Best 200 Watt Amp

[mexicanyella]

A 100 watt difference is negligible?

In my experience it is noticeable but not a game-changer. I use an old Peavey rack power amp that delivers 210 watts into my 4-ohm Audiokinesis 4 x 8” cab, alongside a loud drummer and a guitarist with a 100-watt Marshall half stack. Powered by 100 or 150 watts, I can “hear myself if I stand in the right place and squint kind of funny.”

With my 210-watt Peavey getting pushed pretty hard into DDT-activation territory, I can hear myself better and I fit in the mix, but it’s running wide open to do it. That amp can do that all day long and not overheat, but it’s barely adequate in my situation.

 

[Balog]

In my experience it is noticeable but not a game-changer. I use an old Peavey rack power amp that delivers 210 watts into my 4-ohm Audiokinesis 4 x 8” cab, alongside a loud drummer and a guitarist with a 100-watt Marshall half stack. Powered by 100 or 150 watts, I can “hear myself if I stand in the right place and squint kind of funny.”

With my 210-watt Peavey getting pushed pretty hard into DDT-activation territory, I can hear myself better and I fit in the mix, but it’s running wide open to do it. That amp can do that all day long and not overheat, but it’s barely adequate in my situation.

I didn’t know Audiokinesis made a 4x8, cool! What’s it like?

 

[mexicanyella]

It’s the (now discontinued, I think) Birdhaus 48 model. Two front-facing FaitalPRO 8PR200 neo drivers, plus one facing out of each side. The idea was to get even dispersion of mids and highs without needing a crossover or tweeter. Works well; I can hear myself equally well anywhere my cord will reach, including looking right down at the top of the cab. At 210-watt levels it’s loafing; each individual driver could nearly handle that. Hoping my next wattage increase will get me into the 600-800 bracket, funds permitting. The Peavey is a solid, overbuilt unit and its $40 price tag offsets its bulk and weight pretty well, but I would like a little more slam in my wham sometimes. Requests to turn down the drums and guitar have been unproductive so far.

The cab has two ports with removable plugs on the back, and running with them both open gives the lows a little more heft and “bloom,” which helps given my wattage limitations. Plugging one or both ports tightens the lows but works worse in our particular band mix. The looser lows have been liveable given that it’s just a four-string P tuned a half-step down.

But if I had 600-800 watts, maybe I’d like it plugged and tighter. Maybe time will tell.

Dr. Cheese, hopefully this is at least a little relevant to your question; if not, sorry for going off-topic.

I didn’t know Audiokinesis made a 4x8, cool! What’s it like?

 

[zon6c-f]

Looking to upgrade my amp, I currently have a Fender Rumble 100, but I need some more power. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg, so my budget is $600-ish. I like the Rumble, but are there better options on the market?

On the more affordable end, I’d choose GC Acoustic (head & cab or another cab of your choice.

if you can afford it , I recommend Bergantino forte’ head: class-D @ 6 lbs but far more rms power rating ( you won’t be disappointed )

Above all: Use your ears/wallet and keep us posted!

 

[Dana R Gregory]

I vote for the GK MB115. 200 watts out of a 15" speaker. I have used one before and was very pleased with it. Plenty of volume and you can always attach a powered 15" cab to double your output. The MB112 is also worth a look. 200 watts out of a 12" speaker. Both are light at under 35lbs. The Rumble 200 will not give you a full 200 watts without an extension speaker. Good luck.

 

[Kelly robinson]

Hi Dr .
As many have said I'd go for 500 watts and a decent used cab - single 12 or something similar . Tough to get both for 600 $ but certainly , possible if you keep your eyes on the classifieds here . More power equals more headroom equals more control of your picking style and touch and you end up with more sound of a higher quality . At least , that's been my experience . I had an Eden 300 that was okay but kinda low volume - moved to a Kustom 500 @ 300$ and a used boutique Nahas single 12 cab at 200 $ and am very happy . It does not though compete well with my Yamaha PB-1 preamp and QSC 1602 with the same cab . Now that rig puts out some serious sound waves . I can play as lightly as I want and still be heard well - although truth be told - in my case that is not always the best thing ! LOL ... Kelly

 

[skidmarkbass]

Never tried one, but the Ibanez P3110 Promethean Bass Combo Amplifier seems interesting. 300 watts 1 x 10" with external cab capability.

I bought one last year for acoustic gigs, it died after a week, I sent it back. I really wanted to like it, looked great.

 

[Rabidhamster]

Y’all talkin to Mr Cheese not Dr Cheese.

@op I’d look into a used cab and head combo locally, but I’d also look at more than 200 if available.

 

[TNCreature]

My Gallien-Krueger MB200 head with the 4ohm 2x12 cabinet was incredibly loud and satisfying.

 

[mexicanyella]

Y’all talkin to Mr Cheese not Dr Cheese.

That was my mistake; sorry, Mr. Cheese!

 

[Bassdirty]

On the more affordable end, I’d choose GC Acoustic (head & cab or another cab of your choice..

This ^^

You can get lots of watts for $600 with the GC "Acoustic" brand. Especially if you buy used. You can get a 200 watt combo for 200 bucks. (though, you may as well get more). I saw a used 600 watt head for $199. Plenty left for a used 410, or a couple of 15s.. or even a couple a 12s..
Plenty loud, and sound just fine. Don't listen to what the gear snobs tell ya.

T$

 

[bassplayer9512]

I you want to stay solid state and like the Rumble tone just get a bigger Rumble. If you want something more modern get a GK MB500 or RB700 head and cab or combo. If I get a pure solid state head again it will be a GK.

 

[SB300]

I would add to give the Rumble 500 combo a test run. I cannot contrast it to the other brands and models mentioned above, but I own one and find it to be quite impressive. I compared the 500 it to the 200 and to me it was a no brainer to spend the extra dollars. Keep in mind the Rumble 500 runs at 350 watts unless you add another 8 ohm speaker cab. BUT: If the Rumble 500 combo is not loud enough then your band IMO is way too loud. My 2 cents as I sit here with my 65 year old ears that ring continuously.

 

[Skillet]

View attachment 3684712 It’s the (now discontinued, I think) Birdhaus 48 model. Two front-facing FaitalPRO 8PR200 neo drivers, plus one facing out of each side. The idea was to get even dispersion of mids and highs without needing a crossover or tweeter. Works well; I can hear myself equally well anywhere my cord will reach, including looking right down at the top of the cab. At 210-watt levels it’s loafing; each individual driver could nearly handle that. Hoping my next wattage increase will get me into the 600-800 bracket, funds permitting. The Peavey is a solid, overbuilt unit and its $40 price tag offsets its bulk and weight pretty well, but I would like a little more slam in my wham sometimes. Requests to turn down the drums and guitar have been unproductive so far.

The cab has two ports with removable plugs on the back, and running with them both open gives the lows a little more heft and “bloom,” which helps given my wattage limitations. Plugging one or both ports tightens the lows but works worse in our particular band mix. The looser lows have been liveable given that it’s just a four-string P tuned a half-step down.

But if I had 600-800 watts, maybe I’d like it plugged and tighter. Maybe time will tell.

Dr. Cheese, hopefully this is at least a little relevant to your question; if not, sorry for going off-topic.

I would think that raising your rig up to where it's closer to your ears would be helpful. That's a neat cabinet.

 

[Kelly robinson]

Yikes - mistaking Dr's for Mister's ! Not good policy if you need medical care but probably ok for giving amp advice ... LOL - guilty as charged though ..... Kelly

 

[Bikingbasser]

Both of my amps are 200 watts, and I strongly recommend them; the SWR Studio 220 and Peavey VB2. I play them thru a pair of efficient 1x12" cabs and they're plenty loud.

 

[Eddie LeBlanc]

Just going from 100 watts to 200 watts is no guarantee there will be any drastic increase in volume. Seems that is volume is what your are wanting.

Here is the Rule: BTW a 3db increase is usually only slightly perceptible.

"In audio, a watt is a measure of the energy output of a receiver or amplifier used to power a loudspeaker. ... Doubling the power output (watts) will result in a 3 dB increase in loudness. A ten times increase to the power output will result in a 10 dB increase, or sound that is twice as loud."

What this means, is unless you have a better efficiency speaker system, the loudness rating of a cabinet in SPLs per watt, there will be very little difference in volume.

My advice is look for many more watts. At minimum a 300 to 500 watt class "D" amp is what you need. Or even an 800 watt amp. So best wishes and good luck.

 

[Spirit of Ox]

GK 400RB II. I would get one that's mid 80's-1991

 

[jdwinva]

All good points above. But if you are stuck with 200 watts go with a Trace Elliot Elf.

 

[AcridSaint]

If you want a combo, look at the Trace-Elliot ELF combo. 200w 110, super light, sounds great, fits your budget, and you can add a second 110 later as money allows.

If you have $600 for a head, consider an Aguilar TH350.