Intermediate amp with headphones input

[LennyPenny]

Hi,

I'm new to TalkBass and to bass. I don't have one yet but I'm planning on buying a Squier P-bass in july and I'm looking for the right amp. I've been playing guitar for 14 years so I'm not that interested in real beginner amps, especially with future gigs in mind.
I've been looking at some bigger combos and the Ashdown MAG C115-300 seems right on the money but it doesn't have a headphones input. I live in what I think could be considered a dorm (12 rooms) so it's kind of essential that it's got a headphones input.
I'm a student so cost is another priority: around $200.

I'm really at a loss. I'd rather get the MAG because it would be cheaper in the long run but since I'm not in a band yet and I'm stuck in this dorm at least two more years, it makes more sense to get something small until I graduate. Then I'll be able to fully use the 300W of the MAG without having to hold back to avoid complaints.

In essence what I'm looking for
-combo
-around $200 or less
-MUST have headphones input
-has to sound good obviously

Really frustrating: I want the MAG and can easily afford. If only it had a phones input...

[lindseyp]

I think you mean headphone OUTPUT. Something like this Traynor, Traynor Amps: Bass Combos, maybe. Use it as a reference to compare prices to stay within your budget. Bass frequencies travel through walls, even the concrete block walls of old dorms, so you may want to consider practicing on something like the Korg Pandora and plugging in your amp only in a rehearsal space on on the gig. Just giving you options.

[Wes Whitmore]

GK MB200. Practice features with an amp that actually sounds good and has decent power for $200 ish.

[LennyPenny]

Originally Posted by Wes Whitmore

GK MB200. Practice features with an amp that actually sounds good and has decent power for $200 ish.

I can only find this one as head.
This is what I've got so far:
-GK Backline 110 II combo (can't find it on GK website though)
-Ashdown Perfect Ten
-Behringer Ultrabass something?

I've read that GK, Ashdown and Ampeg are decent but I'm really a noob as far as bass amps go... What about Behringer, Lany and Hartke?

I'd still like SOME wattage though, around 100 if possible.

[AMp'D.2play]

do you intend to play out prior to graduating in 2 years? if not, something along the lines of an acoustic b20 or kustom kb20 should suit you well, and they're both well under $200 (new). the acoustic b20, which i owned, sounds good for its price point. heck, for just hanging around a dorm, the acoustic b10 should suffice. closer to $200 & for a little more oomph, the peavey max112 or ampeg ba110 gets you 35-40w. the fender rumble 30 might be something to look at, as well.

since you still have 3-4 months 'til you get the bass, saving up to get you closer to $300 increases your options: GK mb112, line 6 lowdown studio 110, stuff like that.

of course, getting any of the above used saves you even more.

[LennyPenny]

Money isn't that much of a problem actually. I can afford the MAG but I'd rather not spend much more than 200 euros on a good small amp because I will buy the MAG (which is 389) or something comparable anyway within the forseeable future.
The GK mb115 is 398 btw.

I suppose I could sell it when I finally get the MAG so maybe the mb115 isn't such a bad idea after all.
Is the Behringer BXL450 or 900 any good? I've read some mixed reviews here, which put me off a little.

Peavey max112 (180 euros) and Ampeg ba110 (220 euros) seem pretty valid as well.

And btw it's not really a dorm room, more of a small studio With very thin walls...

[dukeisdog]

Why not get the mb200, and use it without a cab, then when you join a band, you could buy a cab?

[Wes Whitmore]

I didn't know $200 was Euro...I was giving you US.

Welcome to Gallien-Krueger: Power to Groove

Best amp out there for the money...

[AMp'D.2play]

How about a slightly different twist? Since you like the MAG and would keep it long-term, why not get it along with a headphone amplifier to use when you need to be quiet?

The Cafe Walter is highly thought of (I'm looking at one myself), but if it's a little too rich for your blood (that + the MAG), there are less expensive options out there that accomplish the same thing.

And you do have until July to save up!

[LennyPenny]

@ Wes: sorry I mixed the two up, I said and meant dollars in my original post but didn't bother to convert euros to dollars for the rest.
The mb200 is a head, I really don't get how it's an amp... :$

@ AMp'D.2play: that does sound like a plan, could you give me some more options about good headphones amps? The only flaw about it is that I don't think I could use the MAG that much. I haven't got a clue about how easily bass sound can penetrate walls/floor but I suspect that a 4 storey building with pretty flimsy walls doesn't pose much of a challenge.
So my key question: how quiet is the MAG at low volume?

Really appreciate all the helpful info so far, thanks!

[LennyPenny]

Decided to get the Squier plus Vox amPlug (and strap/new strings) during the Easter break. Then I should have some money left in the piggy bank to continue saving up for the MAG, which I'll hopefully be able to afford this summer. I'll be at home for three months during summer break so I'll have plenty of time to use it.
Since I can't make a lot of noise anyway, I'll get by with the amPlug until then.

As far as I'm concerned, this can be locked up.