la bam

Buy once, buy right. Up your budget to £300 and get something like a second hand fender rumble 500 combo. It's as much as you'll ever need, a combo, light and reliable. If you stutter around the £150 to 200 mark you'll either need to upgrade eventually, not like the weight or want to change. The rumble will also hold its value. And is a great gigging combo.

I was tempted, but if possible go and see an ant in the flesh (the pedal not the insect) they were much bigger than I thought when I saw one, making it a bit pointless. Not much smaller than a small 500w - 800w amp. I just couldnt understand it. I'd rather use a gk mb 800 if size / bulk is an issue.

If you like trace, then I'd say the same as Lozz. Ashdown head (ABM600 or RM500) and either new Ashdown RM cabs or a new ashdown ABM pro neo cab (dont confuse with the old neo cabs).

I agree. Itd be interesting to see how many people really really wanted a big valve amp, bit the bullet after years of wanting one and got one, and now play something else. Me, for one.

Haha, it's no problem at all. It's a bit of a confusing naming line up for 3 completely different amps!

Yep, which is why I tried pointing out the fact that despite it having 3 valves it's not classed in common terms as a valve amp. It's worth looking how the gk uses the valves it has though. It's not as simple as just adding a bit of tone, or a novelty in the pre amp.

I have the fusion S 800 too. Amazing amp. The line up is confusing though - the fusion 500 and 800 are different from the fusion 'S'500 and 'S'800 and both are different from the fusion 550.

No, the fusion 550, not the fusion 500. Different amps altogether.

Apart from the 3 valves in it ....

The best I've found is the gallien krueger fusion 550. 3 valve preamp with a solid state power section. 2 channel, loads of tone changing flexibility. Weighs about 12kg I think. Gives that heft, volume and valve drive in spades at 1/3 of the weight. I've had an ashdown ctm300 and the gk absolutely hammers it in terms of volume, tone, weight, heft and flexibility for me personally. Not strictly a valve amp - most people refer to a valve amp as one with a valve driven pre and power section, but youd never know. It's a real valve feel and breaks up the harder you dig in. It's also not a nightmare to move around and you wont be risking a knackered back.

Will do. Thanks.

Apologies, this should be in the amps and cabs for sale section. Please can a mod move. Thanks.

Never sure where to put pre amps - are they amps (kind of) or are they pedals (kind of).... Anywho, if anyone is interested I have excellent condition, boxed, Ampeg scr di and ashdown originAL preamps for sale. To save duplicating, links are below: