Looking for Advice on Amp Purchase

[Casadyrocks]

Hello to all-

I'm in the market to buy my son a bass amp for his 21st birthday. He plays in a metal band, but also comes over to jam with me on alot of older rock and country tunes. He currently has a little Ampeg Rocket 1x15( looks like an old Portaflex) and is 200 watts. He plays a Schecter Stilletto, a Fender Jazz Bass, and a Dean 8 string Rhapsody.

I would like to get him something with more power, something that sounds more articulate, and is sturdy for transport. I would like to stay in the $6-800 range price wise.

I have been looking at a Hartke VX3500 4x10, a GK Goldline 500 4X10 combo..., and this amazingly cheap Acoustic B200h combo with a 4x10 AND 1x15 I saw adverstised in a Guitar Center mailer.

I'm a guitar player- so I need some advice. My brother in law plays bass, but plays Phil Jones amps and I cannot afford that.

I have three weeks for research- so any opinions are very much appreciated.

 

[cabrego]

I recently changed my stage rig from an svt 4-pro and goliath 6x10 to a GK mb2-500 and Avatar B212 neo. My tone is better with about the same volume. You can get this rig for about 1000 bucks or less and it is very portable.

 

[RickenBoogie]

The Acoustic rig at GC is alot of value for the money. Plug one in and check it out.

 

[scottbass]

Of the three you mentioned, I recommend the Acoustic. More power plus more speakers for the money, and they sound amazingly good. I haven't heard of any reliability problems with Acoustic, but their new line has only been around a relatively short time. They kind of occupy the same market niche as Carvin, IMO. Good-but-not-boutique sound and fantastic value. Now, if you want to buy used, you can get even more power for your money...

 

[Casadyrocks]

Anyone else have any ideas?

 

[K.Ross]

I played Acoustic years ago,and they are good amps....BUT I play Carvin now,and I'd put my 2 Carvin amps up to any other amp I've heard. I like the service you get...and I like "skipping" the middle-man, and not paying sales tax.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Kent

 

[lindseyp]

Carvin.

 

[jellymax]

what you describe would cost over 1000, unless used is ok, then you will do fine.

for example; used eden 410xlt cab--$400.00, used GK 800rb--$350.00=
$750.00 for a great rig for metal