Best amp under $1K for gigs?

[Goat Mick]

I have a Bose L1c, Bose S1 Pro, Fishman Loudbox Mini and a Fishman Loudbox Performer and I use them all based on the circumstances. If I had to drop down to just one system, I'd keep the Loudbox Performer. It does everything you need it to do and then some. I just hate carrying the thing as it's the heaviest of my systems, but it is a dang dependable system. While it is a very good sounding utilitarian workhorse system, you will find some that sound a little better. I really like the workhorse aspect and that's why I'll keep using it.

[JackB1]

Which out of all those sounds the best overall?

Originally Posted by Goat Mick

I have a Bose L1c, Bose S1 Pro, Fishman Loudbox Mini and a Fishman Loudbox Performer and I use them all based on the circumstances. If I had to drop down to just one system, I'd keep the Loudbox Performer. It does everything you need it to do and then some. I just hate carrying the thing as it's the heaviest of my systems, but it is a dang dependable system. While it is a very good sounding utilitarian workhorse system, you will find some that sound a little better. I really like the workhorse aspect and that's why I'll keep using it.

[Goat Mick]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Which out of all those sounds the best overall?

Probably the L1c. It’s just clean and clear with plenty of bottom end for a solo singer with a guitar.

[pinweasel]

I have the fishman performer and it kicks butt. Also under 1000 bucks.

[drive-south]

I own a Fishman LB Artist and highly recommend it. I'm not sure I would spring the extra $$ for the LB Performer although it is a great amp.

I used to own a pair of Fender Acoustisonic Jr Amps. They were toys compared with the Fishman amp.

[ricdoug]

Bose S1 Pro on a stick mounted on a stick 6' or higher will easilly cover those stated conditions,

[JackB1]

What size is the S1 Pro speaker?

Originally Posted by ricdoug

Bose S1 Pro on a stick mounted on a stick 6' or higher will easilly cover those stated conditions,

[drive-south]

I'm planning to buy a pair of QSC CP8's soon. They will be used as stage monitors with my PA but for small gigs may even serve as mains. They also can be lined out of my Fishman LB Artist.

[markd]

I’m very happy w the Harbinger 900 array. You can get two for your budget which gives you flexibility. We run through a Beringer x12 mixer which gives so much control right from your iPad. For small gigs take one and for bigger take both and daisy chain them or play in stereo.

[varmonter]

Originally Posted by JackB1

guys....couple of things...

I don't need battery powered, so I'd prefer not to pay for features I don't need.

I need something for guitar AND vocals

Thanks!

When I suggested eae stuff to you I did so in accordance to its features ,its over all ability to do what you requested and mainly its stellar sound which is where it's at. The d68 mk2 is under 1k . It has separate eq in its aux out to
go to a powered speaker if needed. All in all I dont look at the battery as a negative.
You cant find an amp that sounds as good and
Has the features as this for the money.
For me an amps sound is the primary reason for
purchase ..for vocals AND guitar and in my case mandolin as well. Imho the battery power is just icing on the cake.
I've used the loud box mini and the lb artist.
Imho they are good amps..just not in the same
league with EAE. Like comparing an sm57 to a Neuman 184.

[JackB1]

Thanks for that. Quite an endorsement. Just checked this one out on their website and wow it IS chocked full of features. There's no way to try one out locally, so I would have to buy blind. Let me consider this one..

Originally Posted by varmonter

When I suggested eae stuff to you I did so in accordance to its features ,its over all ability to do what you requested and mainly its stellar sound which is where it's at. The d68 mk2 is under 1k . It has separate eq in its aux out to
go to a powered speaker if needed. All in all I dont look at the battery as a negative.
You cant find an amp that sounds as good and
Has the features as this for the money.
For me an amps sound is the primary reason for
purchase ..for vocals AND guitar and in my case mandolin as well. Imho the battery power is just icing on the cake.
I've used the loud box mini and the lb artist.
Imho they are good amps..just not in the same
league with EAE. Like comparing an sm57 to a Neuman 184.

[DjFuzzyMcPickle]

Definitely some good options mentioned. I STILL say for 1K or less you NEEEEEED to hear and play through the genzler Acoustic array pro. i think you will reeeeeaalllly likey likey. No offense to the fishman liking folks but to me the difference between these two is HUUUUGE!

[Methos1979]

Originally Posted by JackB1

Thanks for that. Quite an endorsement. Just checked this one out on their website and wow it IS chocked full of features. There's no way to try one out locally, so I would have to buy blind. Let me consider this one..

Our good friend Aaron (AeroUSA) has a video review post up right now for the EAE D6-58.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by jseth

A used AER Compact 60... you should be able to find one within your budget...

Don't be fooled by a "watts" rating, as there's a whole lot more involved than just watts. I have been consistently amazed by how LOUD AND CLEAR my little Compact can go! I sing and play through it, and, even in rooms that were 30' x 90' with 30' ceilings, full of people drinking and talking, I never had the master volume up past 12 o'clock...

This little thing just produces way more sound and volume than 60 solid state watts and one 8" speaker should produce! Works best for me when I put a bit of distance between my self and my guitar and that amp... out around 10-15' from the unit, the sound "blooms" and spreads really nicely; I'll put the thing on the stage, using the little "wedge" gizmo that AER sells to cant it up a bit, and then position myself so I'm in the edge of the "dispersion cone", and I can hear myself perfectly and I'm hearing what the audience is hearing.

Ditto to JSeth. AER makes some of the best acoustic amps in the industry. Really accurate acoustic reproduction.

sm

[varmonter]

I had the aer compact 60-3 .
It was a stellar amp for reproducing acoustic
Guitar. I never could get a vocal sound
Out of it I liked. I think it was due
to the lack of a midrange adjustment on
The mic channel. I got a letter from
Eae today announcing the d68 pro.
Nice wood cabinet and no battery.
Comes in at 18 lbs..$899 might be
Worth checking out.