How on earth do I pick an amp??

[Linnin]

Kind of like how the Line6 modeling bass amps did ten years ago? ;-)

and also somewhat similar to the Bronco 40 some 9 or 10 years ago. The Studio 40 and Stage 800 are leaps and bounds better in all respects, and will continue to evolve and become even better yet.
Line6 had their own series of serious troubles and withdrew from the bass amp market all together before eventually selling out to Yamaha at a fire sale price to avoid bankruptcy.

 

[MrLenny1]

The process of eliminating starts by owning.

 

[AstroSonic]

Just a few thoughts to keep in mind...

Nearly all the choices available commercially will make bass.

Power is cheap these days, so you can easily buy a head/cab combination that will provide whatever loudness you need.

The 'quest' for tone will be ongoing. You will not buy the perfect head and cab and live with them for the rest of your playing life. The more you play and grow musically, the more your preferences change. So plan on equipment changes over time.

Make the best choices you can and get started on the path. If you buy good quality equipment and take care of it, you'll be able to sell it for a reasonable price on the used market, and apply the sale price to the next step.

The used market is a valuable resource for musicians. The only benefits in buying new are a warranty and knowing that you (may) have bought into the latest-greatest equipment. Some heads and cabs are not widely available used, so you may have to purchase new.

 

[gary mitchell]

don't buy a Crate