What Head is the right head?
 

I recently purchased an Acoustic B410 MKII bass cab (600 watt, 8 ohm) for $150 brand new. Now I am in search of a bass head. I know I want to buy used. I have been searching but not sure what will be the best amp for the right price. I am looking in the price range of $150-$300. Here are a few heads that I've been looking at so far.

Acoustic B600h-$250
Fender Pro 400-$200
Peavey Max 450-$170
Acoustic B200h-$120
Peavey Mark VIII-$200
Peavey Mark IV-$200
Hartke model 5000-$200
Peavey max 700-$200
Fender Bassman 400-$200
Peavey Firebass 700-$200
Hartke model 3500-$200

They all are in mint condition, let me know which one seems to be the best deal, or other ones that are in the price range.

OK so I'm seeing a lot of Fender, Peavey, and Hartke in there. I can't say that the new GC Acoustic brand gets too much love here compared to the old ones, but if you dig the cab that's all that matters.

Sorry, but the answer you will get from nearly EVERYONE is to try out as many as you can with that model of cab and see which one works best for you. It's true, but aside from the Acoustic b600h you have some solid companies that you are looking at.

Some people have awesome luck with buying heads used, but just be aware of the risk involved. If there isn't a transferable warranty you may want to save up some more $$ for a head you'll have a warranty on. YMMV, that's just how I prefer to handle amplification with my money. For your price range, check out some of these amps too:

Ampeg Micro-VR
GK MB200
Ampeg PF-350


For a little more, check these out too:

GK 400RB-IV
Eden E300
Carvin BX500
Markbass Littlemark 250
Ampeg PF500
GK MB500
Aguilar TH 350

You're pretty safe with the older Peavey stuff, although I can't recommend the Max 450 @ 8Ω, it'll be pretty anemic. The Firebass and the Max 700 are Identical other than slightly different front panel graphics - powerful, will blow your cab in short order if you boost the bass knob, which you won't want to do anyway - mud city.

The right kind of head is the kind you get backstage after you play a great rock show. A GK 400RB could get you there. ebay lists a bunch starting at about $200.

For a touch more $$$ you can get a GK 700 or 1001RBII. Either of these would meet your needs for years.

Used GK 400RB or 800RB. Either can be found under $300, and in the 400RB's case...well under. I bought mine from GC used for $150 and it's in fantastic condition.