Small Tube Combo under £250/$400

[thezebralad]

I have searched the threads on here, and have done a lot of Googling and I'm still no closer to deciding what amp to go for! I currently play through a Vox VT15 modelling amp but I have now got a range of distortion pedals (Big Muff, Tubescreamer clone, Metal Distortion, Joyo British) so I want to get a better amp with a bigger speaker. The guitar I use is a '93 MIJ Squier Telecaster.

I play modern punk rock/hardcore mainly so must have a good overdriven sound.
Probably looking for a combo but could do a cab/head if necessary.
I think I want a 12" speaker, so preferably amp/cab of that size.
Don't intend to gig, just for recording and home playing.
Must be under £250-300 or $400-500.
Must be available in the UK (could use Thomann at a stretch)

So far I've looked at:

Bugera V22 (sounds good but put off by the fact it's Behringer)
VHT Special 6 Ultra (only 6W but that could be enough)
Jet City 2112 RC (didn't enjoy the overdriven sound)
Harley Benton GA15 (only 10" speaker and not sure it will work for punk)

So I guess I'm looking for anyone with experience of playing these amps or if anyone has any suggestions, following the guidelines ahead.

Thanks!

[Winny Pooh]

Buy secondhand on gumtree for example you will get way better value. None of the amps you mention will sound very big. Look at an ac15 or at least a Fender blues junior.

[nedorama]

Agree on buying 2nd hand. For the money you're talking, you can't even buy an Orange Tiny Terror head new. Fender Blues Jr. is a good option; stay away from the Hot Rod series - the overdrive sucks and they have quality issues.
I'd also look into used Orange and Marshall - the Haze series may or may not work for you.

[cortisol]

In that price range the Blackstar HT Studio 20 Head would be a great choice. It's about 390 pounds (or the combo is something like 450 pounds for a nice portable solution). I'm not sure who stocks them in Liverpool. You've got Dolphin Music, Dawsons and Curly Music in the city centre. Anyway Andertons Music can deliver to you. Great sounding amp and 20watts. It's got a speaker emulated output that you can send to front of house at your gigs (it's good because there's no bleed into the signal. It's all guitar) or into your computer for recording!

Maybe the Tiny Terror bass amp could be the go if you want power and a great delivery of your pedals for live.

Have a look on RobChappers YouTube channel and you'll get to hear both the Blackstar HT 20 and there's an Orange Tiny Terror shootout that's quite informative.

[Unclenny]

I have recently been rocking my Fender Pro Jr. in the office before the crews get there.

Made this vid with a cheap video cam for a friend...might give you an idea as to what that little bugger can do.

[pinkheadedbug]

Blackheart BH15 head with the BH112 cabinet. Add the $30 Bitmo mod to give you three very distinct voicings. I love it. Fantastic for reamping.

[thezebralad]

Thanks for all your replies so far!

To cortisol - I don't plan on doing any gigs or live stuff, strictly studio and home practice use! Although I have looked into the Blackstar amps since you mentioned them and they could fit the bill.

I might have upto £400 to spend so I am keeping an eye out for second hand gear, I like the Vox AC15C1 and could probably pick one up for around £300-350 used. The only problem is I don't drive so picking up an amp from somewhere is pretty hard, and delivery costs around £30 through a normal courier as opposed to the free shipping you generally get from a online store.

I must also mention that I'm not really after any Marshall or Fender amps, and I already have an Orange Crush amp (mainly for clean stuff.) Just because a lot of bands I record play those brands and I want something a little different for myself, and also to use for re-amping.

Keep the suggestions coming!

[cortisol]

Well in that case I like the Blackstar HT-1RH Head £169 (free UK delivery from Andertons) and the Suprise Sound Lab Rock Block $389 US =about £250. They both sound fantastic.

[thezebralad]

I actually went into Liverpool today to have a try of a few amps. Dolphin Guitars has closed down, and Curlys had nothing good in (just lots of solid-state Marshall and Laney amps.) Fortunately Dawsons had a lot of choice, so I had a play on the Vox AC15C1, VHT Lead 20, the Blackstar Studio 20 and also the Blackstart HT-1 head and the HT5 combo.

Out of all of them, I was most pleased with the smaller Blackstar amps. The 1 watter sounds really good and is suprisingly loud - I hooked it up to a 2 x 10 cab and it nearly blew my ears on full volume! The HT5 combo is also really nice and it has a great 'smooth' overdriven sound.

I think I will be getting a Blackstar amp after Xmas, hopefully I'll find one in the January sales for about £300. Any more suggestions are totally welcome though!

[ivansc]

A huge +1 on the Blackstar 1 watt. I hve tried the 1 nd the 5 and liked both. But yes to a 12" speaker.

I use a copy of a 50's wide panel fender deluxe at home and even at 11 watts it is a little on the loud side!

Next project is a fender tweed champ but with the later vibrochamp front end.

Or I may just buy a 5 watt Blackstar head! (grin)

[hazmuz]

Originally Posted by thezebralad

Out of all of them, I was most pleased with the smaller Blackstar amps. The 1 watter sounds really good and is suprisingly loud - I hooked it up to a 2 x 10 cab and it nearly blew my ears on full volume! The HT5 combo is also really nice and it has a great 'smooth' overdriven sound.

I think I will be getting a Blackstar amp after Xmas, hopefully I'll find one in the January sales for about £300. Any more suggestions are totally welcome though!

blackstars are on my list to check out but recentley i ran into this one (although above my/your range):

Products - TubeMeister 18 Combo - Hughes & Kettner

[tomdarude]

some OD, Dist, Fuzz pedals into old Fender SF Champ into a good 1x12" cab!!

rockin...

[ivansc]

Originally Posted by cortisol

Well in that case I like the Blackstar HT-1RH Head £169 (free UK delivery from Andertons) and the Suprise Sound Lab Rock Block $389 US =about £250. They both sound fantastic.

I have it on the very highest authority that the HT5 is way better designed and built than the HT1.

'nuff said.

[Georgebrooks_3]

Originally Posted by thezebralad

I might have upto £400 to spend so I am keeping an eye out for second hand gear, I like the Vox AC15C1 and could probably pick one up for around £300-350 used.

+1

I was gonna suggest the AC15C2. Going to buy one myself soon, they rock.

Best of luck!

GB

[muziekschuur]

Hughes & Kettner tubemeister 18