I've tried using Newtone Diamond round core stainless roundwound, but couldn't get on with them being so zingy to start, and they also ripped my fingers to shreds. I use the equivalent nickel model now and am much happier.
I can highly recommend the setup I have with an Ashdown ABM 600 and a Barefaced Two10, both bought secondhand (from some fine members of this site) so cost me £900 in total.
Definitely car, I've too much to carry to think about public transport as an option (plus I'd get some very strange looks on the bus), and don't have the money for taxis.
I had the 1/4" cable first because the amp I was using at the time only had that connector, while my current one has Speakon. My backup amp also only has a 1/4" socket so I'd need it for that in case anything happens. I will get another Speakon cable eventually, but other things have a higher priority at the moment
I think Sire describe it as "tobacco burst", despite every other manufacturer having a tobacco burst that's effectively a 2TS with just the black and brown bands. This is a 2TS with red and brown. I have a tobacco burst V7 and it's great (albeit it will be sold later in the year to finance a bass I've been after for years) - enjoy!
Self-taught from 18, dipping into various books, websites, YT channels, Fender Play and even a few less-than-successful online "in-person" lessons. I've picked up random bits of learning over the years but nothing I'd call coherent.