$400 for an amp, what would you buy?

[gatogordo]

Title says it all. let me know. Personally I would like DI on it, but not necessary.

Thanks

[valleyguy]

I've been pretty satisfied with this Behringer ACX1800. I tried a few of them out, and for the price it was hard to beat.

[CCoehick]

Fishman Loudbox Mini is an amazing amp for under that price point.

[lespaul_79]

Ultrasound AG-50DS4 Amp are nice.

http://www.maurysmusic.com/inc/sdeta..._amp/626/80602

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by gatogordo

Title says it all. let me know. Personally I would like DI on it, but not necessary.

Thanks

Hi gg...

My amps (and suggestion) are UltraSound AG-50 (DS-4) with a pair of 8'' coaxial speakers (high frequency driver is mounted in the center of the woofer).

I don't know how watts are determined or reported among amps, but clarity and volume are what count with me. The AG-50 is so powerful, you will find it hard to stay in the room with one of these when the gain is at 60%, and 50% on the main volume...and they don't distort. Yet at lower volumes you don't lose any of the detail nor is there a tone shift.



I play and sing through mine in small venues, and use it as my main stage guitar monitor/amp when there is a PA system.

The AG-50 weighs 25 pounds, has dual channels (XLR or 1/4'' input on both) and effects on board. Built in Des Moines, Iowa, and the best bang for the buck of any mid-sized acoustic performing amp around.

Simple looking, road worthy (built like a little tank) and simple to use.

Django Books sells them for $389 drop shipped to your door.

[DaddyRabbit]

I would second the Loudbox Mini, but it depends on what you are using the amp for.

[gatogordo]

I plan on using it as a monitor/micd for a performance and use it for recording

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by gatogordo

I plan on using it as a monitor/micd for a performance and use it for recording

Hi gg...

Why would it need to be 'micd' for performance? All of the amps listed have a direct out for feeding the PA. And if you use either a direct box or preamp with dual feeds (XLR and 1/4'') you can send a direct feed to the board without a mic involved in the process at all.

My rigs all run Guitar-->preamp/blender-->amp/pa (simultaneously). By splitting the signal at the preamp or direct box (before the amp) I can control my stage monitor (the amp) without affecting the house sound.

I categorize amps I've tried as sounding like a guitar playing through an amp, or my guitar only bigger.

The UltraSound, AER, Humphrey and Rivera amps are all the most like the guitar only bigger. The rest are pretty obviously an amp making a guitar louder.

If it's well done, and recognizable as a guitar, I don't think audiences care which I use. I chose the ones I use for me.

I use no effects (not even reverb) so I'm really looking for natural sound. It would serve you well to take your guitar to a shop and try some amps.

You should set them behind you like they will be on stage, not facing you.

[cotten]

I enjoy my Ultrasound AG50 DS4. I carefully chose it over others in its price bracket, because of its tone, volume, flexibility, size/weight and price.

cotten

[Ed422]

Another Ultrasound vote. Top notch sound. Mine is a DS2 (older version than the DS4), but it is everything people describe the DS4 to be. Usually I go direct with my K&K equipped guitars.

Ed

[kelleygraphy]

Carvin Stagemate is a nice setup around that price.

[mchalebk]

Originally Posted by kelleygraphy

Carvin Stagemate is a nice setup around that price.

I like the StageMate, but, at $499, it's about 25% over the OP's stated budget. I agree it would be a great choice if the OP could stretch his budget a bit.

[gatogordo]

Originally Posted by mchalebk

I like the StageMate, but, at $499, it's about 25% over the OP's stated budget. I agree it would be a great choice if the OP could stretch his budget a bit.

I could stretch it out if its worth it

[Mike M]

Ultrasound AG50 DS4 furthest distance from a mistake I've found in a amp.

[aknow]

Ultrasound DS-4 is a great choice for your budget. Very balanced yet powerful sound, a well designed and attractive amp.
I have the Pro 250 as well, they are well worth the $!!