Best Small Amp?

[Nick Thorpe]

Hey all,

I'm looking for a good portable amp. I have a stack made of two SWR Goliath II's and a Mesa M9 Carbine on top, and a backup rig of a Carvin ProBass 500 with a 4x10 and a 1x15 cab under it. However, I'm looking for a 2x10 (combo or head/cab) rig to go in my room for home practice. I've seen some good stuff from Eden, SWR, TC Electronic, and others. I'm not looking to go over $500, and I'm definitely buying used (no sense in getting a shiny new amp to stay in your room). Any suggestions as to which would be the best one? I don't like "boomer" amps, I like clear, well-ranged amps capable of producing different sounds. Any suggestions?

 

[bryan gibson]

Carvin MB combo, period. 1x15 version is loud enough to gig with (short of death-metal volume), and the powered extension and/or internal DI will take care of anything else from there on up. See the mega-thread for the "magic EQ numbers" and you're good to go. BTW, currently around $350 new for US made, with real plywood. Guess I should add (for home stuff), that it has a small footprint, weighs 32 lbs, has TONS of EQ sweep, and comes in several speaker configurations. I recently bought one for "practice" and now gig with it. Seriously, check 'em out.

 

[iualum]

T.C. E. B250-115. Why spend more for a 210? $399 new. Used? How are your negotiation skills? Or a used GB Contour 115 (if you can find one).

... or ... a GK MB200 ($200 or less) & your choice cab for $300 or less.

 

[Jim Carr]

It doesn't matter.