Need help, Best solid state amp for metal?

[live4metal]

Hi guys, I know a few might laugh.. but I'm looking for a budget solid state amp for heavy metal under 200$...!

I already have a big rig with clean tone and effects but I'm looking for a cheap alternative to play heavy metal riffs at bedroom level (no need to play in a band). I have already tried distortion pedals such as Empress Heavy and multidrive, as well as Akai distortion an many other cheap stuff but I always end up selling them cuz I hate the sound... I did like those amp with tube driven preamp but they are kind a more pricey. I'm not interested really in computer plugins.

I know its gonna sound digital and crappy but what would be the most decent choice? Line6 Spider IV, Randall, Laney?

Thanks

Gabriel

 

[jammin1]

I recommend the Hotone Heart Attack. Bad Ass little amp with a fx loop!
This is a demo from a forum member.

 

[gtrwun]

Randall RG80. Killer amp that sell pretty cheap. Im talking the older 80s model. They make a combo and a head

 

[Crunchtime]

I used to play an AMT P1 into an EHX 44 Magnum and it sounded great. You should be able to find those used and stay in budget.

 

[Steinmetzify]

Have that Hotone Heart Attack and it's fun. Also have an older silver stripe Peavey Bandit Transtube. Brutal SS tones and you can usually find them for under $100 in GC used. Boost it with an SD-1 and it's awesome, especially for lower volume bedroom tones.

 

[King Guitar]

Ampeg VH140C

 

[hatrick00]

I have an old Marshall Valvestate 8200 that sounds crazy good for what it is... actually runs 1 12ax7 in the pre amp though.

 

[brianiac5150]

Ampeg VH140C

First thing that came to mind when I read the subject. Had one years ago and it was a pretty good amp.

 

[Elric]

Almost all of these suggestions: VH140C (or Crate GX130C), Marshall 8x00 series, Marshall VS100, Classic Randall heads, will likely run way outside the OP's $200 budget. Those are SS but generally really highly regarded amps; so most folks selling them will know what they have. You might be able to find a little Randall RD5 (tube amp, not SS) or the more recent 1003 in that price range as a used item...

For the most part, you are probably looking at some ghetto rig like a micro amp or preamp pedal into a pedal amp or other amp fx return as others have suggested.

A Peavey Vypyr might be a good choice. Those new Marshall CODE amps are due soon and are likely to have something in your range if you can wait; demos have been impressive.

If you can bump up the price range the world is your oyster. SS gear is cheap.

 

[Findthetone1]

Ampeg VH140C

This. It set the standard for SS metal tone.

 

[Mailman1971]

Ampeg VH140C

+100..... buddy brought one over to an amp fest and we all played thru it.
Sounded just killer!!
I still keep my eyes peeled for them. (I am sick like that)

 

[godgrinder]

I have already tried distortion pedals such as Empress Heavy and multidrive, as well as Akai distortion an many other cheap stuff but I always end up selling them cuz I hate the sound...

Try hooking up one of these to the fx return of your amp. That bypasses the preamp section of your amp and usually yields better results.

 

[sg guy]

-RANDALL-

-MARSHALL MODE 4-

-out of your price range but not by much-