• From: UK
  • Registered: 2007-09-16
  • Posts: 369

Topic: Best Amp for £200 or less?

I'm thinking it's about time I replaced the 13-15 year old Yamaha 25watt amp I'm currently using.

I mainly play Rock/Punk-Rock but I've started playing Blues and Metal recently as well. I need an amp that's got more power than the current amp and has a decent sound quality. I'm not too bothered about the Distortion because I use a Multi-Effects unit but it needs to sound good clean without the effects unit.

At the moment it looks like either the Fender FM212R or the Hartke Piggy Back. hmm

Any advice?

2 Reply by gnomefry (edited by gnomefry 2008-04-10 18:53:41)

  • From: over there........(kensucky)
  • Registered: 2008-03-01
  • Posts: 215

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

The first amp I got was a Line 6 spider 3 75. It was a good amp. Good luck. smile It has 4 channels,and 6 effects.

tongue:P:P:P:P
  • Registered: 2007-01-29
  • Posts: 533

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

How about a Roland Micro Cube? Can run off batteries...has built in effects...great sound...plenty loud enough for house or apartment...has headphone jacks for private listening...cost around $125.00.

Middleaged Redneck sorta guy who refuses to grow up...passion for music, especially Southern Rock but like bout everything cept Gangsta/Hip Hop. Collect guitars, mandolins, and love to ride Harleys.

4 Reply by Tibernius (edited by Tibernius 2008-04-10 21:11:11)

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 2007-09-16
  • Posts: 369

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

Had a look at the Micro Cube, it looks alright but it's not really powerful enough. I have to run my current amp (25 watt) at 7 to be able to hear it clearly. hmm
I'm after something I could gig with if need be (that's my goal at the moment, just gotta learn how to play those damn barre chords first).
I'm not too sure about the Hartke: it's a bit big. (Yes I know how daft it sounds wanting a high-powered amp that's small, but I need to be able to store it somewhere)

The thing is since I can't go out and test the amps (the local guitar store is a 60-minute drive away and doesn't stock them) so I have to decide purely on the reviews I can find on the net.

I know practically nothing about amps as well. I've only just found out that the top part of the stack is the Amplifier! lol

If I got the Hartke would I be able to add another set of speakers to it?

  • From: Cincinnati, OH
  • Registered: 2007-07-16
  • Posts: 282

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

I have a Hartke 60w combo--tube preamp.  Pretty good high gain nasty sound--I like it for a good raw sound--does a great Machinehead!  Doesn't clean up particularly well--just doesn't have a lot of character & sounds a bit jangly to me.  I got it to sound loud and mean, and it does that with my epi LP plugged in.  I paid $199 at Sam Ash--I wanted the most power for my buck. 
Just got a Hughes & Kettner 15 watt for a cleaner tone and I am amazed at this amp--beautiful chrystal clean tones on the clean channel, but not a thin clean like some amps put out--the clean has depth and character...lot of subtleties to the sound.  And it gives some nice clasic rock sounds with the gain cranked on channel 1.  I freakin love this amp, and it gets surprisingly loud with the 8" Celestion speaker.  Haven't really played around with channel 2 yet so I can't really report.  This is the bottom line amp in their catalogue--I can't imagine what the big-boys sound like!

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 2007-09-16
  • Posts: 369

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

That sounds like the Hartke I've been looking at. I've decided against it though as I've found out there's no room for it. sad

Had a look at the Hughes & Kettner, is this the one you mean?

http://www.hughes-and-kettner.com/produ … &id=15

I'd have enough room for the 30 watt version. smile

I've had another idea as well. If I've got an amp with a headphone socket could I plug that into the audio-in on my Hi-Fi? I've got a 240watt Hi-Fi that's hardly ever used and if it could double as an extra set of speakers for the guitar amp...Anyone know if that's possible?

  • From: Chattanooga, TN, USA
  • Registered: 2007-12-09
  • Posts: 46

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

IMO, you go to a pawn shop or two, play the ones that fit your needs wattage-wise and buy it.  I have bought several amps from pawn shops and never had a problem.  I have always purchased something with 2 10's in it and 2 channels and that works fine for my needs practicing or playing gigs.   I go very low-tech with amp effects.  Just give me low-mid-high controls and gain.

If you want model #'s etc, I can't give any recommendations.  But, if you stick with a well-known manufacturer, you should be ok on quality: Fender, Crate, etc.  To me, the Line 6's are too over th top on the effects; I think it takes away from the amp instead of adding something to it.  An amp should be just that - an amp.

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 2007-09-16
  • Posts: 369

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

Found out that if I plug my amp into my Hi-Fi it'll destroy the speakers. yikes

I've had a look and I think it's going to be one of these:

Epiphone Valve Junior 5w
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=68250

Vox AD-15VT 15watt valve combo
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=12178

  • From: London
  • Registered: 2007-01-31
  • Posts: 88

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

Tibernius wrote:

Found out that if I plug my amp into my Hi-Fi it'll destroy the speakers. yikes

I've had a look and I think it's going to be one of these:

Epiphone Valve Junior 5w
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=68250

Vox AD-15VT 15watt valve combo
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=12178

HI, not sure about the 5w junior, i got the AD15vt, and i like it alot. But if you got 200 to play with, go and try the AD30vt(£129) and the AD50vt(£189), My AD15 is loud enough for what I want, but the 30 and 50 allows you to Adjust the output wattage of the power amp,so you can lower the volume without losing the sense of drive. I regret not spending £30 more for the AD30, for that feature plus louder! Go try them out, i'm sure you will like them alot, especially at that price.

10 Reply by Tibernius (edited by Tibernius 2008-04-13 13:09:50)

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 2007-09-16
  • Posts: 369

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

andros67 wrote:

HI, not sure about the 5w junior, i got the AD15vt, and i like it alot. But if you got 200 to play with, go and try the AD30vt(£129) and the AD50vt(£189), My AD15 is loud enough for what I want, but the 30 and 50 allows you to Adjust the output wattage of the power amp,so you can lower the volume without losing the sense of drive. I regret not spending £30 more for the AD30, for that feature plus louder! Go try them out, i'm sure you will like them alot, especially at that price.

I read on Harmony Central that the Vox AD series amps aren't very reliable. But then again neither are the reviews on that site. hmm Have you had any problems with it?

How's the sound with the AD15VT? Does it sound like a proper Valve (Tube) Amp?
I've seen some amps (can't remember the manufacturer, think it was Laney) that weren't actually Valve amps even though they claim they are.

11 Reply by andros67 (edited by andros67 2008-04-13 19:15:57)

  • From: London
  • Registered: 2007-01-31
  • Posts: 88

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

Tibernius wrote:
andros67 wrote:

HI, not sure about the 5w junior, i got the AD15vt, and i like it alot. But if you got 200 to play with, go and try the AD30vt(£129) and the AD50vt(£189), My AD15 is loud enough for what I want, but the 30 and 50 allows you to Adjust the output wattage of the power amp,so you can lower the volume without losing the sense of drive. I regret not spending £30 more for the AD30, for that feature plus louder! Go try them out, i'm sure you will like them alot, especially at that price.

I read on Harmony Central that the Vox AD series amps aren't very reliable. But then again neither are the reviews on that site. hmm Have you had any problems with it?

How's the sound with the AD15VT? Does it sound like a proper Valve (Tube) Amp?
I've seen some amps (can't remember the manufacturer, think it was Laney) that weren't actually Valve amps even though they claim they are.

I've had mine about 15 months and still works fine, never heard them being unreliable before, i got a link for a demo on Youtube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yayu2Qq-SPw I understand it has a valve in the pre-amp, a mixture of valve and electronics, hence the name of the series, Valvetronix, but I couldn't say whether its as good as a pure tube amp, dont forget the AD15 is only £99, has lots of presets, which emulate famous amps of the past, like the AC30, have a listen to the demo, and if you like what you hear, go and try one out. Personally, I never tried it out, I heard the demo and I was sold,it fit my budget and sounded good enough for me,a novice at the time, I ordered online from GAK, but then thats me, everyone is different. All the best, Andy.

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 2007-09-16
  • Posts: 369

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

Thanks for the link andros67, I've checked that out and a few of the Epiphone Valve Jr demos on youtube and I've finally decided. smile

I'm going with the Epiphone. I've heard some demos of it stock and modified and I like it.
A lot.
I've got a Zoom G2.1U so I've already got amp modelling and effects, so it doesn't make much difference to me that it hasn't got them. But the sound of the Valve Jr, especially with some mods, is incredible.

This is the modified one I was talking about:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_SoSmp0Lk9g

not many original parts left by the sound of it! lol
Definitely the Amp for me. (until I can afford that Orange Rocker 30w stack lol )

Thanks for the advice everyone. smile

  • From: Gander Newfoundland
  • Registered: 2007-05-05
  • Posts: 246

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

andros67 wrote:
Tibernius wrote:

Found out that if I plug my amp into my Hi-Fi it'll destroy the speakers. yikes

I've had a look and I think it's going to be one of these:

Epiphone Valve Junior 5w
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=68250

Vox AD-15VT 15watt valve combo
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=12178

HI, not sure about the 5w junior, i got the AD15vt, and i like it alot. But if you got 200 to play with, go and try the AD30vt(£129) and the AD50vt(£189), My AD15 is loud enough for what I want, but the 30 and 50 allows you to Adjust the output wattage of the power amp,so you can lower the volume without losing the sense of drive. I regret not spending £30 more for the AD30, for that feature plus louder! Go try them out, i'm sure you will like them alot, especially at that price.

The Epiphone Valve Junior is a great amp. Professional sound and can't be beat at the price. Being pure tube doesn't hurt either.

"You have to get over the love of power, and enjoy the power of love, in order to know peace."
-Jimi Hendrix.
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 28

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

okay
well
i have a VOX 10 watt
not that powerful but a gr8 sound...
my uncles mate who is in a bend with him uses his VOX
50 watt...actully i think that its a 50 watt..maybe 75...but
check the VOX line out

if you can learn bass in 15 minutes
then why do i play the guitar???
tongue
  • From: Cincinnati, OH
  • Registered: 2007-07-16
  • Posts: 282

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

That is my Hughes & Kettner--but I have the DFX version...same thing with a chorus & flange

  • From: London
  • Registered: 2007-01-31
  • Posts: 88

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

Tibernius wrote:

Thanks for the link andros67, I've checked that out and a few of the Epiphone Valve Jr demos on youtube and I've finally decided. smile

I'm going with the Epiphone. I've heard some demos of it stock and modified and I like it.
A lot.
I've got a Zoom G2.1U so I've already got amp modelling and effects, so it doesn't make much difference to me that it hasn't got them. But the sound of the Valve Jr, especially with some mods, is incredible.

This is the modified one I was talking about:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_SoSmp0Lk9g

not many original parts left by the sound of it! lol
Definitely the Amp for me. (until I can afford that Orange Rocker 30w stack lol )

Thanks for the advice everyone. smile

Your welcome Tibernius, glad you came to decision your happy with, thats the main thing, I'm sure you'll do fine with that amp, I saw the clip, your right, lots of mods, speaker and tube upgrades, sounds good too, happy playing, Andy.

  • From: London
  • Registered: 2007-01-31
  • Posts: 88

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

SGinCYQX wrote:
andros67 wrote:
Tibernius wrote:

Found out that if I plug my amp into my Hi-Fi it'll destroy the speakers. yikes

I've had a look and I think it's going to be one of these:

Epiphone Valve Junior 5w
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=68250

Vox AD-15VT 15watt valve combo
http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=12178

HI, not sure about the 5w junior, i got the AD15vt, and i like it alot. But if you got 200 to play with, go and try the AD30vt(£129) and the AD50vt(£189), My AD15 is loud enough for what I want, but the 30 and 50 allows you to Adjust the output wattage of the power amp,so you can lower the volume without losing the sense of drive. I regret not spending £30 more for the AD30, for that feature plus louder! Go try them out, i'm sure you will like them alot, especially at that price.

The Epiphone Valve Junior is a great amp. Professional sound and can't be beat at the price. Being pure tube doesn't hurt either.

Pure Tube doesn't hurt at all! lol.

18 Reply by Tibernius (edited by Tibernius 2008-04-16 18:17:46)

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 2007-09-16
  • Posts: 369

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

Right, I've got a bit more information for you lot! big_smile

Have a look at the Epiphone Valve Jr, then look at this amp and spot the difference:

http://www.soundcontrol.co.uk/mod_1/pag … -216-18119

Maybe I should go for the 15w version instead... big_smile

There's this one too:

http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_ga5.htm

All of those amps are EXACTLY THE SAME as the Valve Jr. They're from the same factory and made with EXACTLY the same parts. Good job I didn't have the money to buy the Epiphone version then.

  • From: UK
  • Registered: 2007-09-16
  • Posts: 369

Re: Best Amp for £200 or less?

I don't suppose anyone here knows if you can stand the Cab part of a Stack on its side?
There's a deal for the head Valve jr and a cab:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_ga5h_bundle.htm

But the cab's too big for the space I put my amp in unless it's on its side. sad