Recommendation for Bass Amp < $1000

[major10th]

Current equipment: 97 Fender J-Bass, Fender KXR100 Keyboard Amp, Xotic RC Booster.

I've recently started playing (after a very long break) and would like to upgrade from the KXR100. I'm not playing out, just currently practicing and playing at home.

The KXR100 sounds OK, I guess, but I can't seem to get a decent tone from it. It always sounds muddy to me, maybe it's the 15' speaker, I don't really know. The KXR100 is also fairly heavy at 55 pounds and the reverb circuit is messed up (buzzes and crackles when turned past 9 o'clock).

I've been trying to come up to speed on all the brands, reviews, etc, but it's pretty daunting. I haven't yet begun to audition any amps and I'm not even sure yet about the basic combo/stack decision.

One particular combo that looks interesting is the Markbass Mini CMD 121P 300/500W 1x12 Bass Combo

So is it reasonable to expect that I can significantly improve on the sound of the KRX100 for under $1000, I would hope so?

Here are my criteria:

• Total cost under $1000.
• Combo or stack, I really don't yet have a preference.
• Noticeable sound/tone improvement over the KXR100.
• Total weight under 50 pounds.
• A reliable, repairable amp from a well-regarded manufacturer.
• Volume suitable for home practice, but also loud enough to eventually play with other electric instruments (i.e. guitar, drums, etc) in a reasonably sized indoor environment.
• Good high-end response to accommodate percussive/funk styles.
• Versatile (things like Speakon connector for cab extension, effects loop, and other features that I'm not really sure of yet).

Your thoughts and opinions are most welcomed.
Thanks

[RickenBoogie]

There are literally dozens of great options, and any one of them would be a significant tonal improvement from what you've got now. The Markbass combo is one good choice, just realize that you *may* need to add an additional speaker to that combo if you started playing with a band. Your budget is more than enough to get something really nice.

[shoot-r]

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

There are literally dozens of great options, and any one of them would be a significant tonal improvement from what you've got now. The Markbass combo is one good choice, just realize that you *may* need to add an additional speaker to that combo if you started playing with a band. Your budget is more than enough to get something really nice.

+1...


The system I recently put together that you might consider.
G.K. MB2-500 head, 350 watts at 8 ohms, 500 watts at 4 ohms, 580 watts total power, 3.8 lbs. .......$499.00
Two, 8 ohm, Avatar Neo 210 cabinets, 40 lbs. ea. ...$319.00 ea.
Use one cab for rehearsals/small gigs, both when more volume and coverage is needed.
Stack the two 210's in the vertical for a vertical 410 for the advantages of a line array system.
Total cost was around $1140.00