Best Solid State Amps for below $450

B

braj

New member
Hey, this is my first post so excuse any faux pas that I may commit.

I've been playing for three years and gig every so often at a local establishment. I typically play Oasis, Green Day, blink-182, the Jam, and R.E.M. I've been looking to upgrade my Fender Mustang I v.2 for some time but don't want to worry about having to upkeep a tube amp.

That being said, I've been looking into a few solid state amps, primarily the Orange Cr60c and the Marshall Code 50w. If there is anyone that is familiar with these and could point me one way or the other that would be much appreciated. Also, if you know of any other good SS amps that are in that ballpark cost-wise and quality-wise let me know.

Thanks
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

Dadgumit
Its a Peavey

Begins with B



Sounds awesome



Around $350 new





OK





Its a Bandit





Carvin makes a SS it sounds good in YouTube

Fellow in town has one
Sounds good in a mix with the full band
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

Having the Code 50 I would go with the Boss Katana 100 or head. You will hear horrible things about the Code 50, but I like mine. It's just too loud and one dimensional for my use, which is primarily worship and home. The Katana is far better IMO for sound, versatility, quality, and features. I do like the Marshall Gateway app.
 
Last edited:
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

I'm pulling the trigger on either the Katana 100 or the Katana head myself...just have to decide which!

The Bandit is great for a basic, straightforward solid state. It's a proven workhorse with an acceptable tone and is very easy to use. However, the newer ones are made in China (older ones were USA made) and, honestly, the Bandit is sorely outdated from a features standpoint at its price point.

Today, you simply can't beat the Katana series for the price...period. I suggest spending the extra to get a 100 series so you'll be less inclined to update the speaker later. It also adds a presence control and a few other features over the Katana 50.

Also, practically every review I've seen or read from players experienced with the older Mustangs has preferred the Katana overall when comparing them. Same with the Katana vs the brand new Mustang GT models, as well (which are also more expensive)...Katana wins nearly every time!
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

Peavey bandit/Orange CR60 or CR100. I used both of these for years before i switched to tubes an i think they both sound great IF you use them right.
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

Yeah, the answer to this one is an old, USA made Bandit for ~$150 and $300 worth of beer.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

Any of the Roland Cubes or Katana have been my choices. I have the bandit and mustang too and they're not bad at all. My personal fav is the roland cube series

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using Tapatalk
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

If my Mustang III modeler broke and was out of warranty (5 year warranty) I'd just get another one.

Best new, under $500, amp I've owned in recent years.

And they're only $325.
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

Boss Katana 100 combo or the head if you have a cab for it. The problem is getting the GA-FC foot controller for the amp. They are hard to find as they always seem to be sold out.
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

Consider tube amp, for that money you can get a really nice used tube 50W head even 100W.. probably gonna sound better than any solid state you buy under that price mark.
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

20-30 or more years ago, we weren't as lucky to have such great choices in the SS world. Now many companies make great SS amps. The new Fender Mustang looks really great, too.
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

Are you looking for an analog solid state amp like the Orange, Peavey Bandit, or Randall RG80, or a digital modeler like the Code, Fender Mustang, Roland Cube, etc...?
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

BadBen said:
Yeah, the answer to this one is an old, USA made Bandit for ~$150 and $300 worth of beer.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

That's rather presumptuous, don't you think? There are plenty of alcoholic beverages other than beer that the OP could imbibe.
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

The beer is for the crowd. It's a great way to get them to think I sound better, at least!

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

When I bought my 339 I tested it on a Orange CR120 combo and in 10 seconds I had a sound I'd take to any stage, any time.

It really surprised me. Many reviews take a dump on the Crush and Crush Pro series, but I liked it. Had a great tube-like feel to it's response. Very dynamic, I used the dirty channel as a barely-breaking clean channel and it was wonderful.
Make me wonder how a CR120 head would do with my 2x12 cab.
 
Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

Didn't Fender just come out with a new ss at that price point?

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Re: Best Solid State Amps for below $450

Fender Mustang III is good
Boss Katana is great
Crate Powerblock is super cheap and pretty good too
 
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