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I am planning to buy a stereo power amp to use with my modeler and a 2x12" enclosure. I don't need anything fancy. I'd prefer 1 rack space. Probably 100 watts (50 per side) or so. I guess I have 3 questions.
1. Should I get one marketed for guitarists?
Some companies market these for guitar rigs and generally claim they offer some kind of tube sound emulation, e.g., the Rocktron Velocity, TubeWorks MOSValve, Marshall Valvestate, etc. I suspect that is all just marketing hype, but I'd be happy to hear alternate opinions. Also, I don't know if they offer other features that might be useful. None that I can think of, I guess. My modelers already have headphone jacks.
2. Does brand matter?
I know that you generally get what you pay for, but this amp will have a very easy life, as I usually just play in my basement, at low volumes, so I suspect that any brand could stand up to this gentle use, particularly if I get something designed for PA use. If you wanna talk really cheap, MF sells the Nady XR-300 for $89 (though that one is 2 rack spaces). But maybe that's too low end to be reliable? I note that some low power amps have no fan. That would be quieter, which is nice, but I don't know if I need one or not.
3. Used or new?
Generally, I prefer to buy used, to get more bang for my buck, but I don't know if that's smart here, since I don't really need many features, and I suspect any brand would do (though, again, I could be wrong on that).
Your opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!
1. Should I get one marketed for guitarists?
Some companies market these for guitar rigs and generally claim they offer some kind of tube sound emulation, e.g., the Rocktron Velocity, TubeWorks MOSValve, Marshall Valvestate, etc. I suspect that is all just marketing hype, but I'd be happy to hear alternate opinions. Also, I don't know if they offer other features that might be useful. None that I can think of, I guess. My modelers already have headphone jacks.
2. Does brand matter?
I know that you generally get what you pay for, but this amp will have a very easy life, as I usually just play in my basement, at low volumes, so I suspect that any brand could stand up to this gentle use, particularly if I get something designed for PA use. If you wanna talk really cheap, MF sells the Nady XR-300 for $89 (though that one is 2 rack spaces). But maybe that's too low end to be reliable? I note that some low power amps have no fan. That would be quieter, which is nice, but I don't know if I need one or not.
3. Used or new?
Generally, I prefer to buy used, to get more bang for my buck, but I don't know if that's smart here, since I don't really need many features, and I suspect any brand would do (though, again, I could be wrong on that).
Your opinions would be appreciated. Thanks!
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