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Recommend a head under $500

C

chilliwilli

Aug 17, 2005
922
303
#1
This is what I'm looking for:

New or used, but in excellent condition
Solid state
Enough power for small to mediumish gigs and church
Capable of operating at 4 ohms with one cabinet
Built in tuner
Built in compressor, not just an on or off limiter
Very simple eq layout with a few easy to use/change bells and whistles (contour, bright switch, etc.)
Headphone out
Audio/aux in for iPhone/Mp3/etc
Ground/lift
DI section with post/Pre eq

I think that about covers it. Compressor and tuner are only thing ill compromise on, everything else is must have.

Peavey's new minimax and TC's bh250 with toneprint look interesting, but I would love other recommendations.
 
#2
No immediate suggestions, just that you mentioned "enough power for small to mediumish gigs" and that means having adequate speakers more than just "power". A single 4 ohm cab is plenty, so long as it's a bigger cab, 215, 410, 212, etc, but not 115, 210, etc. I do fine with 300 watts and a 212.
Most of your other requirements should be fairly easy to find, especially if you buy used gear. Check the TB classifieds.
 
#3
Yep the cab will come next I sold my rig to fund a move 2 months ago and have already got a gig with a group. I use what they have for now, so I want the head first to use at home for practicing. Then I'll add the cab and be done with it.

I was planning on 2x12, but I think the right 1x15 might work. I don't play heavy music. R&B and other groove based styles. I'm trying out country for the first time now too.
 
#5
chilliwilli said:
Yep the cab will come next I sold my rig to fund a move 2 months ago and have already got a gig with a group. I use what they have for now, so I want the head first to use at home for practicing. Then I'll add the cab and be done with it.

I was planning on 2x12, but I think the right 1x15 might work. I don't play heavy music. R&B and other groove based styles. I'm trying out country for the first time now too.
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The right 1X15 will definitely work. My Avatar B115 has an Eminence 3015LF in it. Super light, Super tight and very punchy. I used my Carvin Bx500 with it for a large club(250 people) and it had tons of spare headroom. It's all overkill once you can drown out the drummer.
 
#8
jeff7bass said:
Since Carvin has free shipping on everything right now, they have a few heads for 500 bucks, including the dual amp monster BX1500.

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I had a B800, didn't care for it much. How does the BX series differ? Their little micro head is most tempting, but doesn't meet some of my requirements.

They also unfortunately have the worst warranty in the industry. Makes me think twice.
 
#9
Unfortunately you are really going to be limited with your list of "must have" features, especially the built in tuner. I would have to do some looking around on the web but off the top of my head I can't think of any amps that offer all those features.
 
#10
gjbassist said:
Unfortunately you are really going to be limited with your list of "must have" features, especially the built in tuner. I would have to do some looking around on the web but off the top of my head I can't think of any amps that offer all those features.
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The BH250 and Minimax have it, but I suppose it is another feature I could compromise on. I'll edit OP.
 
#14
I have the GBE600 and WOW, lots of power, features, and flexibility. 5 band eq, pre/post DI, 8/4/2 ohm capable with two speed fan that is almost silent. It is a tube/solid state hybrid so you have the option of some warmth or just stick with the clarity of solid state. Does not have the tuner, compressor, or headphone jack. I have other more powerful all-tube heads, but this is one of my favorite for overall price and performance. You can find them at GC and on eBay for under $500 used.
 
#20
CoffeeLove said:
I have the GBE600 and WOW, lots of power, features, and flexibility. 5 band eq, pre/post DI, 8/4/2 ohm capable with two speed fan that is almost silent. It is a tube/solid state hybrid so you have the option of some warmth or just stick with the clarity of solid state. Does not have the tuner, compressor, or headphone jack. I have other more powerful all-tube heads, but this is one of my favorite for overall price and performance. You can find them at GC and on eBay for under $500 used.
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Don't need tubes and prefer headphone jack, but thank you.
 

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