Half stack vs. 212 combo

[Axe Chemist]

Hey everyone,

I will be making a decision in the next few weeks on which type of amp to buy. I already own a 212 SS combo amp but it's a bit cheezy now (Behringer) and I'm only using it for cleans with a processor in front.

So, I've been window shopping for something serious that will last a lifetime if I want it to. This is just a hobby, no band here, and I only play at lower volumes in my home. I'm trying to justify a half stack because it's something I've wanted since I first started playing. However, I don't need to blow the walls off of my house and annoy my neighbors either.

So, the big question I would like input on is this: Is it possible to enjoy a good tube driven half stack at lower volumes or would it be a total waste of cash? Some of the options I'm looking at are the JSX amps and the Carvin amps. Also, would I sacrifice any tone for going with the 212's vs. the half stack version of the same amp due to cab designs?

[TinTin8]

if you only play indoors at low volumes
a 1/2 stack is a waste of money
buy a combo, if you cant crank it, buy an attenutor (sp?) so you can benift the saturated tubes at low volume.

[zeegler]

Ah, who cares if a half stack is a waste of money. It still sounds better and looks cooler.

[jgcable]

Ah, who cares if a half stack is a waste of money. It still sounds better and looks cooler.

I agree and you will have the option to play live. You also won't have to bend down to tweak the knobs.

[mantis]

I agree and you will have the option to play live. You also won't have to bend down to tweak the knobs.

Along with that, you get a fuller richer tone out of a stack over a combo. Some amps it's a big difference depending on how the cabnet is built.
Sealed combo backs are the way to go to retain some of the thunder a 1/2 stack can bring. If you want a stack, buy a stack, fuck it I would and going to myself. I owned combos all my life and now I want a stack. No band here, just play with my buddies in my basement once in awhile.

Stacks rule

[slayer]

First off, to hell with the neighbors I have a Carvin X100B with a Madison 4x12 and crank it all the time and I play in my dining room I like it loud and saturated, crank it up Jack.

[Inazone]

I started with a 2x12 combo, and eventually added a 2x12 extension cab once I started gigging. It gave me some extra flexibility for recording, and if we were playing out of town, I could either leave the cab at home or split my rig between two vehicles.

I ended up selling that rig and getting a half-stack, but sometimes I question the wisdom of that decision.

[Shawn Lutz]

my choice is always a 4x12 regardless if playin gat home or on teh stage...always has, always will

[rocksoldier]

If you always dreamed of a half stack, then you should just get one.
Who cares if the combo would be the more logical purchase, the half stack IS cooler and you know it, and if the amp should rest a lifetime, the extra cost for the half stack will soon be forgotten anyway, but the cool amp will remain.

[sonofspy]

I vote for the half-stack. It will reward you every time you look at
it even before you turn it on...


Son Of Spy

[jtr]

1/2 stack you already own a combo even if its cheezy you can alway plug in the top to your combo speakers .

[Bengal65]

First off, to hell with the neighbors I have a Carvin X100B with a Madison 4x12 and crank it all the time and I play in my dining room I like it loud and saturated, crank it up Jack.

+100

:ROTF: How about 2 full stacks. I have them in my home studio. I have to bolt down everything on my mixing desk:ROTF: Who says you need a small amp!

[horns666]

No brainer..half stack!

[piranhaguy2002a]

I was in the same situation once, trust us, go with the half stack!

[Axe Chemist]

10-4! Thanks for the great input!