Bang for the buck for a new amp

[gunslinger_burrito]

Soooo, I've been playing through a Marshall Valvestate 2000 AVT50 forEVER, and while it is loud enough for I've been doing and actually sounds pretty nice, I need to upgrade. Partially because I don't like the idea of the fan in this thing crapping out on me in the middle of a show or something, and also because I want something....well, better.

I've been debating between getting a nice combo, or going with a head/cab setup. So, basically, I'm looking at spending around $500-$700. I wouldn't mind shelling that all out just for a head, either. I play mostly noisy, doomy stuff. Low tuning and all that. So I was thinking some kind of used ampeg or maybe a Sovtek? Is there a brand/model that I'm totally overlooking? Any thoughts here? Much appreciated!

[MEC]

Are you looking for a clean amp and plan on getting dirt from pedals?

If so I'd recommend:
Ampeg- V4/V4B, VT-22, B25/B25B
Sunn- 200S, Sorado
Fender- Bassman
Traynor- YBA-1
Musicman- HD 130

[excane]

If you're going the pedal route, I would pick out a great clean amp so +1 for the Bassman.

I would stay away from EL84 based amps as they compress and break up way too easily.

[dubkitty]

that's the big question: what kind of sound do you want from the amp?

[bigchiefbc]

If you want an amp that WILL break up decently, I can't recommend the Bugera 1960 enough. Amazing sound, I really nails the 1959 Super Lead sound.

[dubkitty]

for a CLEAN combo amp that will kill people at 50 yards, you can get silverface Twin Reverbs for $700. 100W of deadly goodness. for combo amps that will break up like nobody's business, Laney tube amps are heavily underrated and very reasonable in the used market...older VC30s like mine with the low-frequency Celestion Greenbacks would probably be great for down-tuning. it's the Vox from Hell. either of these amps turned all the way up will make your neighbors call the police; a Twin turned all the way up will make the folks a block away call the cops.

[GardenoftheDead]

The Fender Hot Rod series is pretty good if you can't track down used stuff in that range.

[rfurtkamp]

Yea, used Hot Rod Deluxe or Deville will get blisteringly loud and work fairly well (and be relatively cheap and retain resale). If you're young and strapping, the Twin Reverb suggestion works well - as does watching out for a Roland Jazz Chorus. I know, I know, you wouldn't think the JC for doom or mean or ugly, but it's a very very loud, very clean amp - put whatever pedals in you want in front of it. and make jazzers cry.

SF Bassman, Bandmaster heads will do as well.

Just remember you can't take dirty away from an amp later - if you need to touch bases and those bases are changing, start with clean + takes pedals well.

[misc1600]

Just got a hot rod deluxe from my local cl and I love it.

[goroth]

for a CLEAN combo amp that will kill people at 50 yards, you can get silverface Twin Reverbs for $700. 100W of deadly goodness. for combo amps that will break up like nobody's business, Laney tube amps are heavily underrated and very reasonable in the used market...older VC30s like mine with the low-frequency Celestion Greenbacks would probably be great for down-tuning. it's the Vox from Hell. either of these amps turned all the way up will make your neighbors call the police; a Twin turned all the way up will make the folks a block away call the cops.

I used to play grindcore with a Laney VC30 and an extension cab (and pedals of course). They are nice amps and they cut through really well.

[madmax1012]

i really like the Peavey Classic amps. If i didn't have an AC15 and I needed something louder, I'd definitely consider one.

[wsas3]

i really like the Peavey Classic amps. If i didn't have an AC15 and I needed something louder, I'd definitely consider one.

Got one of these and I have to agree, aside from the fucking tube rattle.

[tashiattack]

for a CLEAN combo amp that will kill people at 50 yards, you can get silverface Twin Reverbs for $700. 100W of deadly goodness. for combo amps that will break up like nobody's business, Laney tube amps are heavily underrated and very reasonable in the used market...older VC30s like mine with the low-frequency Celestion Greenbacks would probably be great for down-tuning. it's the Vox from Hell. either of these amps turned all the way up will make your neighbors call the police; a Twin turned all the way up will make the folks a block away call the cops.

I completely agree . I use a non-linear transformer twin reverb from the early 80s, something like 135 watts. Perfect pedal platform, used with dirt & fuzz and a good set of speakers its DOOM CITY.

[gunslinger_burrito]

for a CLEAN combo amp that will kill people at 50 yards, you can get silverface Twin Reverbs for $700. 100W of deadly goodness. for combo amps that will break up like nobody's business, Laney tube amps are heavily underrated and very reasonable in the used market...older VC30s like mine with the low-frequency Celestion Greenbacks would probably be great for down-tuning. it's the Vox from Hell. either of these amps turned all the way up will make your neighbors call the police; a Twin turned all the way up will make the folks a block away call the cops.

I completely agree . I use a non-linear transformer twin reverb from the early 80s, something like 135 watts. Perfect pedal platform, used with dirt & fuzz and a good set of speakers its DOOM CITY.

I've been thinking about a good Twin Reverb setup for a while, but I was wondering how well they hold the low end? I know that everyone seems to love the older models better, but what's the up-side to getting the actual vintage, as opposed to the reissues, other than the reissues seem to all be 85 watts? I was also wondering about the ability to add an extension cab. And most importantly, where are you guys seeing these for $700?!?!?! Thanks again.

[madmax1012]

Twins pop up all the time on craigslist for cheapz. fuckin great amp, it just doesn't hold it's value as much. i pity people who buy them new. you could get "the twin" which is 100 watts, switchable to 25 which is kinda cool....