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Best Amp Value?

M

Mekanic

Dec 22, 2009
151
0
43
New Port Richey, FL
#1
Not talkin about resale value here, I'm talkin about getting the most possible for the $$ spent.

Money is a problem for me right now, Armbruster is the only TBer that knows my story, but lets say I'm on a serious budget heh.

I dig the FS section damn near hourly in need of a new amp, right now I'm playing through a Rumble 15 out of a starter kit, that is borrowed.

From what I've been seeing the Acoustic b200h+b15 combo deal everywhere is pretty much the best value in new gear, but what else can you recommend?

While I await to hear what my TBers have to say, I'm off to see last night's CL listings heh.


~Rich
 
#5
used is a good idea but ask folk here about specific heads, cabs etc you are going to look at. some you can exclude if you get a ton of negative replies without balancing positive ones. You have to be a bit more careful with used cabs as they tend to have more issues. when trying one you should push it within its wattage rating to see if it has any buzzes that shouldn't be there.

otherwise, a lot of value is what you like when you try it, and if it will have the guts to deliver in your volume need level.
 
#6
Both sold, but damn that stack was a killer deal, shame it was local only.

I'm also not adverse to a pre/power amp setup. Weight isn't an extreme concern for me.. my other hobby is bodybuilding heh.

Heard rumor that the pre/power rack setups were goin for dirt since everyone is going micro/lightweight.
 
#7
Asking yourself if you like apples or oranges best is an easier question.
1) Buying used is cheaper and makes it easier to trade up.
2) Buying used good quality is the ideal way to go but again dependent on your Do, Re, Mi, $$$$.
3) New gear personally I like the Mark Bass and it's affordable for what you get.
4) Check the pawn shops in your area and always talk dead presidents(ca$h) for the best deal.
There's a nice used guitar shop downtown St. Pete's I stopped into about 6 years ago. Is it still there? ...... Tampa should have a decent store or two to look in also.
 
#8
Mekanic said:
Both sold, but damn that stack was a killer deal, shame it was local only.

I'm also not adverse to a pre/power amp setup. Weight isn't an extreme concern for me.. my other hobby is bodybuilding heh.

Heard rumor that the pre/power rack setups were goin for dirt since everyone is going micro/lightweight.
Click to expand...

:hiding: sorry 'bout that ... they were just examples

but as said above, when buying used, patience is of the utmost importance ... eventually you'll get lucky

I bought my head, a Warwick Quad IV, used for 360 euros.
Yes, it is discontinued (which really helps for having a low price :p) but it was in a impeccable condition and their list price was 1390 euros ...
 
#10
Bassmickeyd said:
Asking yourself if you like apples or oranges best is an easier question.
1) Buying used is cheaper and makes it easier to trade up.
2) Buying used good quality is the ideal way to go but again dependent on your Do, Re, Mi, $$$$.
3) New gear personally I like the Mark Bass and it's affordable for what you get.
4) Check the pawn shops in your area and always talk dead presidents(ca$h) for the best deal.
There's a nice used guitar shop downtown St. Pete's I stopped into about 6 years ago. Is it still there? ...... Tampa should have a decent store or two to look in also.
Click to expand...

Oh for sure, tomorrow when I get back into town I'm planning on wandering the flea market and see what they have, maybe go pawn shop hopping next week.

perogato02 said:
:hiding: sorry 'bout that ... they were just examples

but as said above, when buying used, patience is of the utmost importance ... eventually you'll get lucky

I bought my head, a Warwick Quad IV, used for 360 euros.
Yes, it is discontinued (which really helps for having a low price :p) but it was in a impeccable condition and their list price was 1390 euros ...
Click to expand...

no worries m8. Gave me perspective on what CAN be out there. And sounds like you got a kick ass deal there :bassist:
 
#14
I'm heading out of town for the day for my grand niece's 2nd birthday, just looked at every CL area between the 2, nothing good to be found in the bass department hehe.

Looking forward to seeing suggestions when I get back tonight, PM's are more than welcome ;)

I'm off like a prom dress!

~Rich
 
#16
For amp heads, IMO the best values out there are in the used market - here's a few winners:


G-K 700rb-II
Markbass LMII
Genz-Benz NeoPak 3.5 and GBE 600
Peavey T-Max and Firebass 700


All can be had for $300-$400, and all are very good sounding, with excellent track records for reliability...



- georgestrings
 
#17
great info georgestrings! I've seen the Hartke heads on the cheap a lot recently, but all I've seen, Harmony-Central shows some bad reliability issues.

Any suggestions on an affordable cab to pair with those? Space is a bit of a concern, a 210 or 212 would fit great for now, but there is possibility I could squeeze in a 410.

I would really prefer a stack vs a combo for the versatility and expandability, so the suggestions thus far have been great.

EDIT: looking at the options you suggested georgestrings, the GBE600 looks very, very nice. More headroom than I think I'll ever need out of it!
 

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