Combo amps (educate me please!)

[EamusCatuli]

I'm looking for a new combo amp. It doesn't necessarily have to be a combo amp, but I don't really know where to begin looking at seperate components. And since these three combos have the ability to drive seperate cabs, isn't that good enough?

I'm looking at:

Acoustic B450 2X10
Hartke VX3500
Peavey Tour TNT115.

I need plenty of volume to keep up with my two screaming guitarists who can't set the dial below 9. My price range is $500 - $900.

Would love your opinions on combo vs big rig (and why). And how do you shop for seperate components when the combinations seem infinite?

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I'd rather not drop this kind of dough on something I'm going to want to upgrade down the road because it's not enough power.

Thanks.

[will33]

The trick to keeping up with un-disciplined guitarists is a little more power and a lot more speakers. 2-15's OR at least 2 maybe 4 12's OR 6 or 8 10's (or a pair of 410's) AND a few hundred watts to drive them. That's not really combo amp territory except for maybe the largest, most powerful one that also has ability to add cabs to it, not sure, I haven't bought a combo in a long time.

You can get it in the used market though and stay within your price range or at least the top end of it.

It would be a lot cheaper, easier and be much less crap to haul around if your guitar players would turn down a bit, ya know. Like think of your overall product/performance and not just themselves....good luck with that one.

[RickenBoogie]

+1 I'd skip the combo's, and go for something bigger. Look for an amp with at least 300 watts, and focus on speakers. A 4x10 is bare bones minimum. The rest is just a matter of test driving whatever is available to you locally, to see what sounds good to you. Just remember, loud volume means plenty of speakers, much more so than super high wattage amps- never skimp on speakers. Your budget will do fine, especially if you shop for used gear.

[joebar]

check out mesa Walkabout 1 12. decievingly powerful little box...