Recommend me a rock amp?

[Errant Tiger]

So I'm starting to think that I might start a loud rock band (think Burma/SY/JAMC) and that in order to really do so, I need a new amp. Currently playing my psych/ambient/drone stuff through a 50w Katana and a '67 Ampeg Gemini I; I don't think the Katana will compete with the drums and bass at the volumes I'm anticipating (small rooms, but LOUD music), and the Ampeg just doesn't sound right for this - too dark and swampy, especially with the humbuckers in my LP Custom (though mostly I will probably use my Mascis JM).

So what I'm looking for is something loud (but not, like, stadium or even big room loud) with a lot of clean headroom, as I anticipate most of my dirt to be coming through pedals (Muff/Longsword). Onboard reverb is important but I don't care about FX loops or trem (though it would be nice) or anything else. Price-wise, ideally around $500, though I could maybe go as high as $750 (or even more, depending, but I gotta start low). And in one scenario this New Fantasy Amp replaces my Katana as a second amp in my stereo psych setup, so something a little clearer/more neutral/whatever than my Ampeg. Thinking 1x12 or 1x15, maybe 2x12... I'm also hypothetically open to a head/cab situation, but I know absolutely nothing about that world, so I welcome discussion!

I'm not hung up on tube vs SS, either, though I know I do not care for any iteration of the JC. Nor am I an Orange fan. Beyond that, I'm open.

This is still in the very hypothetical phase, so all my research is online at this point. Here are some amps I'm considering (not taking price into consideration), and would love any thoughts about any of them...

Katana 100w or Artist
Twin Reissue
Red knob Twin
Hot Rod Deluxe
ZT Club
some kinda Quilter

Thanks in advance, O wise hivemind!

[ognoy]

Quilter 101 Reverb and a 212 cab.

[tremolo3]

Head:
Traynor YBA1 (or the reverb equivalent, YRM1 I believe). It's only 50 watts, but the Traynor ones.

Combo:
Peavey Classic VT. Loud, clean and cheap.

[Chankgeez]

https://reverb.com/item/31890992-plush-1060s-tube-amp

[Errant Tiger]

https://reverb.com/item/31890992-plush-1060s-tube-amp

This is entirely new to me. Looks squishy.

[Chankgeez]

[Errant Tiger]

Quilter 101 Reverb and a 212 cab.

I've been sorely tempted by Quilter, I gotta say. What's your reason for going head/cab rather than combo?

[John Matrix]

I have a Quilter 101 and I really like it. I use it as a backup amp and for practices when I don't feel like bringing my heavier stuff. Its totally loud enough to play shows with and has a huge amount of low end. If it was going to be my main amp I would probably have one of their higher end Tone Block ones though. The EQ on the 101 is kinda weird and not that versatile imo. The tone block amps have a more normal configuration. If you're the only guitar player it probably would be fine.

[Errant Tiger]

I have a Quilter 101 and I really like it. I use it as a backup amp and for practices when I don't feel like bringing my heavier stuff. Its totally loud enough to play shows with and has a huge amount of low end. If it was going to be my main amp I would probably have one of their higher end Tone Block ones though. The EQ on the 101 is kinda weird and not that versatile imo. The tone block amps have a more normal configuration. If you're the only guitar player it probably would be fine.

I tried a Mach 2 12" awhile back and loved it. I'd also love to try a Steelaire... but all their stuff is definitely pushing the upper end of what's feasible. Sigh.

[TraceItalian]

Havw you considered the Music Man's? They're Leo Fenders improvement on his old amps, and headroom? Faghet about it, they got cleans for days. Plus, they're usually pretty cheap, my friend picked up a 2x12 for $450, and I think it's a 100 watts? But it does have reverb

[Errant Tiger]

Havw you considered the Music Man's? They're Leo Fenders improvement on his old amps, and headroom? Faghet about it, they got cleans for days. Plus, they're usually pretty cheap, my friend picked up a 2x12 for $450, and I think it's a 100 watts? But it does have reverb

As it happens, I tried one a couple months ago at a local shop. This particular one was pretty crackly and I can't remember what else, but I wasn't stoked for it. I'd try again, though, for sure.

[ognoy]

Quilter 101 Reverb and a 212 cab.

I've been sorely tempted by Quilter, I gotta say. What's your reason for going head/cab rather than combo?

If you go for a light weight head like the Quilter it will be way lighter and easier to carry than a 212-combo.
And if you know that there will be a decent cab at the venue, you can just bring the head.
I got a 101 Mini Head(not the Reverb) and it is my main live amp atm. I got a Traynor YBA1 as well, and that's a beast,
but since I don't drive and the YBA1 could be in a better condition I just use that in the studio now.

[doommeow]

you can never go wrong with traynor. if I had the cash, i'd be hoarding them, especially the big bottle models. just cuz. cabs can usually do with a speaker replacement, but most can in this price range. but the one i have now is a forever amp, sounds great with everything, everywhere.

red knob twin is underrated imo. yes it's heavy. yes the drive section isn't what dentistdadblueslawyers are probably looking for. but it's great clean platform and the combo of power options, fx loop, and channels means you can make it do pretty much wtf you want. i'd put in neo speakers if i was gigging/moving it on any sort of regular basis. i'd pick a redknob over a reissue and put the savings into speakers and a good handtruck.

what about a x100b? you can snatch those up for $300-500 pretty easily.

[Errant Tiger]

you can never go wrong with traynor. if I had the cash, i'd be hoarding them, especially the big bottle models. just cuz. cabs can usually do with a speaker replacement, but most can in this price range. but the one i have now is a forever amp, sounds great with everything, everywhere.

red knob twin is underrated imo. yes it's heavy. yes the drive section isn't what dentistdadblueslawyers are probably looking for. but it's great clean platform and the combo of power options, fx loop, and channels means you can make it do pretty much wtf you want. i'd put in neo speakers if i was gigging/moving it on any sort of regular basis. i'd pick a redknob over a reissue and put the savings into speakers and a good handtruck.

what about a x100b? you can snatch those up for $300-500 pretty easily.

"Big bottle"?

I'm really tempted by a Red Twin but there is the whole middle-aged back thing to worry about.

Those Carvins look highly intriguing as well. I like the switchability. Are you thinking of the reissues? HMMM.

[Errant Tiger]

How about those Dirt Road Specials?