Peavey Max or Behringer Thunderbird?

[Jeff 66]

I'm looking at buying a practice amp and I have a few criteria:
Small
Cheap (under $100.00 new)
CD/Aux input
Headphone output

I've narrowed it down to two choices:
The Peavey Max 126 or the Behringer BX108 Thunderbird

Both meet all the listed criteria, but there are some differences.
*The Peavey is rated at 10w into a 6.5" speaker while the Behringer rates 15w into an 8".
*The Peavey has a two-band eq and a 'tube emulation' thingie. The Behringer has a three band eq.
*The Peavey has a quarter inch input for 'tape/cd in' whereas the Behringer has RCA in and out.
*Both have gain-only volume controls.
*Both can be had for 79.99 shipped.

It would almost seem obvious if I were going straight from the above comparison, as the Behringer tops the Peavey on every point. But there is the question of reputation.

Namely, Peavey amps have a solid history of reliability, and Behringer's are known to switch from bass amp to smoke machine at some unfortunate point in their careers.

Whichever I choose, its only use will be as a low-volume practice amp for playing alone and learning songs.

So, does anyone have any insight regarding these two contenders?

I know this isn't a major investment I'm pondering, but I'd just as soon make an informed decision as to go with my gut and regret it.

Thanks!

[MNAirHead]

I've owend the peavey..

Why not just get a small mixing recorder with a headphone out...

You should be able to find a local practice amp in the 30-50 range.. a 6 channel deck would be $35 or so.

=====

Basically anything in this circle of amps is just about the same ... you'll receive replies suggesting spending hundreds or one is better than the other.. they're all very similar.

[Jeff 66]

I've considered the mixer/phones option, actually. Probably not the best route for me, as I do intend to play through the speaker occasionally. Plus, my 13 year old daughter is learning bass and this may double as her practice amp.

I've pretty much exhausted the local stores and pawn shops looking for something to fit the bill. Mostly running into older stuff (Peavey Microbass amps without aux in) and larger combos (Old Peavey TNTs and the like)

I'm seriously leaning Behringer for another reason: looks. This unit will be located in a visible place in my house and it would be nice if it didn't stick out like a turd in a punchbowl. The Behringer looks less utilitarian than the Peavey... exp. if I removed the badge from the front. I just don't want to waste the dollars if the Behringer is going to burn out on me in short order.

Thanks for the reply, MN!

[ldmm]

I would go with the Peavey.
I own a Peavey Max 158, and its been a perfect practice amp so far.

[jazzblade]

The larger speaker would suit you and your daughter better overall. Unfortunately, the Behringer history as to longevity is hit and miss for their combo units. I am in no way trying to flame them. I had one of their combos for a while. It never failed and as far as I know it is still working. Others have not been as lucky.

[MNAirHead]

IF you want to do this with your daughter.. you'll need more than one in (CD/MP3 + you + her)..

you may be discussing a mixer amp and small speaker... I find them on Craigslist all day long for about $30-60

You could post an ad here in the wanted column.


========

Heck better than that.... just thought of something..

REcording deck (same thing as discussing above).. then go into your home stereo wired to the aux channel.

Back to under $50.. multiple ins.. no silly little amp around the house.

I live in a victorian - we have zero music gear around.. all of it goes into a drawer or is hidden.

I own some practice amps.. they're all kind of a joke.. there is a build point where they become useful to small gigs etc.

[waleross]

+1 on the Peavey. Great reviews and a great price......................

[MNAirHead]

craigslist example
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...932769465.html

Sweet little practice amp - price reduced/taking offers! - $30 (North Metro/Mpls)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: 2010-09-02, 10:51AM CDT
Reply to: sale-eggra-1932769465@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


I tried posting this before and realized that there is a lot of competition to sell practice amps on craig's list. I dropped my price and I'm willing to take offers, so let me know what you think this thing is worth. Please take the time to read my description below before trying to low-ball me with a puny offer. All the same, make me an offer! I need the cash for new gear.

Great little practice amp. It has "modern" and "vintage" settings for the overdrive, giving you the two most essential sounds that you get from a modeling amp without the modeling amp price tag. It also has Peavey's TransTube technology, using the signal resistance of a transistor to simulate real tube sound. Pre- and post- gain on the overdrive channel. 1/4" Headphone jack. It's in perfect condition; no snags on the Tolex. All the wiring is solid. It also has a CD input. Just last weekend I plugged my ipod into it along with my guitar and was able to practice along with the music while listening through the headphone jack! It really is the perfect practice amp.

[Makatak]

Your quote "Behringer's are known to switch from bass amp to smoke machine at some unfortunate point in their careers"

LMAO !

[tigerfire]

Originally Posted by Jeff 66

Behringers are known to switch from bass amp to smoke machine at some unfortunate point in their careers.

True that. A friend of mine has a 4x10 Behringer Cab with one of their 450 watt heads that has blown 3 of the 4 speakers.