Choosing a guitar amplifier?

Question

I've been playing the guitar for 5 years now and I'm sick of my current 15W amp. I'd like to go bigger, but I'm not sure what to get.

I play mainly thrash/heavy metal (Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Metallica, Ozzy, etc), and I'd like to have the power if I need it. I don't gig yet, but that doesn't really influence my choice right now.

I know I'd like a combo unit, rather than a half/full stack. I've looked at Marshall, and I think there are better metal amps for the money. My next choice was Mesa/Boogie. They're expensive, and I don't really care whether it's tube, valve, or solid state.

Then I looked at Line 6. They're much less expensive, and have gotten great reviews. But, they build effects and amp modelling into pretty well every amp, which I don't need, and makes me wonder if the amp can't just 'be itself'. I have my own effects.

I'm looking at something between 50 and 150 watts, preferably with 1 or 2 12" speakers, preferably Celestions. $500 max. Any ideas?

Answer 1

There aren't many amps (without effects) out there that are going to give you a good heavy metal tone, you'll probably want to use a pedal. Krank and Mesa/ Boogie are good but expensive.
I would suggest a Randall RG100G3. It has 100 watts, 2-12" celestion speakers, and goes for $499 at musiciansfriend.com.
You should also team this up with a good pedal, like a Boss Metal Zone or a Digitech Metal Master.

Answer 2

Never but an amp or an instrument on hearsay. Advice is good, but go to a music store and try it out before you buy. If you have any desires to play in a band, spend the extra bucks to get what you like best.
Marshall is very good and trade in value is good also.
Peavy is a solid amp and costs less than Marshall.
Fender, Crate, Mesa, all good amps.
Good luck

Answer 3

www.krank.com