Just in case, I have a big amount of cash to spend on amplifiers... do you think it would be ok to buy tube amplifiers? 'di kaya masira agad 'to ng mga rockers natin sa Pinas? Stack sana ang gusto kong bilhin...
Any suggestions for tube or solid state amps that will cut in the mix and of course good value for the money? Most of the amps will be coming from the U.S.
Tube guitar amps are more expensive, heavier and difficult to maintain (at mas malakas pa sa kuryente) than solid state amps.
Transistor (solid state) amps are less expensive to build than tube designs, in part because they don't require an output transformer and large step-up power transformer. For this reason, they also weigh less. You can fit in a lot more transistor power into a smaller package, as well. They start right up when you flick the power on, without the warm-up time required by tubes. Transistors don't have to replaced like tubes do, the amps don't run as hot as tube amps, and they're virtually maintenance-free. Transistor amps consistently out-sell tube amps.
A solid state (transistor) amp can give you the features you need at a price you can afford, and going with a combo instead of that big stack will save you even more. It's wise to consider size and weight (if these are factors for you). If you have to carry your amp because you don't have a car, you'll want something both light and small. If you have a car, make sure both of those 4x12 cabinets will fit in your vehicle. If you live in a building without an elevator, you won't want to carry a heavy amp up more than one flight of stairs.
If you're playing at home, consider an amp that gets a good tone at low volumes. If your bands are just getting started and they don't expect to play out in the near future, get something that will match the drums in volume -- anything more is overkill. You can always move up at a later date, making a new amp a reward for sticking with bands long enough to actually perform.
But what should matter most is to let your ears decide what works for you. Also, please note that there is no one perfect amp for every player.
