Crate BX200

7 band graphic eq, gain and preshape on preamp, Hi and low boost switches odb and -15db inputs (very handy) aux send and return, bal output. everything you need really

Im using a quite cheap peavy bass at the moment but have played US precisions and Rickenbackers through this head. I play everything from jazz to grindcore and everythin in between. I'm using it with an Australian made Abbey Quadbox. The amp does a good job of amplifying the sound to painful levels with no problem but doesnt really have a great range of tones, its kinda one dimensional and initially I found the sound to be a little thin. This is down to the stock preamp. However I bought a tech 21 bass driver di and now this rig absolutely kicks ass, The bass is FFFAAAATTT with well defined mids and Hi's. and some great warm gain. Given I only paid $200 Australian for this amp It really is a good thing. the main thing to remember is that it just 'makes louder' the sound you put into it without adding too much color. Just stick a decent pre in front of it and away you go. Put it this way, I've no need to replace it. Its served me well for years and will continue to do so. I also run a boss bass overdrive for distorted sounds and it handles this without a problem

Solid state, no tubes to worry about and built like a tank. (very heavy) Pots had some crackle but a good clean with isopropyl alcohol solved that. Always used it without backup without an issue.

Never had to deal with them (probably a good thing)

Been playing with this rig for about 2 years in studios and live and never had a problem. If it were stolen I probably wouldnt get another ( Im not sure they still make them)but I have no plans to replace it. If you are looking for a (very) cheap reliable bass amp then I would recommend it as long as you are prepared to buy a decent preamp. It still works out comparitvely cheaply even with a pre and dist pedal