Best small combo for practice, metal tones?

[Xoph]

What are the best small combo amps for practicing metal? I've got lots of experience with stacks, but not with combos, except I have an old GK 250ML (lunchbox) that does OK with a modeler in front. Size I'm aiming for is one 12" speaker or smaller, maybe 15 Watts.

As for tone, based on stacks (because that's what I know -- yes I know a stack is a different beast than a combo), I like Marshall JVM & 2203KK, H&K Triamp, EVH 5150 & 5150 III, Carvin V3. I'm into death metal but try to avoid the exaggeratedly-scooped sound.

[horns666]

Peavey 6505+ 60w 1-12 brand new/w warranty $499 out de do..

Or, find a used one for about 350-400. Perfect for practice in the bedroom or over a drummer. Add an extension cab and it's loud 'nuff to metal up anything you'd want.

IMO..There is no better bang for the buck..period! Except maybe the Carvin.

[Larz]

15W range?

See the micro amp craze thread for some thoughts.

Voodoo Witchdoctor 10W 1x12?

[jgcable]

Marshall DSL201
Any Peavey Ultra or Ultra Supreme
Peavey 6505+ is a great choice. I agree with Bill.
Line 6 Spidervalve 1 x 12

[themisfit138]

Mesa Mark V
5150 III the one I played sounded pretty good.

[mjtripper]

Roland cube amps make great practice amps, sound good, and are very reliable. Line 6 spider amps would also be a good choice. They both make great practice amps without requiring high volume to sound good.

[Brozz]

For the love all things with strings, dont buy a Line 6 amp. Unless you'd like to become intimately familiar with the phrase "buyers remorse"

If your looking for bang for the buck, and dont want alot of volume, try a Peavey Vypyr (many built in effect - headphone jack, etc etc) or maybe a Vox Tonelab, Boss GT or similar multi-effects processor run into a small amp.

Also, the Peavey 6505 combo sounds pretty damn good. But it might not be apartment friendly as far as volume goes.

The Mesa F30 and 5:25 Express combos are great, but, in my opinion are foolishly over priced.

[BenoA]

For a cheap solution : Peavey Vypyr or fender Mustang serie.