Good beginner amps for pod HD500x

[lonelydadhelp]

Hi guys, I'm buying a POD HD500x, and I'm looking at second hand practice amps to use it with (not playing gigs, just home use, so don't need too much power).
From what I've been told, to begin with I only need an amp that's got a nice clean tone that I can run the pod into.
Looking to play mostly post rock, ambient, and math rock type music.

Just looking for some advice on what specs or models of amp I should be looking at (getting pretty overwhelmed with the amount of conflicting recommendations on the net).

Some that are available second hand in my area are below if anyone wants to recommend them (or give me an idea of an amp to keep my eyes open for). Budget is around $200. All listed are in Australian dollars:

- Marshall MG30FX ($200)
- Marshall Valvestatte 40V 8040 model ($200)
- Cube 20XL ($200)
- Vox VT20X ($200)
- Peavey Studio Pro 112 ($200)
- Peavey Bandit 112 ($150)
- Line 6 Flextone II Amp 250 Watt ($140)

Thanks heaps guys

 

[indespise]

I'd strongly advise waiting until the pod go is released in April, it will sound much better (uses L6's helix modeling and supports 3rd party IR's, both of which are big upgrades). It's going to be $450 usd, which probably isn't much more than what you'll pay for the pod hd.
As for the amp, I really like the peavey vypyr VIP line. Dint know about the Aussie market, but in the US I regularly see the 40w 1x12 combos for under $200, less for the 20w ones. And if you can find a deal on one with the sanpera pedal included, you would have your effects covered as well, which will likely negate whatever you're wanting to do with the pod.

 

[JSutter]

I wouldn't run the POD into a clean channel. Instead run it into the amplifier power section. Use either affects loop return or power amp in.

Out of this amps, I would recommend the Bandit. Second choice would be the Valvestate.

 

[JackBootedThug]

buy a couple powered speakers. or one. i had an hd500 and ran it with xlr's into a pa. killer. worked great. I have always had good results with line 6. gave it to a buddy and he's running it into some cheap peavey combo. I think it's a bandit. not sure how he has it connected but he loves it.

 

[bwgintegra]

I watched a band play one with using the power section of a Fender Hot rod deville and it sounded great

 

[japetus]

buy a couple powered speakers. or one. i had an hd500 and ran it with xlr's into a pa. killer. worked great. I have always had good results with line 6. gave it to a buddy and he's running it into some cheap peavey combo. I think it's a bandit. not sure how he has it connected but he loves it.

This. Look for a used JBL12 or 15 EON speaker. You can find them really cheap.

 

[Monkey Man]

Agreed. Powered speakers reduce complexity - no separate power amp needed.

A set of cheap studio monitors will give you stereo. Maybe look for 2nd-hand Yamaha HS8 or HS5, or even Behringer if you wanna go real-cheap.

IMHO you'll be surprised how good even a set of Behringers will sound compared to running it through a dedicated guitar amp; the latter makes no sense 'cause the POD's already modelling the amp and cab components.