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Best amp <$500

Sludgewhale

Sludgewhale

Jan 9, 2015
42
7
33
#1
Hey guys,

So i've been looking at all the wise comments on TB about combos that are sick, why not to get combos, etc, before making a decision to purchase an amp. Its been a year since I got back into the bass game and everytime I see the combo i'm using now (dare I say the silvertone bax 20 watt savage that I got 16 years ago) I realize more and more that I am in serious need. So i'm looking at combos in the range of 150-200 watts to be able to jam with my friends. I play all types a rock and metal mostly sounds resembling isis, big business and mastodon. I currently have a zoom b3 which I use the SVT effect with every patch because I like the tone.

The four that I have been looking at are:

Fender Rumble 200 1x15" 200-Watt Bass Combo

Orange Crush Pix CR100BXT 1x15" 100-Watt Bass Combo Orange

Ampeg BA-115v2 1x15" 150-Watt Bass Combo with Scrambler

Gallien-Krueger MB115-II 1x15" 200-Watt Bass Combo


I know the orange is only 100 watts I just wanted to see what you guys had to say. Also i'm not opposed to getting a head and cab if there is anything worth is for my budget. Thanks guys.

EDIT:

After much research and taking everyones advice heres what i'm now considering:

Peavey MAX 115 1x15" 300-Watt Bass Combo

Peavey Tour TKO 115 1x15" 400-Watt Bass Combo

Ampeg BA-210v2 - 2x10" 450-Watt Bass Combo with Scrambler

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#2
So, you're budget is 400-500$, correct?
What exactly does jamming with your friends mean? A drummer or a guitarist and bedroom volume or a full rock/metal band? What equipment do your friends use? That will help determining your power requirements.
150-200 W combos could/should be fine at reasonable band volumes, though.
Regarding your selection: I have no personal experience with any of the models, but the Fender Rumbles get a lot of love on here (also available as heads & cabs separately). The Ampeg BAs are also well received, if I'm not mistaken.
Head & cab combinations give you more flexibilty in the long run, but will cost a little bit more than 500$ new.
Something like this: Ampeg SVT Micro Stack - SVT Micro Head and SVT-210AV Cabinet | Sweetwater.com
or Ampegs Portaflex Series.
Also known for being bang for the buck is Hartke, the Gallien-Krueger MB-Series amps (not sure about cabs though) and Peavey (esp. the older stuff).
A lot of people recommend buying used, I'm not a big fan, so other members will tell what to look for exactly (i.e. what's "built like a tank" & what's not...)
 
#3
Joce

its funny you mentioned the micro stack i was checking that before, my only concern is how compatible the head or cab would be with a larger cab or simply to what extent I can increase the volume. I have zero experience when it comes to that stuff. in my case jamming would be everything from practicing with drums and guitar to hopefully bar gigs. My friend is about to get a 100-150 watt amp for his guitar. Overall I just want something that will be able to handle a full rock/metal band in a small indoor venue to try to put a label on what i'm looking for. I agree with you I only like to buy new and if theres something recommended for over $500 im all ears.

Thanks
 
#4
Look towards the Rumble 500 2x10 combo
Fender RUMBLE 500 2x10 500W Bass Combo Amp | Musician's Friend
I own the head. I use it as a backup to my Mesa Titan V12.
The tone flat is killer. My only real gripes are no tuner out, And no speak on jack.
Loud and warm 500 watts for 549. If you need more you can add a matching extension cab.
I seriously doubt that you would.
You spec 15"... you could get it in the 115 for too I just prefer multi driver cabs... 15s are not "necessarily " deeper than 10s.
The GK stuff is great too.(if you like it's baked in tone...kinda scooped with a upper midrange hump and kind of bright)
The orange is good ( but it's really flavored and fuzzy )
I'd also look at the micro stack as has been statef
 
#6
Of what you've listed, go GK. Excellent in its own right, plus has expandability.

Definitely forget Orange.

If you only need a single 15, you need to seriously think about the T.C. Electronic BG250-115 (or 210). Here's a 115 on eVilbay for $370 (w/Make Offer option). You could do $350 even if you're a terrible negotiator. I'd go with the BG250 over any of the ones you listed, again, unless you want an extension cab possibility. Then as mentioned, GK. TC Electronic BG250 115 Toneprint Enabled Bass Combo Amplifier Amp Demo | eBay

Musicians Friend has a used, tiny blem BG250-210 for $399. It'll very likely be loudest of all, at least slightly, due to driver coupling (+3 dB). Call'em & ask for even more discount. Worst they can say is no. Gotta talk to a supervisor, though, or higher. Only talk to the rep you initially get on the phone & you'll get shot down each & every time ;). Used TC Electronic BG250-210 250W 2x10 Bass Combo with 2 TonePrint Slots Black | Musician's Friend

Best choice, though, would be to find a Genz Benz Contour 115. But company has gone under so they're not easy to locate. Still best combo choice available, imho. And like the GK, expandable. Invalid Link Removed

You'll get a lot more bang-for-you-buck, though, going used. Always the smartest way. And if you see the wisdom in this, a GK MB200 (minty) can be had for $200 shipped. Then you'd have ~$300 left for a local CL cab (or shipped non-local box if you're real fortunate) of your choice. Where are you located? $300 buys a lot of used cab. 410s are pretty EZ to come by.

And it's really displacement (total speaker area x Xmax, back/forth speaker movement), not RMS, that actually has a much greater hand in determining loudness. A 410 has ~ twice the displacement (Vd) of a 115 (a 210 being = to a 115, generally).
 
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#8
If you want to stay with a combo you should go with one of the models suggested here (as much speaker area & displacement as possible as well as output power). Keep in mind that for more volume an extension cab will be the best and easiest solution, if the need arises (=the combo isn't loud enough on its own). First would always be to agree as a band to turn down ;)
To go head & cab would open a whole 'nother can of worms, so for that a maximum budget would be helpful.
 
#9
You've made some good choices @Sludgewale.

Orange amps may be cute, but the sound quality just isn't there.

Ampeg BA series have a history of quality control issues to include S.udden A.mpeg D.eath S.yndrome or S.A.D.S
The jury is out on the new V2'S. A few early adopters have indeed run into some issues. Some returns have been made. It's a gamble and it's your choice. Also the BA-115 is non-expandable and will always be 'just a combo'.

The Fender Rumble 200 is an excellent choice. Great front end for lots of super high quality tonal versatility. D-Class B&O ICE Power section. Expandable with a powered 8 ohm extension speaker output jack. Best in business five year warranty and 12 year reputation for rock solid reliability. Fender's Rumble series are the best selling bass amps world wide and are the market leaders in: wattage; weight, and price point.

Coming in at #2 is (you guessed it) Gaillien-Krueger! Their new combo systems are very good and well thought out. They are on the expensive side and are expandable only with their own GK powered extension cabinets. They sound good and are reliable.
 
#10
Sludgewhale said:
Hey guys,

So i've been looking at all the wise comments on TB about combos that are sick, why not to get combos, etc, before making a decision to purchase an amp. Its been a year since I got back into the bass game and everytime I see the combo i'm using now (dare I say the silvertone bax 20 watt savage that I got 16 years ago) I realize more and more that I am in serious need. So i'm looking at combos in the range of 150-200 watts to be able to jam with my friends. I play all types a rock and metal mostly sounds resembling isis, big business and mastodon. I currently have a zoom b3 which I use the SVT effect with every patch because I like the tone.

The four that I have been looking at are:

Fender Rumble 200 1x15" 200-Watt Bass Combo

Orange Crush Pix CR100BXT 1x15" 100-Watt Bass Combo Orange

Ampeg BA-115v2 1x15" 150-Watt Bass Combo with Scrambler

Gallien-Krueger MB115-II 1x15" 200-Watt Bass Combo

I know the orange is only 100 watts I just wanted to see what you guys had to say. Also i'm not opposed to getting a head and cab if there is anything worth is for my budget. Thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Of what you list I would personally go for the GK.

HOWEVER, you state "Overall I just want something that will be able to handle a full rock/metal band in a small indoor venue".
IMO, although they may work OK, you would be marginal (as in at the edge of volume adjustability) with any of the ones you list with this scenario.
Although there is a fellow who posts here who uses a Traynor SB115 with a full rock band and says he has plenty of volume, so that is another amp to consider.
I would try to steer folks into the 500W amp range with what you are shooting for. I have a Traynor SB500H and it will cover anything I want to do. I will also 2nd the GB Contour 500 suggestion - if you can find one. IMO it will blow those 150-200W combos out the door - I have one and it will hang with my SB500H for volume.
 
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#11
Thanks for the quick replies, so it seems like the ampeg mini stack wouldn't be worth the money considering the ampeg 500 watt combo is $100 cheaper. I just want to make sure that I won't make a purchase that won't be useful for what I'm trying to use it for. So just to clarify going for a head and cab wouldn't be worth it. Especially since there's 500 watt combos less than 200watt heads
 
#12
Any other than the Orange should do the trick. personally, I'd get a Fender Rumble 210 cab and look for a used Rumble or GK MB200 head. The cab has paired, recessed side handles that are far superior to a single top strap handle and you'll have more flexibility down the road with separates.
 
#13
Sludgewhale said:
Thanks for the quick replies, so it seems like the ampeg mini stack wouldn't be worth the money considering the ampeg 500 watt combo is $100 cheaper. I just want to make sure that I won't make a purchase that won't be useful for what I'm trying to use it for. So just to clarify going for a head and cab wouldn't be worth it. Especially since there's 500 watt combos less than 200watt heads
Click to expand...

Sounds like you are on track. Your original choices would likely be somewhat limiting. Go for the 500w range, WITH the option of adding a cab if you need to push more air. I'd look at the Benz Contour, the Ampeg 500W, or Fender Rumble 500. I have the Benz and it is NICE! I would love to put the 3 in one room for a shootout! That would be cool! You might also look at the Carvin MB15 or 210, but with only 250W (actually not a HUGE difference) you might want the extension speaker cab from the get go. As you are into metal, I'd bet you are going to need an ext. cab to really be happy, which ever combo you choose.
 
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#14
Sludgewhale said:
Thanks for the quick replies, so it seems like the ampeg mini stack wouldn't be worth the money considering the ampeg 500 watt combo is $100 cheaper. I just want to make sure that I won't make a purchase that won't be useful for what I'm trying to use it for. So just to clarify going for a head and cab wouldn't be worth it. Especially since there's 500 watt combos less than 200watt heads
Click to expand...
Whoa Nellie :woot: . If you're dead set on a combo/dead set against separates, fine. No worries. Your bux. Enjoy. But who said separates wouldn't be worth it? Where'd that notion come from :D ?

From my perspective, I'd always do separates unless I just didn't have the bread. But if you go with a used MB200 (lots of love for that little gem), your $500 will allow for a pretty decent (again, used, but in very nice shape) rig. New music gear's little different than a new car. The instant you drive it off the lot ... And with a combo, if one part malfunctions, the whole thing is down (& maybe out). Plus, ain't no company gonna give stuff away. Compromises have been made somewhere along the line to get the combo price down, or it's a pricey combo :D .

A 500 RMS combo less than a 200 RMS amp? Maybe. Probably, some. Somewhere. Ain't too many though. Ain't too many.
 
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#15
Over in the hot deals section, it's been noted that GC has lowered the price on the Markbass CMD 121P combo to $599. I realize it's slightly over your budget, but it's a solid choice imo.

Not that you could really go wrong with a lot of the aforementioned suggestions.
 
#16
Rumble. It is rated at 200w, but it only will put out 100w with the built in cab. It gives you the option to add an extension cab (like another 15) to double the speaker displacement and get the full 200w out of the head. The others don't offer this (well, the GK does have their "chain" thing). I've never played one, but they seem to be quite popular (easy to flip if you don't like it).
 
#17
Sludgewhale said:
Joce

its funny you mentioned the micro stack i was checking that before, my only concern is how compatible the head or cab would be with a larger cab or simply to what extent I can increase the volume. I have zero experience when it comes to that stuff. in my case jamming would be everything from practicing with drums and guitar to hopefully bar gigs. My friend is about to get a 100-150 watt amp for his guitar. Overall I just want something that will be able to handle a full rock/metal band in a small indoor venue to try to put a label on what i'm looking for. I agree with you I only like to buy new and if theres something recommended for over $500 im all ears.

Thanks
Click to expand...
Is he really your friend? Maybe he'll kick in another $500 so you can get a rig that will keep up with 100w metal guitar.

Seriously, you have to go used rig, not new combo, to meet the aspirations.
 
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#18
Linnin said:
You've made some good choices @Sludgewale.

Orange amps may be cute, but the sound quality just isn't there.

Ampeg BA series have a history of quality control issues to include S.udden A.mpeg D.eath S.yndrome or S.A.D.S
The jury is out on the new V2'S. A few early adopters have indeed run into some issues. Some returns have been made. It's a gamble and it's your choice. Also the BA-115 is non-expandable and will always be 'just a combo'.

The Fender Rumble 200 is an excellent choice. G......
Click to expand...
Small derail: Linnin, it would be nice if you would at least have some respect for others brands (meaning Ampeg), even if you don't like them.
Just like that for others Fender may not be their first choice, but still don't get into silly lines like your "S.A.D.S."
In my opinion, you're Mister Fender, just don't be the anti-Ampeg guy.
Just saying, not to be offensive, I just don't like "anti".

IMHO.
 
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#20
spaz21387 said:
The carvin mb2x10 would be perfect for you.
Click to expand...
Agreed. Look at the Carvin BX500 as well. pro features in a tight package. preamp tube with gain, optical compressor, dual speakons, 2ohm capability and they sound fantastic! I play mine through 2 112 cabs and have played it through a 8x10, which was thundering!
 
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