AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Solid-State Bassheads Under $800 2026
The top pick is Ampeg Venture V3 300-Watt Bass Amp Head ($528). Warwick Gnome 200-Watt Pocket Bass Amp Head gives you the most for the money at $179. Genzler Amplification MG-350 Magellan 350 Compact 350-Watt Bass Amp… leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 42 models across 16 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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The Venture V3 is a surprisingly capable and affordable Ampeg head. It nails the classic SVT tone, making it a great choice for gigging bassists who want that Ampeg sound without the premium price tag. It's a solid, reliable workhorse, especially for rock, blues, and funk.
Pros
- Ampeg's signature SVT voicing delivers classic, warm bass tones.
- 300 Watts provides ample headroom for rehearsals and smaller gigs.
- Flexible 3-band EQ allows for shaping your bass's character.
Cons
- Solid-state design lacks the organic warmth of a tube amp.
- Ultra Lo switch's impact is subtle, not a true sub-bass powerhouse.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$528 now$528€469 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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
The Micro-CL Stack is a seriously handy little rig – a great balance of power and portability. It’s perfect for gigging bassists needing a reliable, affordable amp without a huge footprint, and delivers that recognizable Ampeg tone. The 2x10 cabinet really punches above its size.
Pros
- Compact design delivers surprising power for small gigs.
- Ampeg’s signature solid-state growl provides a classic bass tone.
- The 2x10” cabinet offers a full, surprisingly deep low end.
Cons
- Limited EQ controls may restrict tonal sculpting for advanced users.
- 15 kg cabinet makes transport a bit cumbersome for solo players.
69AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$528 now$528€469 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Markbass Little Mark IV 500-Watt Bass Amp Head
Little Mark IV · Markbass
9 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.8 kg
The Little Mark IV is a fantastic little powerhouse—seriously, it's deceptively loud. It nails that classic Markbass tone, and the 'Old School' mode is a real winner for adding some grit. Perfect for gigging bassists needing a portable, versatile, and premium-priced head for smaller to mid-sized stages.
Pros
- Excellent Markbass signature sound in a compact, lightweight design.
- The 'Old School' mode delivers a warm, vintage tube-like distortion.
- Flexible EQ with a wide frequency range for tonal sculpting.
Cons
- Limited power for very large venues or loud band situations.
- EQ can be slightly overwhelming for beginners to dial in consistently.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$581 now$581€516 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Orange Little Bass Thing 500-Watt Bass Amp Head
Little Bass Thing · Orange
30 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.95 kg
The Little Bass Thing delivers that unmistakable Orange crunch and clarity in a surprisingly portable package. It’s a fantastic choice for gigging bassists needing a powerful, reliable head with a great DI output—especially those who love a rock-oriented sound and want something lighter than a traditional tube amp.
Pros
- Orange's signature rock-and-roll tone in a compact, manageable head
- Class D power provides immense headroom without excessive weight
- Semi-parametric midrange offers precise tonal shaping possibilities
Cons
- Limited EQ flexibility compared to more complex amp designs
- While lightweight for its power, still substantial for frequent transport
66AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$655 · Aug 17$637 now$637€566 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ampeg Micro VR 200-Watt Compact Solid State Bass Amp Head
Micro VR Head · Ampeg
27 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The Micro VR Head is a seriously cool little amp. It nails the core Ampeg tone in a super portable package, perfect for gigging bassists needing that SVT vibe without hauling a behemoth. Just be aware it's best suited for smaller venues or studio work; it's not a replacement for a full-blown SVT on a huge stage.
Pros
- Classic Ampeg preamp delivers signature growl and punch.
- Compact size ideal for smaller gigs and studio use.
- Visually maintains iconic SVT aesthetics with silver/black finish.
Cons
- Limited EQ control compared to larger Ampeg counterparts.
- Lacks onboard effects, requiring external processing.
65AudioFu
Index↓ 3.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$415 · Aug 17$402 now$402€357 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Markbass Little Mark 250 Black Line 250-Watt Bass Amp Head
Little Mark 250 Black Line · Markbass
14 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.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$388 now$388€345 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Seymour Duncan PowerStage 700 Power Amp/
EQ PowerStage 700 Bass · Seymour Duncan
21 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight2.58 kg
The PowerStage 700 is a seriously powerful and versatile solid-state head. It's perfect for gigging bassists needing a clean, modern sound with plenty of headroom, and the built-in overdrive provides a useful boost when you need it. It’s a great option for players wanting high-end features without the complexities of a modeling amp.
Pros
- Powerful 700W output handles any venue with ease.
- Tunable mid control provides exceptional tonal sculpting flexibility.
- Solid-state design ensures consistent performance and reliability.
Cons
- Solid-state character may lack the organic warmth of a tube amp.
- Considerable weight makes it less portable for frequent gigging.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$775 now$775€689 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Genzler Amplification MG-350 Magellan 350 Compact 350-Watt Bass Amp…
Magellan MG350 · Genzler
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Weight1.75 kg
The Genzler Magellan MG350 is a seriously impressive little head. It packs a huge punch for its size and weight, making it fantastic for bassists needing a powerful, portable amp for rehearsals and smaller gigs. The parametric EQ and contour options let you dial in a surprisingly wide range of tones.
Pros
- Remarkably compact for 350W, ideal for gigging bassists
- Class D efficiency yields impressive power with minimal heat
- Parametric mids offer precise tonal shaping and sculpting
Cons
- Single channel design limits versatility for complex tones
- Lacks built-in effects; relies on external processing
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$787 now$787€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.96 kg
The Warwick Gnome is a seriously impressive little amp head – lightweight and powerful. It's perfect for bassists needing a compact, affordable solution for practice, recording, or smaller gigs where a clean, focused tone is essential. Don't expect a lot of extra frills, but what it does, it does very well.
Pros
- Remarkably lightweight for a 200W head, ideal for gigging musicians.
- Clean, solid-state tone provides a neutral platform for various genres.
- Balanced XLR DI output offers professional recording and live sound capabilities.
Cons
- Lacks onboard effects; requires external pedals or processors for added versatility.
- Class D amp character can feel a bit sterile compared to tube amp warmth.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$179 now$179€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Weight0.98 kg
The Gnome i is a clever little head. It’s a great solution for bassists needing a compact, affordable amp for practice, recording, or smaller gigs where a clean, focused sound is desired. The integrated USB interface is a real bonus for home recording setups.
Pros
- Surprisingly clean, tight low-end for a budget-friendly amp.
- USB interface is genuinely useful for recording and silent practice.
- Compact size and light weight make it incredibly portable.
Cons
- EQ is basic; lacks the flexibility for complex tonal sculpting.
- Class D amps can sometimes lack warmth; a 'sterile' sound is possible.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$213 now$213€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 42 solid-state bassheads
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
TC Electronic BH250 Micro Bass HeadBH250 · tc electronic56Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 12
Markbass Nano Mark II 300-Watt Bass Amp HeadNano Mark II Head · Markbass56Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 13
EBS Reidmar 502 500-Watt Bass Amp HeadReidmar 502 · EBS54Stable$663€589$663€589Check ↗
- 14
Markbass Little Mark Ninja 58RMarkbass53↓ 15.0%$764€679$764€679Check ↗
- 15
Darkglass Electronics Alpha-Omega 200 200-Watt Bass Amp HeadAlpha·Omega 200 Bass Head · Darkglass52Stable$415€369$415€369Check ↗
- 16
Markbass Little Marcus 58R Marcus Miller Signature 500-Watt Bass Amp…Little Marcus 58R · Markbass52Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 17
Darkglass Electronics Microtubes 200 200-Watt Bass Amp HeadMicrotubes 200 Bass Head · Darkglass51Stable$420€373$420€373Check ↗
- 18
Phil Jones BP-200 200-Watt Compact Bass Amp HeadBass Amp Head BP-200 · Phil Jones50Stable$483€429$483€429Check ↗
- 19
Quilter InterBass 45-Watt Bass Amp PedalInterbass 45 · Quilter49Stable$325€289$325€289Check ↗
- 20
Warwick Gnome i Pro V2Warwick47Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 21
Warwick Gnome i Pro 600W V2Warwick47Stable$449€399$449€399Check ↗
- 22
Warwick Stage Series PA 300Warwick47Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 23
Warwick Stage Series MC 300Warwick47Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 24
Warwick Stage Series PA 500Warwick47Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 25
Markbass Little AG 58RMarkbass47↓ 1.4%$775€689$775€689Check ↗
- 26
Warwick Stage Series MC 500Warwick47Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 27
Warwick Stage Series DS 300Warwick47Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 28
Hotone Nano Legacy Thunder Bass Amplifier HeadNano Legacy Thunder Bass · Hotone46Stable$78€69$78€69Check ↗
- 29
TC Electronic BQ250 Thrust 250-Watt Bass HeadBQ250 Bass Head · tc electronic46Stable$150€133$150€133Check ↗
- 30
Harley Benton BLOCK-200Harley Benton43Stable$111€99$111€99Check ↗
- 31
Harley Benton BLOCK-300Harley Benton43Stable$168€149$168€149Check ↗
- 32
tc electronic BQ500 Bass Headtc electronic43Stable$199€177$199€177Check ↗
- 33
Harley Benton BLOCK-600Harley Benton43Stable$280€249$280€249Check ↗
- 34
Harley Benton BLOCK-800Harley Benton43Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 35
Ampeg Micro VR 200-Watt Compact Solid State Bass Amp HeadSVT Micro Head Bundle · Ampeg · 2 finishes42↓ 2.9%$447€397$447€397Check ↗
- 36
GR Bass Mini OneGR Bass42Stable$494€439$494€439Check ↗
- 37
GR Bass ONE350GR Bass42Stable$595€529$595€529Check ↗
- 38
Trace Elliot ELF BassheadTrace Elliot41Stable$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 39
Quilter Bass Block V803 Bass HeadQuilter41Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 40
Joyo BanTamP BadASSJoyo40Stable$140€124$140€124Check ↗
- 41
tc electronic BAM200tc electronic36Stable$116€103$116€103Check ↗
- 42
Warwick Gnome 200-Watt Pocket Bass Amp HeadGnome Bundle · Warwick36Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
Solid-State Bassheads by the numbers
Measured across all 44 models we track, not a sample.
Median $449 — half of all solid-state bassheads here cost less.
median of 35 models · 0.96 kg–3.32 kg
How to choose the best solid-state bassheads
Clean Headroom
Solid-state means you should get plenty of clean headroom, but some cheaper designs just sound brittle when pushed. We're looking for something that can handle a band without instantly turning into a fizzy mess.
Low-End Response
Bass is all about the low-end, obviously. We're checking for that deep, fundamental thump, not just a hyped-up midrange. Does it have real authority, or does it just sound... thin?
EQ Flexibility
A decent EQ section is crucial. You need to be able to carve out space in the mix and tailor the tone to different musical situations. Flat response is nice, but useful controls are better.
Articulation & Dynamics
Can you hear the individual notes you're playing? Cheap solid-state amps can often sound muddy and indistinct. We're listening for clarity and responsiveness to your picking attack.
Portability & Durability
Gigging bassists need something that's easy to haul and can take a beating. We're considering weight, build quality, and overall roadworthiness - because nobody wants to fail onstage.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're hunting for a solid-state bass head that won't drain your gigging budget? It's a common quest. We're talking serious thump without breaking the bank - something that'll cut through a live mix or lay down a solid foundation in the studio. Forget those overpriced boutique amps; we're focusing on value and getting the most 'oomph' for your dollar.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect boutique-level components or a ton of features. You'll often find compromises in the power amp section - maybe not quite as clean at high volumes as something costing twice as much.
Focus on finding a head with a usable EQ, a decent low-end response, and enough headroom for your needs. A good preamp section is more important than a monstrous wattage rating; you can always use a 1x15 or 4x10 cab to boost the volume.
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 44 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
Will a solid-state amp sound as 'warm' as a tube amp?
Nope. Solid-state amps are known for their clarity and consistency, not their warmth. You can get closer to a tube sound with EQ and cabinet simulation, but it won't be the same. Think of it as a different flavor, not necessarily a deficiency.
How much wattage do I really need?
It depends. For bedroom practice, 20-50 watts is plenty. For rehearsals and smaller gigs, 100-200 watts is usually sufficient. Larger venues might require more, but consider a power amp if you need serious volume.
What does 'DI output' mean and do I need it?
It's a direct line output to plug into a PA or recording interface. If you plan on recording or playing live through a front-of-house system, a good DI is essential.
Are combo amps better than separate heads and cabs?
Combo amps are convenient, but often sacrifice speaker quality. A separate head and cab gives you more flexibility to upgrade components later and dial in the exact tone you want.
What's the deal with 'effects loops'?
An effects loop lets you place effects pedals after the preamp, which generally sounds better for modulation and time-based effects. It's not a necessity, but it's a nice feature to have if you use a lot of pedals.
