Nice Living Room Amp That's Cheap?

goldtopper · October 9th, 2006, 12:50 PM

I am looking for a nice living room size amp that's not expensive. I know "not expensive" can vary quite widely, so I'm thinking under $200. Tube is mandatory and I'd like it to look stylish enough to keep out all of the time- retro's cool too. I just need something so I don't have to go up and down the stairs all of the time- in other words, it'll make me practice more and whenever I feel like it without being too lazy!
Thanks for any and all recommendations.

ruger9 · October 9th, 2006, 12:57 PM

Wow. Tubes for less than $200. That's a tall order. Right off the bat I could say the Epi Valve Jr (which i did not like), but it would be helpful if we knew what tone you were going for/what kind of music you play?

goldtopper · October 9th, 2006, 01:02 PM

Just looking for a nice clean clear tube tone, nothing too overdriven. I was considering the Valve Jr. At under 2 bills, I'm not looking for a tone monster- just something to keep me busy.

stephent2 · October 9th, 2006, 01:07 PM

used Crate V series V1512

ruger9 · October 9th, 2006, 01:20 PM

In that case, you'd probably enjoy the Valve Jr. I'm not a fan of it's overdrive at all, but it's got clean clear tube tone for days.

That being said, you shouldn't overlook the modelers like the Vox AD5/AD15VT/etc. I know you said tubes are mandatory, but the Voxes have done an incredible job with their modelers. Don't knock it 'till you try it. (at least for a practice amp)...

Nub · October 9th, 2006, 02:17 PM

If you find a good sounding tube amp for $200, it'll probably be pretty thrashed; not very stylish, and you won't want to leave it out in plain view!

You might be able to pick up a SF Champ if you're patient, they show up for a couple hundred bucks once in awhile; you might also be able to find a used Blues Jr. around that price, and they're great amps.

I agree with Ruger9, there's some cool solid state stuff in that price range, and many sound very tube-like. My Vox Pathfinder sounds better than my Champ at lower levels, and I use my MicroCube the most at home. The Roland Cube series has great cleans; I was at a jam on Saturday, and one of the guys used a Cube 30, it sounded great.

TieDyedDevil · October 9th, 2006, 02:36 PM

You're gonna be hard-pressed to get decent cleans out of a $200 tube amp.

Consider the smaller Vox Valvetronix amps; they're really quite good.

neocaster · October 9th, 2006, 02:48 PM

I was thinking that. They don't do everything perfectly, but the way they model their own kin (AC15/AC30) is prety amazing. They're very versatile and if you are willing to spend some time dialing in what you're looking for, you can get some great sounds from one. Musician's Friend lists the AD15VT at 189.99. If you find something all tube that sounds good for under $200 let me know. For that price, I'd build a cabinet if it was fugly.

msteurbaut · October 9th, 2006, 03:06 PM

x
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msteurbaut · October 9th, 2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by neocaster

I was thinking that. They don't do everything perfectly, but the way they model their own kin (AC15/AC30) is prety amazing. They're very versatile and if you are willing to spend some time dialing in what you're looking for, you can get some great sounds from one. Musician's Friend lists the AD15VT at 189.99. If you find something all tube that sounds good for under $200 let me know. For that price, I'd build a cabinet if it was fugly.

The Laney LC15 is great value for the money imo:

http://www.laney.co.uk/site.htm

bluehonky · October 9th, 2006, 03:46 PM

I like playing my Epiphone Galaxie 25. It's all tube and has an OK reverb. they have been discontinued but you might be able to find one on E-bay. I paid $225 for mine new last year when they were blowing them out. It's got a kind of cool retro look to it. I also heard Peavey is coming out with a 5 watt tube amp soon.

This is what the Galaxie looks like. Plenty loud too. Good luck.

http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAM...alaxie-25.html

Keifer · October 9th, 2006, 03:59 PM

16 watt Crate Palomino or Fender Blues Jr. but even used...$200...maybe(?).

RomanS · October 9th, 2006, 04:04 PM

Epi Valve Jr., and get the BitMo tone control mod from Ebay; if you feel really adventurous, read the 80+ page of Epi VJ mods on 18watt.com.

fungusyoung · October 9th, 2006, 04:31 PM

I'd have to agree with the suggestion of a 70's SF Champ. You can find one in the $200 range, but you may pay up to $250 for one in decent shape. I'd suggest it's worth going over $200 for something you're gonna love to play especially with your minimum criteria of a tube amp with nice clean sounds.

The cheapest "new" tube amp that Fender offers is the Pro Jr. at around $300, but I cannot vouch for the clean tones on those. The Champ, on the other hand, offers some very nice cleans.

fakeocaster · October 9th, 2006, 05:03 PM

Another vote for a SF champ

You might get a gibson skylark for that kind of money on ebay

stevieboy · October 9th, 2006, 05:23 PM

A lot of people are anticipating the release of the new Peavey ValveKing Royal 8 five watter--MSRP $249.

Love my SF Champ with Line6 Verbzilla.

sunkidd · October 9th, 2006, 05:42 PM

I bought a excellent condition Fender MusicMaster Bass amp, that sounds great for guitar, at a vintage guitar show a while back for $200..... PTP wired w/two 6V6 power tubes and a 12AX7 preamp tube.... 12" speaker and totally stock.... with the one tone knob there's minimal fiddling around by wasting time wondering how a different setting would sound! dial it in quick and play a couple hours... grab your favorite pedals and enjoy.... mine loves pedals....

Rob DiStefano · October 9th, 2006, 06:07 PM

If this is yer only amp, definitely get a Champ or 5F1 clone (or any PTP amp, for that matter) - even if ya hafta wait and save up more buck$ for it. It's an amp that will last you forever whilst the VJr, Galaxie, et al are just ticking time bombs. Just get one and use as-is, forget modding it at first - you can upgrade components as need be over time. Although even a li'l 5w Champ can be quite loud for any living room smaller than a Border's gig venue.

Chicago Slim · October 9th, 2006, 08:37 PM

For playing around the house, I like my Pathfinder 15R. It doen't have tubes, but I would suggest comparing it side-by-side with anything else, before buying.

studio1087 · October 10th, 2006, 10:55 AM

Is $300 a stretch?

You can buy a new Fender Pro Junior for $299 anywhere. Guitar Center will generally drop 5% to $285 if you lean on the salesrep.

I bought a Pro Junior as a living room amp and I'm in love with it. It's warm and rich and fills a room with lots of sound. Set at 3 or 4 it would keep up with a humane drummer. My Big Hot Rod Deluxe has been retired to the basement because I like the tone of the Pro Junior so much more.

You may find a Pro Junior on ebay for $190 to $215. I'm enjoying the Pro Junior more than I enjoyed my Vibro Champ. The Vox AD15VT sells for $185 everywhere; It's a tube preamp unit. The Epi's are nice units. I've heard demos of the Valve Jr. head on soundclick.com and the tone was great but most guys crank them and get them dirty sounding. At 5 watts, it doesn't take much volume to get them distorting.

Check Pro Juniors on E-bay. Buy a real Fender tube amp; you'll have a friend for life. It's worth the extra $85-$100 if you just want to get a new one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Pro-Jr-Gu...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Pro-Jr-gu...QQcmdZViewItem

kludge · October 10th, 2006, 12:16 PM

Too bad silverface Champs aren't as cheap as they used to be. You might still find one under $200, though. I think the Epi Valve Jr sounds okay and looks terrific. I've been using one as my primary amp these days just because the volume is so practical, and the sound is good enough, even if it's not my best amp.

swooda · October 10th, 2006, 12:23 PM

Roland cube 30. Onboard effects, amp modeling..... Great sounding little amp and cheap..

maestrovert · October 10th, 2006, 12:54 PM

Champ
'nuff said

yegbert · October 10th, 2006, 01:22 PM

goldtopper,

If you're thinking about maybe buying something with some age on it like an SF Champ or MMB...

Don't forget to factor in the cost of having it serviced.

Play through one or two so you can determine whether it will give you the clean and clear tone that you're looking for. I bought a well used SF Champ recently. I don't think it's the best for clean and clear. And having listened to several other small amps with 8" speakers, I think 8" speakers tend to sound boxy.

Looks to me like the street prices of used Champs don't get much lower than $200. Mine was $172 not including shipping and it is very worn cosmetically. I paid another $80 for a cap job and $40 for a speaker.

I want to try an Epiphone Valve Jr head, they are selling for around $100. I think a Pro Jr sounds good for the money, but the street price on them new is around $300. I saw a barely used one for around $270.

goldtopper · October 10th, 2006, 01:31 PM

I was thinking an 8" in a Champ does sound a little boxy. I've got a Palomino V16, but it's just a little too big for the living room. I'm so dang happy with that, maybe I'll go with the Palomino V8...or an Epiphone Valve jr... or a Vox 15...dammit! Here I go again!
Ok, where do you find the best bigger living rooms for under $200??

ramseybella · October 10th, 2006, 05:15 PM

Do you need an amp ASAP?
If not save a few more dollars like $250.00 total $450.00 and buy a decent SF Fender Princeton or Princeton Reverb!
Fantastic little amp.

October 9th, 2006, 12:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
goldtopper Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell Posts: 1,000	Nice Living Room Amp That's Cheap? I am looking for a nice living room size amp that's not expensive. I know "not expensive" can vary quite widely, so I'm thinking under $200. Tube is mandatory and I'd like it to look stylish enough to keep out all of the time- retro's cool too. I just need something so I don't have to go up and down the stairs all of the time- in other words, it'll make me practice more and whenever I feel like it without being too lazy! Thanks for any and all recommendations. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

October 9th, 2006, 12:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
ruger9 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackettstown, NJ Posts: 1,726	Wow. Tubes for less than $200. That's a tall order. Right off the bat I could say the Epi Valve Jr (which i did not like), but it would be helpful if we knew what tone you were going for/what kind of music you play? __________________ "I've got callouses, from all those nights, spent playin' a Telecaster, 'till my fingers bled Bud Light" - Travis Tritt

October 9th, 2006, 01:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
goldtopper Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell Posts: 1,000	Just looking for a nice clean clear tube tone, nothing too overdriven. I was considering the Valve Jr. At under 2 bills, I'm not looking for a tone monster- just something to keep me busy. __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

October 9th, 2006, 01:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
stephent2 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Atlanta, GA. Age: 57 Posts: 2,628 20 Photos	used Crate V series V1512 __________________ ".. Pine cones go in here (points to still), party liquors comes out here and proceed to here (mouth). Fights begin, finger prints are took, days is lost, bail is made, court dates are ignored, cycle is repeated". -- Earlie Cuyler, Squidbillies

October 9th, 2006, 01:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
ruger9 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Hackettstown, NJ Posts: 1,726	In that case, you'd probably enjoy the Valve Jr. I'm not a fan of it's overdrive at all, but it's got clean clear tube tone for days. That being said, you shouldn't overlook the modelers like the Vox AD5/AD15VT/etc. I know you said tubes are mandatory, but the Voxes have done an incredible job with their modelers. Don't knock it 'till you try it. (at least for a practice amp)... __________________ "I've got callouses, from all those nights, spent playin' a Telecaster, 'till my fingers bled Bud Light" - Travis Tritt

October 9th, 2006, 02:17 PM	#6 (permalink)
Nub Tele-Holic Join Date: May 2003 Location: SoCal Posts: 920	If you find a good sounding tube amp for $200, it'll probably be pretty thrashed; not very stylish, and you won't want to leave it out in plain view! You might be able to pick up a SF Champ if you're patient, they show up for a couple hundred bucks once in awhile; you might also be able to find a used Blues Jr. around that price, and they're great amps. I agree with Ruger9, there's some cool solid state stuff in that price range, and many sound very tube-like. My Vox Pathfinder sounds better than my Champ at lower levels, and I use my MicroCube the most at home. The Roland Cube series has great cleans; I was at a jam on Saturday, and one of the guys used a Cube 30, it sounded great.

October 9th, 2006, 02:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
TieDyedDevil Tele-Meister Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Portland, OR Age: 54 Posts: 223	You're gonna be hard-pressed to get decent cleans out of a $200 tube amp. Consider the smaller Vox Valvetronix amps; they're really quite good.

October 9th, 2006, 02:48 PM	#8 (permalink)
neocaster Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Chester County, PA Age: 35 Posts: 3,587 11 Photos	I was thinking that. They don't do everything perfectly, but the way they model their own kin (AC15/AC30) is prety amazing. They're very versatile and if you are willing to spend some time dialing in what you're looking for, you can get some great sounds from one. Musician's Friend lists the AD15VT at 189.99. If you find something all tube that sounds good for under $200 let me know. For that price, I'd build a cabinet if it was fugly. __________________ "...You don't need faith if you know it's gonna work!" "The views expressed here are mine and do not reflect the official opinion of my employer or the organization through which the Internet was accessed."

October 9th, 2006, 03:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
msteurbaut Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Belgium Posts: 608	x x Last edited by msteurbaut; October 9th, 2006 at 03:54 PM.

October 9th, 2006, 03:46 PM	#11 (permalink)
bluehonky Tele-Meister Join Date: May 2004 Location: Lehigh Valley Posts: 133	I like playing my Epiphone Galaxie 25. It's all tube and has an OK reverb. they have been discontinued but you might be able to find one on E-bay. I paid $225 for mine new last year when they were blowing them out. It's got a kind of cool retro look to it. I also heard Peavey is coming out with a 5 watt tube amp soon. This is what the Galaxie looks like. Plenty loud too. Good luck. http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAM...alaxie-25.html

October 9th, 2006, 03:59 PM	#12 (permalink)
Keifer Tele-Holic Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 565	16 watt Crate Palomino or Fender Blues Jr. but even used...$200...maybe(?). __________________ Electric:Teles, Strats, pedal steel Acoustic:dobro, 5-string banjo, mandolin

October 9th, 2006, 04:04 PM	#13 (permalink)
RomanS Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Vienna, Austria Age: 37 Posts: 2,987 14 Photos	Epi Valve Jr., and get the BitMo tone control mod from Ebay; if you feel really adventurous, read the 80+ page of Epi VJ mods on 18watt.com.

October 9th, 2006, 04:31 PM	#14 (permalink)
fungusyoung Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 1,017 22 Photos	I'd have to agree with the suggestion of a 70's SF Champ. You can find one in the $200 range, but you may pay up to $250 for one in decent shape. I'd suggest it's worth going over $200 for something you're gonna love to play especially with your minimum criteria of a tube amp with nice clean sounds. The cheapest "new" tube amp that Fender offers is the Pro Jr. at around $300, but I cannot vouch for the clean tones on those. The Champ, on the other hand, offers some very nice cleans.

October 9th, 2006, 05:03 PM	#15 (permalink)
fakeocaster Tele-Holic Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Enniscorthy, Ireland Posts: 672	Another vote for a SF champ You might get a gibson skylark for that kind of money on ebay __________________ cheers fakeocaster

October 9th, 2006, 05:23 PM	#16 (permalink)
stevieboy Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: the valley Age: 57 Posts: 2,501 6 Photos	A lot of people are anticipating the release of the new Peavey ValveKing Royal 8 five watter--MSRP $249. Love my SF Champ with Line6 Verbzilla. __________________ "One of the best bands ever. These guys were such perfectionist"--Youtube user comment

October 10th, 2006, 12:54 PM	#23 (permalink)
maestrovert Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: West Branch Mi. Posts: 6,732	Champ 'nuff said __________________ Sing the Song Bro' Play on Drummer www.godonthe.net

October 9th, 2006, 05:42 PM	#17 (permalink)
sunkidd Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 413	I bought a excellent condition Fender MusicMaster Bass amp, that sounds great for guitar, at a vintage guitar show a while back for $200..... PTP wired w/two 6V6 power tubes and a 12AX7 preamp tube.... 12" speaker and totally stock.... with the one tone knob there's minimal fiddling around by wasting time wondering how a different setting would sound! dial it in quick and play a couple hours... grab your favorite pedals and enjoy.... mine loves pedals....

October 9th, 2006, 06:07 PM	#18 (permalink)
Rob DiStefano Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Park Ridge, NJ Age: 63 Posts: 4,915	If this is yer only amp, definitely get a Champ or 5F1 clone (or any PTP amp, for that matter) - even if ya hafta wait and save up more buck$ for it. It's an amp that will last you forever whilst the VJr, Galaxie, et al are just ticking time bombs. Just get one and use as-is, forget modding it at first - you can upgrade components as need be over time. Although even a li'l 5w Champ can be quite loud for any living room smaller than a Border's gig venue.

October 9th, 2006, 08:37 PM	#19 (permalink)
Chicago Slim Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Sebastion FL Posts: 333	For playing around the house, I like my Pathfinder 15R. It doen't have tubes, but I would suggest comparing it side-by-side with anything else, before buying.

October 10th, 2006, 10:55 AM	#20 (permalink)
studio1087 Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 44 Posts: 4,217 36 Photos	Is $300 a stretch? You can buy a new Fender Pro Junior for $299 anywhere. Guitar Center will generally drop 5% to $285 if you lean on the salesrep. I bought a Pro Junior as a living room amp and I'm in love with it. It's warm and rich and fills a room with lots of sound. Set at 3 or 4 it would keep up with a humane drummer. My Big Hot Rod Deluxe has been retired to the basement because I like the tone of the Pro Junior so much more. You may find a Pro Junior on ebay for $190 to $215. I'm enjoying the Pro Junior more than I enjoyed my Vibro Champ. The Vox AD15VT sells for $185 everywhere; It's a tube preamp unit. The Epi's are nice units. I've heard demos of the Valve Jr. head on soundclick.com and the tone was great but most guys crank them and get them dirty sounding. At 5 watts, it doesn't take much volume to get them distorting. Check Pro Juniors on E-bay. Buy a real Fender tube amp; you'll have a friend for life. It's worth the extra $85-$100 if you just want to get a new one. http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Pro-Jr-Gu...QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/Fender-Pro-Jr-gu...QQcmdZViewItem __________________ JLG Carry On

October 10th, 2006, 12:16 PM	#21 (permalink)
kludge Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Minneapolis Age: 43 Posts: 1,026	Too bad silverface Champs aren't as cheap as they used to be. You might still find one under $200, though. I think the Epi Valve Jr sounds okay and looks terrific. I've been using one as my primary amp these days just because the volume is so practical, and the sound is good enough, even if it's not my best amp.

October 10th, 2006, 12:23 PM	#22 (permalink)
swooda Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Orleans, LA Age: 53 Posts: 692	Roland cube 30. Onboard effects, amp modeling..... Great sounding little amp and cheap.. __________________ Lettin’ the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back.

October 10th, 2006, 01:22 PM	#24 (permalink)
yegbert Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Clinton, Maryland (US) Age: 54 Posts: 4,989 88 Photos	goldtopper, If you're thinking about maybe buying something with some age on it like an SF Champ or MMB... Don't forget to factor in the cost of having it serviced. Play through one or two so you can determine whether it will give you the clean and clear tone that you're looking for. I bought a well used SF Champ recently. I don't think it's the best for clean and clear. And having listened to several other small amps with 8" speakers, I think 8" speakers tend to sound boxy. Looks to me like the street prices of used Champs don't get much lower than $200. Mine was $172 not including shipping and it is very worn cosmetically. I paid another $80 for a cap job and $40 for a speaker. I want to try an Epiphone Valve Jr head, they are selling for around $100. I think a Pro Jr sounds good for the money, but the street price on them new is around $300. I saw a barely used one for around $270.

October 10th, 2006, 01:31 PM	#25 (permalink)
goldtopper Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Somewhere Between Heaven and Hell Posts: 1,000	I was thinking an 8" in a Champ does sound a little boxy. I've got a Palomino V16, but it's just a little too big for the living room. I'm so dang happy with that, maybe I'll go with the Palomino V8...or an Epiphone Valve jr... or a Vox 15...dammit! Here I go again! Ok, where do you find the best bigger living rooms for under $200?? __________________ ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ

October 10th, 2006, 05:15 PM	#26 (permalink)
ramseybella Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Santa Fe New Mexico Posts: 1,055 48 Photos	Do you need an amp ASAP? If not save a few more dollars like $250.00 total $450.00 and buy a decent SF Fender Princeton or Princeton Reverb! Fantastic little amp. Last edited by Chris S.; October 10th, 2006 at 06:52 PM.

October 10th, 2006, 09:01 PM	#27 (permalink)
lostpick Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Staten Island, NYC Posts: 1,012