Best Value Amps and Cabs

[Cristo]

I haven't bought any gear in ages. Some of you guys regularly spend the GDP of small nations on rotating and/or amassing gear all the time, so you are pretty well familiar with lots of gear.

I'm looking for opinions on what amps and cabs are considered a great value - the maximum bang for the buck. So this is going to rule out the entry level stuff as well as the real high end stuff.

Obviously opinions differ on what makes amps and cabs "good," so not everyone will agree, but maybe there are a few generally recognized candidates?

 

[basscooker]

Fender Rumble Club

For Sale: Amps, Preamps, and Cabinets

Gallien Krueger Club. GK Rules !

 

[Marko 1]

I'm looking for opinions on what amps and cabs are considered a great value - the maximum bang for the buck. So this is going to rule out the entry level stuff as well as the real high end stuff.

Not necessarily...

If you could add some kind of price range that might be helpful.

Not to mention what you need it to do.

 

[CallMeAl]

My definition of “bang for the buck” is doing the job for the lowest price. I know I could’ve played any gig of my past 5 years or so with a Rumble 500. So that’s my vote!

If that’s too “entry level” I’ll put Markbass CMD 102 as my runner up. A bit more cash but very nice amps

 

[1n3]

Used gear.

 

[lug]

Peavey MiniMax for the amp.

 

[Al Kraft]

Higher end gear that has been well treated, is being sold by a trusted seller, and where product support is still available. Quality, performance, and reliability costs, but its price is highest when you buy new.

 

[FunkHead]

Hartke Amps & Avatar Cabs.

 

[Ostie]

The best bang for the buck I ever got was a like-new Rumble 25 for fifty bucks. But it’s strictly a practice amp. All of the Rumble amps are good value IMO. Also, Peavey is good, affordable, reliable gear.

Remember that you said best value, not best, or lightest, or loudest, or prettiest.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Used gear.

This!!^^^^

 

[Lobster11]

Not necessarily...

If you could add some kind of price range that might be helpful.

Not to mention what you need it to do.

I agree: I think the answers might be different for different price ranges. They also might be different for combos vs. separates.

 

[dave_p]

I’m going to vote Hartke.

 

[Super Bass]

I’m going to vote Hartke.

Yeah, me too....

 

[gtirard]

Harley Benton (Thomann's brand)

Great ratio "(feature+quality+reliability) / price" + great customer service and warranty.

 

[ThinCrappyTone2]

I haven't bought any gear in ages. Some of you guys regularly spend the GDP of small nations on rotating and/or amassing gear all the time, so you are pretty well familiar with lots of gear.

I'm looking for opinions on what amps and cabs are considered a great value - the maximum bang for the buck. So this is going to rule out the entry level stuff as well as the real high end stuff.

Obviously opinions differ on what makes amps and cabs "good," so not everyone will agree, but maybe there are a few generally recognized candidates?

Of the brands I have tried, I think the TC electronics stuff provides a big bang for the buck. I have the BH800 and love it. Have gigged and rehearsed with it for a few years w no issues.

Though I might stay away from their BAM series, seems like there were some qc issues with the least expensive model.

 

[Rooster009]

Used older amps are a great value if you aren’t really worried about weight. For instance, the Mesa Mpulse 600 was $1299 brand new. Taking inflation into account, it would cost a ton more for a Mpulse 600 today. They are selling used with a comparable price to the new Mesa amps, and people are buying them because they sound so good. Don’t get me wrong, the newer amps are great. It’ll just be interesting to see if they hold their value after 15-20 years.

 

[squish]

Get band mates who own bass gear. I borrowed most of my equipment for about ten years.

 

[alex1fly]

Crate, Hartke, Behringer, Yamaha have done me well for many years. Rugged, sound great, cheapish new, even cheaper new because they are looked down upon. I don’t buy a ton of gear but I’ve been able to put a few pieces through the wringer of rehearsals and gigs and whatever without babying them and they have never had problems.

 

[Marko 1]

Crate, Hartke, Behringer, Yamaha have done me well for many years. Rugged, sound great, cheapish new, even cheaper new because they are looked down upon. I don’t buy a ton of gear but I’ve been able to put a few pieces through the wringer of rehearsals and gigs and whatever without babying them and they have never had problems.

“Budget brand” gear can serve well.

Often their performance is somewhat under par, so I'd suggest getting more watts and cab than would seem necessary so components are less stressed.

 

[CochinoBass]

The best bag for the buck cabs and amps are 10-20+ year old stuff that was pro level when new. It will sound better than almost everything today except todays pro gear, but it will be heavy. Weight is the only disadvantage, especially with cabs.