Best half stack for the money

Lagotto

New member
I'm in search of a good half stack. I like to play rock, hard rock, metal, and heavy metal. Money isn't too much of an issue but something no more than about $600. It can be any brand I don't care. Something that's good for the money and has a really good sound. I'd like everyone's suggestions.

THANKS. :dance:
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

Avatar Cabinet first off, and I'd suggest no more than a 2x12. I've seen people play the Wiltern with a halfstack, and been able to drown out the bass player who was using two 8x10 cabinets. A 2x12 should be plenty.

http://www.avatarspeakers.com

For a head, do you want tube or SS? I don't think you'll find too much tube wise, but one of those B-52 AT100's would be cool.

For SS, I prefer the Peavey XXL to any other SS head. It sounds better than alot of tube amps I've tried, as well.
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

The best for the money I'd say is the Peavey XXL. I think a half stack would be a bit more than that though...
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

B-52 makes some sweet stuff for the price, i've heard them described as a "Poor man's" Mesa, while nothing comes close to a Mesa, B-52 prob get the closest out of the rest of them. You could prob get a used Peavey 5150 half stack for around that price if you're lucky
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

A 5150 combo could be had for that price, as well as an XXX combo; if you're willing to go used.
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

flipside said:
B-52 makes some sweet stuff for the price, i've heard them described as a "Poor man's" Mesa, while nothing comes close to a Mesa, B-52 prob get the closest out of the rest of them.

those new all-tube B-52 heads sound absolutely great IMO. they do make a wonderful alternitive to a mesa. and after owning my single recto for almost two years, i thought the B-52 sounded just great when i played through one. i don't know how much they go for, but i would definitely look into one because i know they are a lot more affordable than most other tube amps that sound that good.
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

Lagotto said:
...Money isn't too much of an issue but something no more than about $600...

I´m sorry, but this just made me laugh...In the world of halfstacks, only having 600$ IS an issue ;)
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

I would check out peavey and b-52 gear, and look into an avatar cab, I've heard nothing but good things. Also don't shrug off behringer, they're making some killer modelling stuff at incredibly reasonable prices.
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

Zerberus said:
I´m sorry, but this just made me laugh...In the world of halfstacks, only having 600$ IS an issue ;)

I must agree.

Anyway, I've just seen a mint re-tubed '70s Laney Klipp half-stack for exactly $600. For that money, it is the BEST thing you can buy. The downside is, you'll have to travel here to Hungary to see that... :smack:
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

Zerberus said:
I´m sorry, but this just made me laugh...In the world of halfstacks, only having 600$ IS an issue ;)

:) For $600 you'd be lucky to buy a 4X12 cab! Did you mean $1600? Honestly, with a $600 budget money IS your single most critical issue.
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

Zerberus said:
I´m sorry, but this just made me laugh...In the world of halfstacks, only having 600$ IS an issue ;)
Just what I thought.

There's no such thing.
Save yer $$ is my advice.
 
Re: Best half stack for the money

If you grind the salesguy at Sam Ash, you can walk out with a Vox Valvetronix AD60 head for $425 out the door. I did, and love that amp! Spend the rest on a decent cab. Or, Carvin, Peavey, or Marshalls in gigged condition is always an option.

If I were you, I'd put an ad in your local paper asking this question. There's always someone desperate for money!

For REAL low dollars, there's a new company called Drive that makes solid state halfstacks that are really inexpensive. They're dual channels and are made to have good distortion at low and high levels, so it's good for bedroom practice as well as rehearsal/stage.
 
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