled in Asia where labor is cheaper. It is what it is and we can't change it, so we deal with it.

I'd focus on the sound, features, price, and what type of support the manufacturer has in case you need warranty service.

If your price point is 300 bucks and you want decent tone, watts, features, and warranty, have a look at the new Ampeg Portaflex PF350 head. At 350 watts @ 4 ohms and a street price of $299.00 it's a great deal.

Long thread about those heads here.

Ampeg PF500/PF350

As mentioned the Carvin BX500 is another decent head. Long threads here.

Carvin BX500

and here.

Carvin BX500: Part II

There are always good points and bad points listed in these threads. I've found the amp threads here on TB to be the best way to get an overall impression on any piece of gear from people who actually have bought the stuff and gig with it. Way better than your usual so called "reviews" from online stores who sell the stuff.

Good luck with your search and keep low