$500 budget which amp?

[mtakos]

I've been playing bass for about 6 months I have a little 50w Rouge amp and it just isn't cutting it any more. I'm willing to spend about $500. The Ashdown MAG C115-300 or the C210 looks really nice for the price. I have two questions what would be the difference in the sound between one 15inch versus the two 10inch speakers? Also could any one suggest a better or better valued amp within my budget. Thanks!

 

[LowBSix]

I prefer 2x10 with lots of power=as much as you can afford.... Surf through hear, Link Removed and on the bay.... you'll be amazed at what you can find. I saw a GK 2x10 w 500watts go out on the bay for $275 plus shipping... that was a killder deal...
Patience to get something you can ad another cabinet to at some point will be worth it!

 

[Dan Kahanamoku]

Yeah, I'd check craigslist too. You aren't going to get too much more than 100W for $500 if you go with something new.

 

[basskababble]

I just went with a hartke 3500 and 410's. You seem to be looking for a combo i guess but that's expanable/rackmountable which I really like.

 

[Eminor3rd]

If you want to go new, Hartke HA2500 is $249 and Hartke VX410 is $249.

 

[Crockettnj]

scan craigslist daily, scour the TB classifieds, and find yourself an avatar cab (210, 212, 115, whatever) and a good solid used head. BUY USED BUY USED BUY USED.

The economy is getting a little rough for some people, and deals are to be had.

I'd send NICKYBASS a PM and see if he is still selling part of his AMP fleet. GREAT amps. You'll have $ left over for an avatar or other used cab if you look. The AMP and a couple of 1x12's may well be all you EVER need. get one now, one later.

IMO

 

[LowBSix]

Found all these down by the bay..... Click and go.....

GALLIEN KRUEGER 700RB BI-AMP BASS GUITAR AMPLIFIER NICE

Fender Bassman 250 watt 2x10 bass amp

Ampeg SVT3-Pro Bass Amp w/ Genz Benz 2-space Rack Case

Trace Elliot GP7SM GP7 SM 200 4 x 10" Bass Combo Amp

SWR SM-900 Professional Bass Amplifier. SM 900 Amp.Nice

PEAVEY 410 TVX Bass Guitar Amp Cabinet Enclosure 700W

 

[mothra2]

You can get a used CA-9 for that price, which will power ANYTHING. Then buy a cheap used pre and you're all set.

 

[Spinal Tapper]

That's a tough one! I'd say Ebay or Craigslist for a decent head (SWR 350 or Ampeg B2R) for around $350 and a 1x15 cab for $150??? Hope this helps.

 

[BassmanPaul]

You don't list a location but if you are in North America have a look at the Carvin.com website. Great gear at direct pricing with free shipping. Ten day in home trial period.

Paul

 

[ksandvik]

That's a tough one! I'd say Ebay or Craigslist for a decent head (SWR 350 or Ampeg B2R) for around $350 and a 1x15 cab for $150??? Hope this helps.

Yes, but 1x15 cabs are boomy, boomy, boomy... --Kent

 

[Spinal Tapper]

Yes, but 1x15 cabs are boomy, boomy, boomy... --Kent

I <3 Boomy, Boomy, Boomy

If you have a good head, you should be able to level it out a bit.
Guess it depends on the EQ.

 

[ksandvik]

I <3 Boomy, Boomy, Boomy

If you have a good head, you should be able to level it out a bit.
Guess it depends on the EQ.

Maybe. Recently I've been to many jam sessions where the house band amp setup had a single 15", and I indeed am struggling half of the first song to get a decent sound out of them... --Kent

 

[ClassicRock55]

IDK if someone suggested it yet, but a GK Backline 600 head (300W) and a GK Backline 4x10 cab will run you 600. Its a bit over five hundred but its one of the better inexpensive rigs out there.

 

[Kennethfaria]

like the other people said, Buy used youll get ALOT more out of your money.

Also get 12's. 15's are too boomy, 12 are mid-rangey and some are just tight.

If you have the tools and time, and like DIY's, BFM cabs are the way to go, for aroudn 200 you can build a superb bass cab with the recommended drivers that leaves you with 300. which should be plenty for an amp.

 

[SwitchGear]

Yes, but 1x15 cabs are boomy, boomy, boomy... --Kent

All 15" cabs?

 

[ksandvik]

All 15" cabs?

Actually I like the Ampeg 15" cab, that was good. As for others, phew, you really struggle to get a carrying bass sound with most others I've played/tested. I would recommend going with any 2x10, 2x12 or 4x10 combination. --Kent

 

[tjh]

keep it simple ... your not sure what you like at this point, so definitely buy used ... if you find your tastes changing you wont be the one to take the hit of the first resale ... best deal you can find at the time you are ready on a $500 head of choice for $300, and a used Avatar B210 or 112 for the other $200 and you are set until you find your dream rig, or just get a case of gas ... JMHO

 

[Barfly]

save up for a Markbass 112 combo...seriously.

 

[JmJ]

I've had the Ashdown MAG C115-300 for years now and it's been totally reliable.
This is a pretty full range amp, it will give you deepness but is also capable of
some earsplitting treble. I prefer the sound of 15" to 10" any day. Without an extension cabinet your only getting 150 watts mind you but you can always add a 2x10 later to have the full 300 watts and the best of both worlds,