Reasonable amp for $500?

[Cinder]

Allrighty, I'm thinking about getting a new amp sometime soon, since I currently play through my computer speakers (Logitech Z-5500) using a GuitarPort I feel I want a real amp that can pack some punch.
My price range would extend to around $500, give or take, and I've looked at the Vox Valvetronix (AD50VT I think its called), and I've given up thoughts about the Line6 Spider III's since everyone seems to hate them.

So I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions on what would be a good amp for me? I play mostly (pretty much exclusively) metal, Maiden is my passion, but I play stuff by Metallica, Ozzy, Priest, Megadeth and others too.


Voice your opinions!

[Dreamland_Rebel]

are you looking to jam with a drummer or just practice at home?

[Norton]

Peavey ValveKing 112 Combo.


Go a little further and buy the 212 combo.It's a little outta your price range.

[rocksoldier]

Get a used tube amp instead, like a marshall or something.

[atilla]

Back in the early 80s, Laney used to make these 30-watt combos with a pair of 6V6 tubes. Could be a good ticket, probably not a dime more than $400. My friend also found a Marshall JCM-600 60-watt combo for about $350.

[jim777]

are you looking to jam with a drummer or just practice at home?

The all important question. The question needs context to get a meaningful answer.

[Mesaboog]

Used Mesa Boogie DC-3

[Guitardude86]

Randall = Metal, cheap!

[Racerx2k]

New: Peavey Valveking, easily.

Used: Laney AOR combo.

[T-Town]

Peavey ultra plus

[jgcable]

Can't give you an answer until you tell us what you intend on doing with the amp.

Bedroom??
Band?

[CharvelRocker]

Can't give you an answer until you tell us what you intend on doing with the amp.

Bedroom??
Band?

Yeah. Plus solid state or tube? also , sinc ewhen have people hated the spiderIII? I've read mostly good things about them, and I played oen at Guitar Center and thought it was much better than my SpiderII

[Robotechnology]

Actually consider me a staunch opposer of Spider's & Spider II's but, a convert on the Spider III's. Line 6 has a winner on their hands with the new series.

Anyway for $500 you can get a used Vox Valvetronix AD60VTX... that's what I'd get. 2nd and 3rd choices would be a Peavey Classic 50 or a Laney Head (tube)/Cab.

[jgcable]

For $500.00 you could probably pick up a used Carvin MTS3212 or maybe a Carvin MTS3200 head and a 1 x 12 cab.
I would also look at Randall and Laney.

[beachjammer]

I'd go with the Traynor tube amps or a used Mesa like a DC series or 50 cal.