Amp Heads or Combos?

[tone?]

So what is the prefered amp to get?
for quality that is.

a head or combo?

are heads of the same line of amp built better than their combo counterparts?

better to have the head/cab combination?

Are heads more durable than combos?

 

[Jimbojsr]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

Don't think there's any real answer to that - different companies will obviously differ in their quality. Myself, I prefer a combo unless I'm in front of a Marshall stack, and that doesn't happen very often...

 

[lieufunaki]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

If you are considering the same model and just weighing head vs. combo, there should be no difference in quality of construction. HOWEVER, sound quality may differ and here is why.

They say that most amps sound best in their sweet spot (normally 50% volume or over). My 4x12 Marshall stack and 100W head sounds pretty good, but in my bedroom I never get it into its sweetspot ( play at less than 20% and it may be causing hearing damage), since it'd be WAY too loud. In theory, the same amp in the combo form with a 12 inch speaker would be a better choice since it could be played closer to that perfect spot.

Where this may break down is where you get a really really drastically nicer speaker cabinet (hence a cabinet with nicer speakers), then you would get with a combo amp. In that case, I have no idea...probably, you'd be better off getting the combo amp and changing the speaker.

I'll summarize this way, I have a 100W head w/ a 4x12 cabinet, and I play 90% of the time through headphones. It's a sin. Why you may ask would I waste the cash on such a loss? The whole thing was 400 bucks. ;-) In a small area stick with the combo, in large area go for the head/cab. It's what most of the big guys do too.

 

[Skarekrough]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

I rarely see folks with stacks playing venues where they're either needed or playing them at a reasonable volume for the venue.

I prefer the convenience of a combo.

 

[Nite_Maresz_25]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

combo's are heavier, therefore harder to lift/move

head and cab set up is usually about that same weight, but spread out into two piece so that would be easier to carry and move.

and head and cab(4x12) (1 or more) just looks so cool

 

[aleclee]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

There's no correlation between quality and head/combo construction. There are great (and crappy) examples of both.

I prefer heads for the following reasons:

• Easier to move (all other things being equal). Sure a half stack isn't easy to schlep around but a head + 2x12 is a lot more spine-friendly than any 212 combo.
• Easier to mix & match speakers. I have a 1x12, a couple of 2x12s and a 4x12, all with different speakers. I can use any of 'em with any of my heads simply by hooking up a different cable.

There are also those who claim that heads are easier on tubes because a head isn't subjected to as much speaker vibration as a combo where the tubes are in the same cabinet as the speaker(s).

 

[bungalowbill]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

What kind of tone are you looking for? What kind of music? I think if you can answer those questions you will be able to narrow it down a lot. Do you want tube or solid state? Look at the forum members signatures and see what amps come up time after time. Go to a music store and play through every amp you can and listen closely to the differences. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[marvar]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

IMO, it all depends on your situation, your needs, and your preferences.
As far as I'm concerned, there is only a very few clubs/bars in the US that actually need a full stack. In most situations, a combo does fine, of course, my band always plays with our own PA, so we know what it is capable of- hence, we all use 2x12 combo amps. Heads and cabs are cool, but even though the weight is distributed into two peices, you still have to have at least a station wagon to transport a 4x12 cab. Yes, I do have a 4x12 cab I can put under my combo if needed, but it rarely leaves the house. Only on outdoor shows.

 

[ksmith63]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

i prefer combos because when i bought my duoverbs the combo was the same price as the head. I ended up buying two for a backup + i like to run all 4 12's to drown out the rest of my band.

 

[aleclee]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

As far as I'm concerned, there is only a very few clubs/bars in the US that actually need a full stack. In most situations, a combo does fine, of course, my band always plays with our own PA, so we know what it is capable of- hence, we all use 2x12 combo amps. Heads and cabs are cool, but even though the weight is distributed into two peices, you still have to have at least a station wagon to transport a 4x12 cab. Yes, I do have a 4x12 cab I can put under my combo if needed, but it rarely leaves the house. Only on outdoor shows.

Who says that you need to use a head with a couple of (or even a single) 4x12s? It's just as easy to hook up a 1x12 or 2x12. FWIW, my 4x12 never leaves my music room. If I'm taking my rig anyplace, I'm taking a 1x12 or 2x12 cab with me. I'll bet you my head + 2x12 fits in my trunk about as well as your 212 combo and is a heckuvalot easier to get in and out.

 

[Quencho092]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

small combos. With my DRRI, i can carry my guitar in one hand, amp in the other, and cables/pedals bag w/ shoulder strap-one trip.

Yes im a lazy arse!

 

[greendy123]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

Who says that you need to use a head with a couple of (or even a single) 4x12s? It's just as easy to hook up a 1x12 or 2x12. FWIW, my 4x12 never leaves my music room. If I'm taking my rig anyplace, I'm taking a 1x12 or 2x12 cab with me. I'll bet you my head + 2x12 fits in my trunk about as well as your 212 combo and is a heckuvalot easier to get in and out.

I agree with you 2x12 cabs are great for moving around easily on your own. The volume of sound you get a great and plenty enough for gigging. So I would suggest a amp head.

 

[Pepi]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

Head and cabinet for me. I'm sick of combos and the rattling cabinets. I just don't get this with a head and cabinet.

 

[chill]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

+1 for head and cabinet. I use "50w" tube heads into 1 or 2 212 open backed cabs, or when available, into a 412 closed back. 412 closed is definitely tighter in the low end with overdrive than a pair of open backed 212's with overdrive. But, if you put combos or open backed cabs right next to a wall, they are pretty close to closed back cabs.

But, I don't like schlepping 412's anyplace because of the weight. So I usually use the 212's.

 

[Willis]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

I like a head (in my case a rack) and 2x12 cab, for all the reasons listed above. You get more tonal options, and better portability than a 2x12 combo.

 

[tone?]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

I posted this cause i wanted to see what people preffer and ideas.

i have the opinion that heads many times are a better build from the point of view that the components are spread out over a larger chassis and their upright stance creates better ventilation in my opinion.

i just think that they are more durable this way.

also one person said something about rattling as well.

and you get the added plus of combining cabs to find the best sound for you. Alot of times i think amp companies skimp on the combos and put a cheap solution speaker as the only way to cut some kind of cost.
not all companies do this of course but i think alot do.

what do you guys think?

 

[philthis]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

There's no correlation between quality and head/combo construction. There are great (and crappy) examples of both.

I prefer heads for the following reasons:

• Easier to move (all other things being equal). Sure a half stack isn't easy to schlep around but a head + 2x12 is a lot more spine-friendly than any 212 combo.
• Easier to mix & match speakers. I have a 1x12, a couple of 2x12s and a 4x12, all with different speakers. I can use any of 'em with any of my heads simply by hooking up a different cable.

There are also those who claim that heads are easier on tubes because a head isn't subjected to as much speaker vibration as a combo where the tubes are in the same cabinet as the speaker(s).

some very good advice here. mixing and matching speaker cabs is like getting a whole new amp at times. I do this too and I love the diversity. some amps like the fender baseman LTD were made for 4-10 inch speakers in a combo config cuz the cabinet is specialy designed and built to accomidate the 4/10 speakers and the amp. but this is rare and special and not typical. I would say 99% of the time to go head and speakers unless your after the tone of a specific specialized combo amp like the fender bassman.
:beerchug:

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

I prefer 2-12 and 4-12 cabs, simply because my ear is used to a tight low end punch.

Personally, I think a good rig for anyone would be a nice cab, 1 tube head of their choice, and 1 modeling amp head, just for low volume practicing, direct outs, and onboard tuner. Even better, if you can also own a small Fender combo, as your 'clean amp.'

The main thing is to buy things that suit your exact musical need. Don't get caught up with what's played by guys touring stadiums. Most modest sized amps are plenty loud for the average club gig.

 

[Hoss]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

that's kind of my thinking too...i'd like to get a really nice 2X12 cab...maybe an avatar with some speakers of choice in my color of choice...and then get a couple of tube heads and a modeling head and then i'd be set!

 

[PUCKBOY99]

Re: Amp Heads or Combos?

I posted this cause i wanted to see what people preffer and ideas.

i have the opinion that heads many times are a better build from the point of view that the components are spread out over a larger chassis and their upright stance creates better ventilation in my opinion.

i just think that they are more durable this way.

also one person said something about rattling as well.

and you get the added plus of combining cabs to find the best sound for you. Alot of times i think amp companies skimp on the combos and put a cheap solution speaker as the only way to cut some kind of cost.
not all companies do this of course but i think alot do.

what do you guys think?

NOPE....same chassis, just in a different box.

I pulled the chassis out of both my Marshall combos, put them in head boxes, & play them with a Marshall 1965A (4x10) & a Marshall 1966A (2x12). Both cabs have the appearance of, but are smaller than a 4x12...they measure 24" x 24" x 10"....loaded they weigh approx 45lbs, give or take. Very portable & sound great.

I personally prefer the head/cab mainly because of flexibility, like Alec said. I like being able to run different setups with the change of a cable!