Best loud (250W+) combo amp for under $600

[agedhorse]

Yep ! The right contact cleaner has to be used in right amount and amp must be tried before buying.

...and the right substance.

 

[slagbass]

When do you move the amp? If you aren't gigging yet then where does the amp live?

Very important question. If the amp (or at least the cabinet) can live in your rehearsal spot, that's a game changer. If you only need to move the amp for gigs, get your ham-fisted drummer to load it in his vehicle.

In my area, many bass players want to get rid of their 4x10 cabs so I would grab one for a few hundred bucks and find a good used amp head of 200 to 500 watts to drive it. That would be loud !

Excellent idea. Used heavy cabs are cheap and loud and many of them sound great.

 

[Bass Jones]

Are size and weight an issue? As others have said, there are lots of used old heavy amps/cabs out there for cheap.

As for 210 combos, I remember 2 that kept up with a loud drummer, but they were both well over 80 lbs., a Peavey Bam and a Yorkville. If any of those are still around they've probably sunken into the Earth.

 

[Spedracer]

OP, just my anecdote, but I've heard 410 cabs and 210 cabs that nearly shamed my 810 at the same (not mic'd) rooms. Mic'd/PA'd venues its basically irrelevant unless you don't have monitors. Get the cab high enough that it's shoulder level. It will help YOU hear yourself, and likely your drummer as well. Small amps can do the job (especially when using house audio).

A lot this boils down to floor coupling and the highest speaker.

 

[Core Creek]

I have the 1x10 version of the Carvin as well as the 1x15 extension cabinet - combined it still would never be loud enough.

For gigs, my Amped RB210 gets really loud, sounds great, and weighs about 40 pounds. Used ones can be found for about $500.

 

[Yahboy]

Louder than KB15 ! Sadly...... discontinued.

 

[Ritter667]

Old used Trace Elliot SM amp!

It will sound amazing, and be very LOUD!

However be warned, it will weight just about a ton.