AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Solid-State Bassheads Under $2,000 2026
The top pick is Ampeg Micro CL 100-Watt 2x10" Compact Solid State Bass Amp Stack ($445). Mesa Boogie Subway D-800 Plus 800-Watt Bass Amp Head leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 78 models across 22 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Ampeg Micro CL 100-Watt 2x10" Compact Solid State Bass Amp Stack
Micro-CL Stack · Ampeg
22 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight6.35 kg
You get a solid-state bass head and a speaker cabinet with two 10-inch speakers, both rated at 100 watts. The head gives you a 3-band tone control, an FX loop for your effects, and line in, line out, and headphone jacks. It suits you if you want a simple, complete setup, and you are fine lifting a 15 kg cabinet.
Pros
- 100-watt solid-state head paired with a 100-watt speaker cabinet
- Head has a 3-band tone control for shaping your bass
- Two inputs with a range of 0dB to 15dB
Cons
- Speaker cabinet weighs 15 kg, so it is heavy to carry
75AudioFu
Index↓ 14.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$524 · Aug 17$445 now$445€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Darkglass Electronics Exponent 500 500-Watt Bass Amp Head
The Exponent 500 Bass Head · Darkglass
38 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.7 kg
You get a 500 watt solid-state bass head that also works as a multi-effects unit. You can save your signal chains as presets, using effects from a DSP database that keeps growing. It suits you if you want one compact head with effects, a DI out and a USB-C connection in one box.
Pros
- Powered platform lets it work as a multi-effects unit with saved presets
- DSP database includes compressors, distortions, modulations, preamps and impulse responses
- Eight controls: Input, Bass, Low-Mids, High-Mids, High, Blend, Master and Ground lift
Cons
- Only one channel, so you cannot keep separate channel settings side by side
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$988 now$988€885 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a solid-state bass head with 300 watts at 4 ohms, two voicings, and an overdrive circuit with Grit and level controls. It suits you if you want classic Ampeg SVT and B15 voicings in one head, plus a balanced XLR DI output for recording or going straight to the house mixer.
Pros
- 300 watts at 4 ohms gives plenty of output for a bass head
- Switchable SVT and B15 voicings let you pick two classic Ampeg sounds
- Overdrive circuit with Grit and level controls adds gain on demand
Cons
- Its 3-band EQ and single overdrive circuit offer fewer tone-shaping options than larger heads
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$524 now$524€469 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Darkglass Electronics Microtubes 500 V2 500-Watt Bass Amp Head
Microtubes 500 V2 Bass Head · Darkglass
29 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.4 kg
You get a 500 W bass head with built-in microtube distortion, a compressor, and a 6-band EQ. It also has an XLR DI output and speaker simulation, so you can send your signal straight to a mixer or to headphones. It suits bassists who want a compact head with plenty of tone-shaping controls in one box.
Pros
- Class D power amplifier rated at 500 W, built for high efficiency
- Integrated microtube distortion with a dedicated microtubes on/off switch
- Speaker simulation with three slots for high-resolution impulse responses, plus balanced XLR DI output
Cons
- Minimum speaker impedance of 2 Ohm limits which cabinets you can connect
70AudioFu
Index↓ 1.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$892 · Aug 17$883 now$883€791 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is a solid-state bass head with 700 watts at 4 ohm and plenty of control. You get an overdrive, a compressor, and two voicings, SVT and B15, so you can shape your bass in several ways. It suits you if you want one head with lots of power, an effects loop, and a balanced DI output for playing direct into a mixer.
Pros
- 700 watts at 4 ohm gives plenty of power for a bass head
- Super Grit Overdrive effect and a dedicated overdrive circuit with Compressor and grit controls
- Balanced XLR output with Pre/Post EQ and a balanced DI output
Cons
- The 0/-15 dB input and 0/-20 dB switches take some time to learn for beginners
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$892 now$892€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Mesa Boogie Subway D-800 Plus 800-Watt Bass Amp Head
Subway D-800 · Mesa Boogie
22 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.5 kg
You get a solid-state bass head rated at 800 watts at 4 or 2 ohms, with a four-band EQ that moves up to 12 dB each way. It also has a voicing control that runs from Flat to Vintage Scoop and a balanced XLR output for sending your signal to a mixing desk. It suits bass players who want plenty of power and control over their tone in a light head that comes with a gig bag and strap.
Pros
- 800W output at 4 or 2 ohms and 400W at 8 ohms, from a Class D amplifier
- Active 4-band EQ with +/- 12 dB on bass, low-mid, high-mid and treble
- Variable voicing control from Flat to Vintage Scoop, plus a Deep switch for extra low-end boost
Cons
- Weighs approximately 2.5 kg and is a head only, so it needs a separate speaker cabinet
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,339 now$1,339€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Aguilar AG 500 V2 500-Watt Bass Amp Head
AG 500 V2 Bass Head · Aguilar
32 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.9 kg
This is a solid-state bass head with 500 watts of Class D power. You get a multi-band EQ, two balanced D.I./XLR outputs, and a serial effect loop, so it suits you if you want one compact head for playing live or recording. It works with all active and passive basses, and its two silent fans keep it cool.
Pros
- 500 watts of power from a Class D power amplifier
- Two balanced D.I./XLR outputs with pre/post EQ and ground lift
- Effect loop with serial operation adds 6 dB of gain
Cons
- Only one speaker output, so you need a separate cabinet to play out
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,205 now$1,205€1,079 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 V2 500-Watt Bass Amp Head
Tone Hammer 500 V2 · Aguilar
32 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.9 kg
This is a 500 watt bass head with a solid-state preamp and a Class D power amp. It has a three-band EQ, an adjustable drive control, and two balanced D.I./XLR outputs, so it is a handy pick if you want to connect to a PA or recording gear. It suits bassists who want lots of power in a head that weighs 1.9 kg and works with both active and passive basses.
Pros
- 500 watts of power from a Class D power amplifier
- Three-band EQ with bass, mid and treble controls and adjustable mid frequency
- Two balanced D.I./XLR outputs with pre/post EQ and ground lift
Cons
- Minimum resistance of 2.67 Ohm limits which speaker cabinets you can connect
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,227 now$1,227€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Darkglass Electronics Alpha Omega 900 900-Watt Bass Amp Head
Alpha·Omega 900 Bass Head · Darkglass
24 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.9 kg
This is a compact 900 Watt bass head with a lot of control. Its dual-drive engine has a mod knob that lets you move smoothly between two drive circuits, and it has a built-in DI with speaker simulation. It suits bassists who want to plug into a cabinet or record direct and shape their sound without carrying a big rig.
Pros
- Dual-drive engine blends alpha and omega drive circuits with infinitely adjustable mod control
- 900 Watt transistor amp head with switchable 4/2 Ohm impedance
- Latency-compensated post DI with digital speaker simulation and three selectable impulse response slots
Cons
- Single channel only, so there is no separate clean and drive channel
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,312 now$1,312€1,175 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Markbass Little Mark 250 Black Line 250-Watt Bass Amp Head
Little Mark 250 Black Line · Markbass
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.6 kg
The Little Mark 250 Black Line is a seriously impressive little amp. It delivers that classic Markbass punch and articulation but with a more refined, controlled character thanks to the Black Line design. It's ideal for gigging bassists needing a powerful, portable head that won't break the bank and delivers a professional sound.
Pros
- Markbass’s signature Art Tube emulation adds warmth and harmonic richness.
- Surprisingly powerful for its size; handles gigs easily.
- The Black Line series offers a refined, cleaner Markbass tone.
Cons
- EQ can be a little aggressive, requiring a careful touch.
- Limited connectivity compared to higher-end Markbass offerings.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$385 now$385€345 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 78 solid-state bassheads
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Darkglass Electronics Alpha Omega 500 500-Watt Bass Amp HeadAlpha·Omega 500 Bass Head · Darkglass66↓ 1.0%$872€781$872€781Check ↗
- 12
Markbass Little Mark IV 500-Watt Bass Amp HeadLittle Mark IV · Markbass · 2 finishes65Stable$576€516$576€516Check ↗
- 13
Orange Little Bass Thing 500-Watt Bass Amp HeadLittle Bass Thing · Orange65↓ 2.8%$632€566$632€566Check ↗
- 14
Aguilar AG 700 V2 700-Watt Bass Amp HeadAG 700 V2 Bass Head · Aguilar65Stable$1,249€1,119$1,249€1,119Check ↗
- 15
Ampeg Micro VR 200-Watt Compact Solid State Bass Amp HeadMicro VR Head · Ampeg64↓ 3.3%$399€357$399€357Check ↗
- 16
Aguilar Tone Hammer 700 V2 700-Watt Bass Amp HeadTone Hammer 700 V2 · Aguilar64Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 17
Ampeg Venture V12 1200-Watt Bass Amp HeadVenture V12 · Ampeg · 2 finishes63Stable$1,170€1,048$1,170€1,048Check ↗
- 18
Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700 Power Amp/EQPowerStage 700 Bass · Seymour Duncan61Stable$769€689$769€689Check ↗
- 19
Genzler Amplification MG-350 Magellan 350 Compact 350-Watt Bass Amp…Magellan MG350 · Genzler61Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 20
Warwick Gnome 200-Watt Pocket Bass Amp HeadGnome · Warwick60Stable$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 21
TC Electronic BH250 Micro Bass HeadBH250 · tc electronic60↓ 9.0%$202€181$202€181Check ↗
- 22
Warwick Gnome 200-Watt Pocket Bass Amp HeadGnome i · Warwick60Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 23
Darkglass Electronics Microtubes 900 V2 900-Watt Bass Amp HeadMicrotubes 900v2 Bass Head · Darkglass60Stable$1,364€1,222$1,364€1,222Check ↗
- 24
Phil Jones BP-800 Bass Pulse One 800-Watt Bass Amp HeadBass Amp Head BP-800 · Phil Jones59Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 25
Trace Elliot TE-1200 1200-Watt Bass Amp HeadTE-1200 Bass Amp Head · Trace Elliot57↓ 4.0%$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 26
Markbass Nano Mark II 300-Watt Bass Amp HeadNano Mark II Head · Markbass55Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 27
EBS Reidmar 752 750-Watt Bass Amp HeadReidmar 752 Bass Amp Head · EBS55Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 28
Hotone Nano Legacy Thunder Bass Amplifier HeadNano Legacy Thunder Bass · Hotone54↓ 20.3%$61€55$61€55Check ↗
- 29
EBS Reidmar 502 500-Watt Bass Amp HeadReidmar 502 · EBS54Stable$658€589$658€589Check ↗
- 30
Markbass Little Mark Ninja 58RMarkbass54↓ 15.0%$758€679$758€679Check ↗
- 31
Markbass Little Marcus 58R Marcus Miller Signature 500-Watt Bass Amp…Little Marcus 58R · Markbass53Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 32
Markbass Little Mark Gen Z H0 500Markbass · 2 finishes53Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 33
Phil Jones BP-200 200-Watt Compact Bass Amp HeadBass Amp Head BP-200 · Phil Jones52Stable$479€429$479€429Check ↗
- 34
Eich Amplification T1000Eich Amplification · 2 finishes52↓ 2.9%$1,517€1,359$1,517€1,359Check ↗
- 35
Darkglass Electronics Alpha-Omega 200 200-Watt Bass Amp HeadAlpha·Omega 200 Bass Head · Darkglass51Stable$412€369$412€369Check ↗
- 36
Eich Amplification T300 Black EditionEich Amplification · 2 finishes51Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 37
Eich Amplification T900 Black EditionEich Amplification · 2 finishes51Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 38
Darkglass Electronics Microtubes 200 200-Watt Bass Amp HeadMicrotubes 200 Bass Head · Darkglass50Stable$416€373$416€373Check ↗
- 39
Markbass Little AG 58RMarkbass48↓ 1.4%$769€689$769€689Check ↗
- 40
Mesa Boogie Subway WD-800 800-Watt Bass Amp HeadSubway WD-800 · Mesa Boogie48Stable$1,562€1,399$1,562€1,399Check ↗
- 41
Warwick Gnome i Pro V2Warwick47Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 42
Warwick Gnome i Pro 600W V2Warwick47Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 43
Warwick Stage Series PA 300Warwick47Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 44
Warwick Stage Series MC 300Warwick47Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 45
Warwick Stage Series PA 500Warwick47Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 46
Warwick Stage Series MC 500Warwick47Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 47
Warwick Stage Series DS 300Warwick47Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 48
Markbass Little Mark Rocker 58RMarkbass47Stable$825€739$825€739Check ↗
- 49
Markbass Little Mark Casa 58RMarkbass47Stable$868€777$868€777Check ↗
- 50
Warwick Stage Series DS 500Warwick47Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
Solid-State Bassheads by the numbers
Measured across all 89 models we track, not a sample.
Median $795 — half of all solid-state bassheads here cost less.
median of 72 models · 0.98 kg–5.22 kg
How to choose the best solid-state bassheads
Clean Headroom
A lot of solid-state amps get fizzy fast. We're looking for heads that can handle a decent volume without turning into a digital mess - crucial for rehearsals and small gigs.
Low-End Response
Bass is about the bottom end. A head needs to deliver a tight, defined low-end thump, not a muddy, indistinct rumble. We're listening for articulation, not just volume.
EQ Flexibility
A good EQ section is vital. You need to be able to sculpt your tone to fit different musical situations - from scooped mids for metal to a warmer, more rounded tone for funk.
Drive/Overdrive Characteristics
While we're focusing on solid-state, a little usable drive is a bonus. Does it offer a usable gritty breakup or just a harsh distortion? We're after something with character.
Build Quality & Features
Let's be honest, budget gear sometimes feels... cheap. We're assessing the overall construction, the robustness of the controls, and useful features like DI outputs and effects loops.
Buying guide
Alright, so you need a solid-state bass head but you're not looking to mortgage the house. Finding a truly good amp that doesn't sound like a transistor radio can be tricky, but it's definitely possible under $2000. We're focusing on heads here - no combo amps - because you want flexibility in your rig, right? Let's find you something that'll get you that low-end thump you need without breaking the bank.
At this price point, you're going to be making some compromises. Don't expect boutique-level build quality or a ton of fancy features. Most of these heads will offer a clean, defined tone, but pushing them too hard often reveals the limitations of solid-state - that can be a good thing if you want a controlled, modern sound, but not if you're chasing vintage warmth.
A good DI output is essential for recording and live sound reinforcement, so prioritize that. Also, check the power handling - 200 watts might sound like a lot, but it's often a peak rating, not continuous.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 89 solid-state bassheads from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Are solid-state amps 'sterile' sounding?
That's the common perception, and it's often true. However, modern solid-state designs are getting better at emulating tube characteristics. It's less about 'sterile' and more about a different kind of character - often tighter, more controlled, and more predictable.
What's the difference between RMS and Peak wattage?
Peak wattage is the maximum power the amp can deliver momentarily. RMS is the continuous power output. Focus on RMS - it's what you'll actually use.
Do I need a power amp?
Most of these heads are 'power amp in a head' - they have the power amp built in. Some are head units that require a separate power amp. Read the specs carefully before you buy.
Can I use these heads for recording?
Absolutely! A good DI output is your friend here. Many of these heads offer surprisingly usable DI tones, and you can always add a preamp pedal for extra warmth or distortion.
What about a compressor? Is it necessary?
A compressor can help even out your dynamics and make you sit better in the mix, especially in a band setting. It's not essential, but it's a worthwhile investment down the road.
