Cheap amp heads with punch?

[soflbass]

Used Mesa D800 for around $500 clams. Will last a lifetime.
Or the new Fender Rumble 800 HD head with 2 year warranty for $499 at various retailers.
Both capable of 2 ohm operation, simple easy to use EQ and both 800 watts should be more than enough for your needs.

 

[BergerHead]

According to Peavey it's a boost at 120 Hz

I will echo the Peavey recommendation. Any Mark (the VIII is the 'cleanest' although they all have a bit of drive, if you need clean SS watts for doom) Firebass, or T-Max. Lots of EQ options on any of these (some more than others) so you can find what suits you best.

I still own a Peavey Mace head, full tube with 160hp of warm, not to say hot blast. But my hauling days are over and so it takes dust in silence ... i'd give it for free, but one must step in to grab it.
The motherboard is all set up with new tubes* and a lot of WD-40 in the poties btw , the outside looks rather beaten. * kinda 5 years ago but rarely used then ...

 

[garp]

Yet another vote for used G-K and Peaveys.

A few years ago, I purchased a preowned Peavey PROBASS 500 on the classifieds here from a great local TB member with the intention of using it as a backup head. It has since become part of my regular rig.

 

[skyline_01]

Like many have said, used Mesa, GK, Hartke, Fender Rumble 500. Although they're a little harder to find used, I got my EBS Reidmar 750 on here recently for under $500 and it freakin' kills for just about any style of music.

 

[andawun]

GK 400RB or Rumble 350 head.

 

[Stranger Danger]

I just picked up my first bass cab, no head. I play classic rock and doom metal, but I’d rather not spend TOO much money on a head (shocker). I have no knowledge or experience with amp heads. Any cheap but reliable heads on the market? I have an ampeg can (fridge)

What cab did you buy?

 

[BergerHead]

Save your bucks and spend them for a sunday-ride picnic or add it to a quality axe: go Behringer, nobody seems to like or fancy them. But this is solid german engineering & chinese crafted, the difference to much costlier stuff is only hardly audible ...

 

[moogieotter]

For anyone wondering, I am in Philadelphia and willing to drive any wear within reach of Phili. My bass cab is an 80s ampeg 800 watt cab ($400!)

Local CL has two deals I’d look at:

Ampeg

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

GK

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Next, to check fb marketplace.

 

[moogieotter]

FB marketplace near you has about the same. Either of those CL amps will blow ur face off. Please let us know.

 

[Hundred proof]

I'll go with ACC Acoustic gear any day

 

[Texas_Jazzman75]

I bought used TC BH250 some years ago for what would be like 200$. Great little amp, though not much discussed on TB. I hear Francis Rocco Prestia uses one too.

Got one few weeks ago and love that little thing. Definately has some power. Paired with a 1x10 400w Eminence Legend in a small closed Peavey cab its the perfect portable rig.

 

[higain617]

Peavey Standard 260H. A leveler of mountains that will survive the apocalypse.

 

[AdamR]

Used GK 700RB.

 

[StringslamDan]

GK all the way!

 

[MegaSwing]

I have found much to like in the new Kustom line of bass amps, combos and heads. Great performers, especially for their price point.

 

[jja412]

Thunderfunk TFB-420. I have one available on the classifieds for $400 plus shipping.

 

[SamuelSandoval]

From what I’ve seen on the market, anything below $500 is cheap to me

If you’re patient you might be able to get a used Mesa 800 for around $500. You said punch. Those little heads def punch!

 

[Gaolee]

I'll go with ACC Acoustic gear any day

You can still pick up a 320 head for well under $500. It will drive anything and you can practically drive over it without hurting it. It's rated at something like 375 watts into 2 ohms, but the rating is deceptive. Or an old Peavey, as has been suggested a number of times. If you don't mind the weight, you can't beat ACC or old Peavey solid state. I have had an ACC 126 combo for 35 years. It's needed two repairs in that entire time, and I have used it on a regular basis. You aren't likely to pick up a full ACC stack for $500 any more, but if you keep your eyes out, you can get the head and then the cabinet over time.

 

[Tim Skaggs]

I just picked up my first bass cab, no head. I play classic rock and doom metal, but I’d rather not spend TOO much money on a head (shocker). I have no knowledge or experience with amp heads. Any cheap but reliable heads on the market? I have an ampeg can (fridge)

You have a fridge and SVT heads have just started getting cheaper. What a nice match that would be for classic rock and doom metal......

 

[Koshchei]

I just picked up my first bass cab, no head. I play classic rock and doom metal, but I’d rather not spend TOO much money on a head (shocker). I have no knowledge or experience with amp heads. Any cheap but reliable heads on the market? I have an ampeg can (fridge)

Traynor makes incredibly durable amps that don't cost a lot and sound awesome. Check out their SB200/500 heads.