First tube amp. Any suggestions?

So I come to the experts. I am looking to buy my first tube amp. Money is tight, but I've settled between two. A Marshall Class 5, 5 watt or, a Carvin Vintage 16 16/5 watt. Both are one channel amps and in my price range. I play mainly country, classic rock, and some blues with Tele's and Strats. I don't need anything too big, I can always plug into my PA for larger venues. Need mainly clean tones with a bit of dirt. I just wanna plug in and not do a giant pedal dance. At most I might add a compressor and reverb, but thats about all. Does anyone have any experience with either of these two? I await your response my friends!

Hmmmm. No, no experience with those 2. But for my money, I'd say to buy used and go with one of the smaller tube amps you see recommended on here a lot:
Fender Blues Jr. (Or a pro junior would probably be fine too.)
Or a Peavey Classic 20 if you can find one (or a Classic 30, which is a lot, but still manageable.)
Or a Crate Palomino V16.
I just read the page on the Marshall, and it sounds good. But if you go used, you will find many more of those other amps around, and will pay less, if you know how to bargain. The Carvin, I like that brand, but some people really do not, and so it can affect resale value.
My opinions.

I really like my Carvin V-16, BUT EL84s won't give you that "Fender chime" a lot of play it clean guys are looking for. A 6V6 sure will. Also the V-16 does not do well with a digital device like my Pod plugged to the front end.
Do you have other amps? The V16 may not be the best choice for your one main, go to amp. Then again, you may love it.

My first thought is I'd look in the 15W-20W (or even 30W) range vs a 5W amp if you plan to play this amp with a band in rehearsal or on stage. That to me would eliminate that Class 5. The power scaling amps like the Carvin you mention are handy for home and gig playing, though I'm not familiar with how that amps sounds.

As far as tone, that's in the eye of the beholder. I'm not certain what stores are around you in SW Wyoming, but I would try a number of amps in all price ranges to try to get a general sense of what types of circuits work for you. Ask to try friends amps etc.

In the $400 or so range, Okieactor listed many of the faves above. The BJr is a great first tube amp, as is the Pro Jr., Peavey C20 or C30.

Buy "The Keeper" first - simply because it'll be the very last to go.
I'm advising a Fender Champ Silverface.

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That will give you an idea. It's a pretty good amp. For the money, it's great.

I would recommend looking into a Fender Super Champ XD. It's one of the best deals out there. Plus, it had a Line Out that sounds good. You can line out to a PA or another amp, if you have other SS amps.

Look for a used Peavey Classic 30. You should be able to find a nice one for less than the Marshall and won't have to run it through a PA.


Good luck in your search.