Best Value Amps and Cabs

[lyonaudio]

I like my MarkBass combo (https://www.markbass.it/bass-amplifiers/ba-heads/). Nice sounds, nice construction and design, decent price.

 

[MarshallAC50Stack]

Traynor makes nice, pocket friendly gear.

 

[Marko 1]

One thing I wished I had known when I was getting serious about playing again after decades of… not… was that combo amps are completely legitimate options now. They’re powerful enough for almost any real world situation and extensible for the rest. They’re also light and can sound as good as you’d need or want.

The same amp/cab of a combo in separates is still a great option.

Still super-manageable, and allows for more options.

 

[InkCow]

The same amp/cab of a combo in separates is still a great option.

Still super-manageable, and allows for more options.

OP’s question leaves a lot of room for interpretation regarding what “value” means. Obviously your dollar will go farther used than new but that also brings different considerations (e.g. warranty, availability, reliability, etc.).

Given the OP’s comment about TB members’ budgets and equipment, I’m going to assume that they’re not looking for a stable of options, but a single solution that covers the most needs. Honestly, I doubt most people who aren’t making income from playing have amps to cater for multiple situations (maybe a practice amp/rehearsal space amp + gigging rig).
For people in this demographic (which, again, I would argue is the vast majority), I would argue that the best “value” (especially new) is a 2x10 or 2x12 combo with the option of an extension cab if needed. If you want different sounds, preamps are a hell of a lot cheaper than multiple heads.

The only situation where I could see where going separate head/cabinet route would be better “value” (and I have to keep putting that in scare quotes because I don’t know if we’re using the same definition) is if you already have a head or cab(s) available. This is the situation that I was in when I starting to play seriously again, and it definitely helped to not have to pay out a fortune upfront to get up and running again, but in the long run I would have been better off just buying a Rumble 500 or RB210 in installments and forgetting about my old, mostly obsolete gear and ideas of what is important in the modern world.

 

[Pelagic]

For example, the David Eden 4 ohm D410XLT in excellent, low milage condition I bought for $300.

View attachment 5010529




It cost me $1,000 for this entire amp head and cabinet combo, used. The head was still under warranty when I bought it.

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I used to run the 4 ohm version with a Highwayman 500. Untouchable. would still have it if didn't mind moving it. lol

 

[MrAB4003]

I vote for the Ampeg RB-210 (500 watt combo) or the RB-100 (100 watt combo), depending on if you want a gigging amp or a practice amp.

 

[Nebadon2000]

Markbass should be a choice[once loved here not so much now] for a little more money Mesa, Genzler and Bergantino at their prices are still a Great Value all things considered.

 

[bobomatic]

Crown XLS1502.

Hear me out.

The amp itself is incredibly cheap for its massive capability. Add the preamp of your choice and bammo, the tone you want and all the power you will EVER need. You just have to make sure you’re bringing enough cab to the party.

 

[Marko 1]

"Best Value Amps and Cabs"

No such thing.

Maybe "Least-horrible Value" would be more appropriate.

Versatile and durable big bang for low buck? And....on sale?

Check this out.

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That 600-watt amp for $399 ($100 off) is soooo tempting right now!

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[jon thomas]

BUGERA Veyron for the amp. Got this just for 2 weeks now but it sounded quite good to my ears.
I bought it used but it's cheap new as well.

Cabs are difficult.

Sweetwater had B-Stock Veyrons for $320.
Mine came with a two year warranty.

I see good deals on used bass cabs so you may get lucky with a bit of footwork.