Ampeg ba108 has MP3 input and headphone output , sounds incredible for a small amp , has 25 watts and only runs about $100 new. If you're an Ampeg guy , this is the way to go.
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best dorm amp
- Thread starter chandler347
- Start date
If you can possibly check them out that would be the way to go... If you can't, the YouTube video sold me on tone with the warwick, and I got it for $129 on sale... Rumbles get a lot of love here on TB, but not used one myself, so can't comment...
other selling points for me and things to check for your needs:
it doesn't have a fan (no noise when you have to be really quiet) so no distraction and no moving parts to die early...
Very well put together, light, and handles a low B properly, sounds really full and exciting at very low levels (makes a difference to me...)
Dead quiet headphone amp (no distracting hiss), handle on top and well balanced, controls protected by the design of the front, and sturdy plastic coated metal grill protecting the speakers from accidental kicking... Solid little unit.
My related thread... http://www.talkbass.com/threads/nad-warwick-bc-20.998447/
Good luck and have fun
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If you can possibly check them out that would be the way to go... If you can't, the YouTube video sold me on tone with the warwick, and I got it for $129 on sale... Rumbles get a lot of love here on TB, but not used one myself, so can't comment...
other selling points for me and things to check for your needs:
it doesn't have a fan (no noise when you have to be really quiet) so no distraction and no moving parts to die early...
Very well put together, light, and handles a low B properly, sounds really full and exciting at very low levels (makes a difference to me...)
Dead quiet headphone amp (no distracting hiss), handle on top and well balanced, controls protected by the design of the front, and sturdy plastic coated metal grill protecting the speakers from accidental kicking... Solid little unit.
My related thread... http://www.talkbass.com/threads/nad-warwick-bc-20.998447/
Good luck and have fun
Does it handle drop c well? And des it play heavy music good? (I play hardcore and alternative)
I don't think there would be any issue with drop c... Volume wise I think it would have trouble keeping up with a hardcore jam with a drummer in a large space, small room jams, no problem... it's really more aimed at practice and low level jamming (it's only 20 watts)... I get a fair volume out of it when cranked up... I think it would still be a great choice...
Tone wise it's full range sounding, so less mid focused and coloured sounding than a single 10" like the rumble, so keep that in mind... The plus side to that is if you are practising along to a tune through the speaker the quality of sound allows you to hear complex things in the tune better than a single 10", and what tone you put in, comes out pretty faithfully... I like that, but some people prefer more character from their amp, like the rumbles or ampegs, not to say it doesn't have a great sound of it's own.
Two other things worthy of note, the power switch is on the back at the bottom, not a big deal but may bug some people, and there is no separate vol for the aux in, you set the level (volume) going out of your device, the volume and EQ on the amp only effect the bass input, again, not a problem but thought you might like to know... As the aux input sounds fantastic coming through the speaker it's not a problem.
Oh and both low and high inputs can be used at the same time, so you can jam with another bass or guitar, or use for teaching a lesson when you need a quick $20
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You may be able to find powered studio monitors on the cheap, and they'll serve dual purpose, as well as being something that you can use for many years to come. When you aren't practicing with your bass, you have full-spectrum powered speakers for your iPod or music player, computer, etc. The ones I have were $80 new, and all I needed to add was a 1/4" female mono to 1/8" stereo male adapter plug ($3) so my bass will plug into the aux in, and a stereo RCA male to 1/8" stereo male plug ($3) to plug in my music player. Under $100 all in (new) and I'll always have them for general purpose music amplification.... Currently they're hooked up to the TV. Mine are these: Invalid Link Removed They cost a bit more now, but there are less expensive ones, and shopping used you may turn up better ones for cheap.
My $0.02
My $0.02
Heeeere ya go.... GOT PLASTIC? Prob run you $65 to your door.
110264303
POWERED STU MONITOR AV30
Used M-Audio AV30 Powered Monitor
Details »
Recording
Guitar Center Edina
Edina, Minnesota 55435
952-929-1680
View Store's Used Inventory
Contact Store
Now Only
$49.99
POWERED STU MONITOR AV30
Used M-Audio AV30 Powered Monitor
Details »
Recording
Guitar Center Edina
Edina, Minnesota 55435
952-929-1680
View Store's Used Inventory
Contact Store
Now Only
$49.99
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
Heck, I have one of those lunchbox sized dean Markley guitars amps. Can probably get one used with the change in your couch cushions. I don't play it loud, but it works for playing along with the computer or stereo, and saveyour money foe a good class D head and Neo cabs to play out.
Do they do bass good? I've only heard studio speakers a couple timesHeeeere ya go.... GOT PLASTIC? Prob run you $65 to your door.
110264303
POWERED STU MONITOR AV30
Used M-Audio AV30 Powered Monitor
Details »
Recording
Guitar Center Edina
Edina, Minnesota 55435
952-929-1680
View Store's Used Inventory
Contact Store
Now Only
$49.99
Before you make your final decision you MUST try an Ampeg BA-110.
For $129 it is worth it.
For $129 it is worth it.
There aren't any tone controls. They're very hifi sounding (obviously) and even/flat across the spectrum, but by nature of their design (it's for hearing your music WHILE your recording it) have good bass response. I like mine just fine for practicing. You aren't going to tear down walls with them, and they surely won't give you any overdriven tones, but for what they are, and what you want, IMO they should be added to the short list of things to consider. They are not as easy as a small combo amp to pick up and walk away with (an advantage for theft deterring), and definitely aren't going to be any good to grab and go to a buddy's room for an impromptu jam session (a true bass combo has the advantage there). I just wanted to mention the "out of the box" possibility. Like I said before, they have many uses, and likely won't eventually end up in the bottom of a closet, or rotting in the basement. You may find they become space savers because you won't need to bring a stereo into the room, too. Any (1) music player can just plug right on in- your phone, ipod, tablet/laptop, whatever you have, and will take your bass at the same time, too. If you step up to the AV40's add a bass boost, larger woofers, and stereo 1/4" inputs (meaning 3 total sources at once), and a bit more power.
There still are other very worthy options mentioned here, so YMMV.
Found this, too. Prob still be under $100 to your door:
110078249 POWERED STU MONITOR AV40
Used M-Audio AV40 Black Powered Monitor
Details »
Recording
Guitar Center Fort Collins
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
970-204-0220
View Store's Used Inventory
Contact Store
Now Only
$79.99
Used M-Audio AV40 Black Powered Monitor
Details »
Recording
Guitar Center Fort Collins
Fort Collins, Colorado 80525
970-204-0220
View Store's Used Inventory
Contact Store
Now Only
$79.99
Check out virtual amps that you can play on your computer. Like mainstage or amplitube. But for my dorm last year I used an ampeg 20 W combo. I can't remember the exact model.
Those tiny practice amps all stink in my opinion. Search Craigslist try to find a used Fender bassman 25. Small enough, practice amp that sounds warm, full and satisfying. Even can be used on quiet gigs with excellent results. I paid $50 used for mine... Its gold.
If you have tried them all, I respect your opinion, but when I heard the sound coming out of the BC-20 for $129 I was seriously blown away compared to other practice amps... and it fit my needs perfectly, so no regrets only more practice at 1am for almost a year now.
well...not a bass story but related. a buddy of mine lived on the first floor of the dorms. he had some hunk of junk equipment from the 70's. I think his amp was 700w set in bridged mode and he had i think a pair of cabs with 30" drivers or something insane in them. They were just plain huge. i brought over some small infiniti speakers i bought used for a test, we hooked those up for treble. Anyways it was a serious hair blowing experience. He said there were complaints from the 23rd floor.
you should be okay with 500w and an 8x10 if it fits.
you should be okay with 500w and an 8x10 if it fits.
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I bought an Ampeg Micro VR on craigslist for $100 bucks. I get alot of use as private practice with headphones after the fam goes to sleep at night.
But last month I bought a rechargable Nady headphone amp so I can get away on my lunchbreaks and practice anywhere. Battery lasts 15 hours, and it has a line-in jack for my phone. It even has a tone knob and an overdrive knob!
But last month I bought a rechargable Nady headphone amp so I can get away on my lunchbreaks and practice anywhere. Battery lasts 15 hours, and it has a line-in jack for my phone. It even has a tone knob and an overdrive knob!
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