Hello everybody.
Due to space restrictions in my current apartment and to avoid the hassle of carrying gear up and downstairs when rehearsing and gigging, I've decided to scale down my gear. I'll save the full-scale gear for bigger shows when required.
In that regard, I'm looking for a small high-gain tube amp (20-30W) to play in the rehearsal space with a loud drummer and smaller gigs (pubs and places like that). Our current style something of a cross between old Dissection and old Morbid Angel with a good measure of Hypocrisy. So a high gain amp with a nice clean channel and effects loop is the target; also in the neighborhood of the $400 to $500 mark maximum (new or used, it doesn't matter).
I have some options in mind, but since I don't have access to any of them locally unless I order one online, I must resort to youtube clips and reviews. That's why I'd like to have your opinions about these amps (also if you can offer me some new options I'll gladly receive them):
a) Carvin V3M - Nice, portable and full of features; plus, made in the US.
b) Peavey 6505 Mini - This amp needs no introduction. I wonder if this one is as nice as it's bigger brother.
c) Randall RD-20 - I've seen loads of great comments about this modern series of Randall amps.
d) Blackstar HT-20 - Also a nice alternative.
Due to space restrictions in my current apartment and to avoid the hassle of carrying gear up and downstairs when rehearsing and gigging, I've decided to scale down my gear. I'll save the full-scale gear for bigger shows when required.
In that regard, I'm looking for a small high-gain tube amp (20-30W) to play in the rehearsal space with a loud drummer and smaller gigs (pubs and places like that). Our current style something of a cross between old Dissection and old Morbid Angel with a good measure of Hypocrisy. So a high gain amp with a nice clean channel and effects loop is the target; also in the neighborhood of the $400 to $500 mark maximum (new or used, it doesn't matter).
I have some options in mind, but since I don't have access to any of them locally unless I order one online, I must resort to youtube clips and reviews. That's why I'd like to have your opinions about these amps (also if you can offer me some new options I'll gladly receive them):
a) Carvin V3M - Nice, portable and full of features; plus, made in the US.
b) Peavey 6505 Mini - This amp needs no introduction. I wonder if this one is as nice as it's bigger brother.
c) Randall RD-20 - I've seen loads of great comments about this modern series of Randall amps.
d) Blackstar HT-20 - Also a nice alternative.
