Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

['59]

I know this is a very specific search, but I believe you guys have a lot of experience and can point me in the right direction. I've gotten rid of my 200w head and 4x12 cab in favor of searching for something a bit more practical. Anyway, I did the usual guitar store visit, which in my town is basically a niche store for vintage enthusiasts, and I found great pleasure from the 1962 Bluesbreaker which is several $k out of my price range, as well as a Vox AC30 which has the same issue.

What I'm looking for is 2x12", all tube or hybrid if it's got good breakup, and simple controls. Preferably I'd want a master volume, gain, and a simple 3 band eq. I'd be willing to get something at the very max of $700 if it's completely phenomenal, but I'd much prefer to stay below $500.

What's good for what I want?

[ItsaBass]

Re: Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

Look at 2x12 Ampeg Reverberockets, from the old Diamond Blue Series of the '90's and '00's. They also came as 1x12's and heads (I have the head/cab version). Sound incredible, well made, huge bang for the buck. Make sure you get the right foot switch to use with it (it controls channel switching and reverb).

[Blille]

Re: Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

Used Bassbreaker 45.

Never owned one but I was pretty impressed in the store.

[6stringerguy]

Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

Well I bought a Zilla Custom Cab in that price range and it’s beautiful for what I do, you can choose size, speaker configuration (type, size and format), cab construction and aesthetic
This is mine, oversized 2x12 with wine tolex and bluesbreaker grill (vintage 30 with K100)

That’s if you have a nice head already if not then bluesbreaker combo

[Darg1911]

Re: Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

If it can be a 1x12 instead of a 2x12 combo, the new Marshall Origin 50 watt combo may be worth a look. They're about 800 bucks and new (not even sure if they are available yet) so there may not be anything used out there yet in your price range but maybe a demo unit and/or a coupon may get you close. The Vox AC15C2 2x12 is about the same price. The 1x12 version is about $650. Those have been out so they are far more available, used.

Just suggesting these two based on what you already auditioned. There is a lot of stuff out there. It can be overwhelming.

['59]

Re: Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

These are good suggestions for my preferences, I've listened to sound clips on YouTube and they all sound pretty good. Any good combos in this price range that are good but not quite what I mentioned earlier?

[Blille]

Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

These are good suggestions for my preferences, I've listened to sound clips on YouTube and they all sound pretty good. Any good combos in this price range that are good but not quite what I mentioned earlier?

Used JC120 [emoji4]

Never gets old.

But you would need to bring your dirt with pedals.

[ehdwuld]

Re: Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

Peavey classic 50

Can be had in 4x10 , 1x15, or 2x12

Comes in around your price point new

[ehdwuld]

Re: Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

Wait a Vox AC 30 is around there used as well

['59]

Re: Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

Peavey classic 50

Can be had in 4x10 , 1x15, or 2x12

Comes in around your price point new

I like the sound clips I've heard of it and I might have to go this route, but why on earth does it have "master", "normal", "pre", and "post" volume controls?

Wait a Vox AC 30 is around there used as well

They do tend to reside on the very upper limit of my price range and I am looking for cheaper options first.

[Chistopher]

Re: Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

They do tend to reside on the very upper limit of my price range and I am looking for cheaper options first.

You could get the AC30VR (Valve Reactor) which is the same thing but a hybrid instead of all tube. It has slightly different controls and has a bit less warmth than the standard AC30, but it's a good unit.

[mxaniac]

Re: Best Sub-$600 2×12 Tube Combo?

Another option is to look for some of the underappreciated vintage amps. Valco amps branded as Harmony etc or some of the Guild amps come to mind.