Re: Best amp with EL34(within my budget) or a good distortion pedal
where do you want to use it?
Home, gigs?
I just think that Old Marshalls ( JCM800 and before) which are the only Marshalls i would recommend need a bit of crankin and they arent that friendly for home use.
Newer amps that are more clones of Marshalls, like VHT, Bogner, Etc.. will give you those tones at more 'playable' volumes. Check out Splawn as well.
I know that many people think that Marshall is the only way to go. But i sincerely think that other people can make you a Marshall clone with waaaay better parts for the kind of money you are mentioning.
There is a guy on here that does a Marshall clone called the Edana. i would trust him way more than getting a new Marshall.
Just my 2 cents