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Best amp under $400?

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by Poor Tom, Jul 20, 2009.

  1. Jul 20, 2009 #1
    Poor Tom

    Poor Tom

    Apr 12, 2008
    Palm Harbor, Florida
    So the time has finally come to get a new amp after being without ANY amp since january. The only issue now is that I don't have a ton of money to spend but need something that can be used in a band setting to compete with a drummer singer and at least 1 guitar player.

    I have the benefit of having a brother who works at guitar center, so I can take advantage of his discount. Right now I am pretty set on getting the Acoustic B200, and was wondering if anyone else had any suggestions or ideas?

    The Acoustic B200 retails for $350, but I can have it new for $160 which seems like a steal to me.

    There are other options I have considered, but even with discounts applied, I would have to spend closer to $300 or more for an amp + cab for something that probably isn't much louder or better than the Acoustic. But then again I could be wrong about that too..

    Anyone out there have thoughts or just want to discuss inexpensive amp solutions?
     
  2. Jul 20, 2009 #2
    Sundogue

    Sundogue

    Apr 26, 2001
    Wausau, WI
  3. Jul 20, 2009 #3
    honestjohnny

    honestjohnny

    Nov 24, 2006
    Do you also need a cab or just a head. The BX600 is great, but would use your entire budget. For a head/cab combo the Avatar B210 @ 4 ohms and Acoustic B200 head you mentioned would just fit in your budget. IDK, if that would keep up with your drummer, but would probably do better than the Acoustic B200/B115 set that MF is selling for $399.99.

    Just so you're aware the B200 only puts 200 watts into 4 ohms. That means you have to have one 4 ohm cab or two 8 ohm cabs to get the full 200 watts. Otherwise, it's more like 80 watts into 8 ohms and that may not be enough depending on the sensitivity of the cab and how much low-frequency EQ you use, etc. The Avatar is probably more sensitive than the B115 and @ 4 ohms will pull and handle all 200 watts from the B200. Good luck!
     
  4. Jul 20, 2009 #4
    Poor Tom

    Poor Tom

    Apr 12, 2008
    Palm Harbor, Florida
    That's only a head. I am sorry if it wasn't clear that I need a complete amp + cab or combo. Anyway probably just gonna go with the Acoustic since it is so affordable.
     
  5. Jul 20, 2009 #5
    RickenBoogie

    RickenBoogie

    Jul 22, 2007
    Dallas, TX
    Not alot of dough to work with, but I'd strongly urge you look at used gear. Sure, that Acoustic combo looks appealing, but you can't add any more speakers to it without dropping the power, (bad design), and you'll be wishing you had more. Find a decent head with at least 200+ watts, and a decent 410 to go with it. You'll be glad you did.
     
  6. Jul 20, 2009 #6
    tornadobox

    tornadobox

    Jul 17, 2009
    You could get the B200H with the B115 1x15 cab probably at a pretty sweet price after your discount (they're currently selling for $400 for the set at Guitar Center)...you could even go with two of the B115 1x15 cabs or a B115 1x15 and a B410 4x10 and might possibly still be under your $400 with the discount.

    That way you'd be moving more air and still be getting all 200w from the head (both cabs are 8 ohm, so in parallel together they're a 4 ohm load).
     
  7. Jul 20, 2009 #7
    ibnzneksrul

    ibnzneksrul

    Feb 2, 2007
    So Cal
    $160 for a B200 combo really is a steal. Good tone, and even at "only" 200W it will get plenty loud enough for the band situation you describe.
     
  8. Jul 20, 2009 #8
    HogieWan

    HogieWan

    Feb 4, 2008
    Lafayette, LA
    Used will get you better gear for the $