SWR LA Series

i played the la15 in the store the other day. i wasn't impressed. it simply doesn't sound that good (to my ears) and won't play all that loud.

i know a guy who has a carvin pro bass 100-15. imo it sounds better and plays louder than the swr la15 (although a tweeter would be nice), but it's not all that great either.

looking at an ampeg b100 or a nemesis combo, or possibly an ashdown electric blue would be a good idea, unless you've gotta stick in the 300 dollar range...consider going used - check ebay.

i don't believe either one has an actual line out - they have headphone jacks, the swr has a tuner out, the carvin has an extension speaker out, but no line out...

 

Ebay has a SWR Basic Black around $350. I bought a new one a few years ago for $600. I use mine for rehersal and small gigs. I believe it is around 130 watts. It sounds great and has some good features.

 

*voice in your conscience whispers*

If you search, they will come...

 

I own a Basic Black also. Great 15+tweeter combo amp.

Also I agree with the recommendation of an Ampeg B100, and also I'll mention the BA-115. These are real bass amps, that don't cost a whole lot more than the Carvin or the SWR LA, and kick their butts all over the place in volume and tone.

 

When I was checking out small combos it seemed that the Ampeg 30, was a Hell of a lot quieter than the Fender Bassman 25, I would possibly compare the Ampeg 50w model to the bassman. I never did get to listen to the Carvin PB100-15, 10 or PB200 against the bassman though. I wish I did.

I think from what I have seen I would go with the Carvins over the Ampegs, tonewise. But that is just my taste. Volumewise, I don't know.