really cheap preamp?

[chriscrob]

I have the a chance to get a decent power amp for pretty cheap. (I'm looking for a <$300 bass head).

Does anybody make a cheap (<$75) rack mounted bass preamp?

I like the idea of a power/preamp rack because I can upgrade just the preamp later and get something pretty nice. But I don't want to buy a power amp for $150 and then spend $200 on a preamp when I could have just bought a decent head (Gk 800rb prolly) that wouldn't need to be upgraded in the future.

 

[lovemybasses]

preamp for <75? nope.

 

[bongomania]

Look for a used half-rack unit by Presonus or ART. Good value per dollar there. Sometimes you can pick up older pre's from the '80s or even '90s for that cheap if you hunt around.

New, maybe you could find a Behringer for that cheap?

 

[Bass Below]

Up your limit by $25 and you can get one of those Behringer V-Amp things. I've never used on though, so I don't know if it's any good.

 

[Mushroo]

[snip]...when I could have just bought a decent head (Gk 800rb prolly) that wouldn't need to be upgraded in the future.

I think you answered your own question there

If your budget is tight, a conventional bass head will give you more bang for your buck than a separate preamp and power amp.

 

[Bassic83]

Used Yamaha PB1, or Peavey TB Raxx or Max preamps might fit the bill. I've seen examples of all three in the last year or so, going on evil Bay for under $75.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Well, wait a second...

You might stumble across a bargain like a used Hartke 1400 head (its like 150 watts at 4 ohm, 90 at 8 ohm). Don't believe it has rack ears so improvise! Just run a line from the "effects out" (think its post-EQ) to the input of your power amp.

Some of the budget multi-effects units may have enough ooomph to light up a power amp. I have an old ART Phat-Boy which fits the bill.

Riis