My first proper amp

I'm currently running through a Behringer BT108 15-watt bass amp (first amp I got) and when I play gigs I normally rely on backline or loan out an amp. However, I've been thinking of buying my own amp. I have a £650 limit, and have been making some considerations.

I was originally planning on buying a Hartke HA3500 and a VX410 cab. This would come to about £650 (cheapest) exactly what I was after, however something new has come to mind.

In the studio my band uses to practice, there are 4 rooms, 3 standard rooms and a stage room. We were moved to the stage room recently due to a booking error, and in there was an old Trace Elliot stack! The particular model is discontinued I believe, so I was considering buying one of the new models.

However, the newer models are much more expensive. I would only be able to afford a head (AH500-7). I was thinking if I bought the head, I'd be able to run it through the backline at any show, and it would save having to spend time setting up.

I'm just looking for opinions, because the Trace Elliot at the studio is absolutely incredible! Does anyone have any experience with the new models? Should I try one of the older models secondhand? Should I stick with the Hartke? I'm really stuck.

Many thanks.
Jak

 

Sounds like a good idea to me. My band's guitarist did the same thing, spent about £400 on an incredible head and about £75 on a secondhand cab (which is pretty awesome anyways).

Many thanks. I might see if I can push my budget to about £750, it'll be a squeeze and means a few extra shifts at work but hard work never killed anyone.