Whether a stack (amp head and speaker cabinet) is better than a combo (amp and speaker in a single unit) is a matter of personal preference and depends on your specific needs and requirements.
Advantages of stacks
- More flexibility: Stacks are more flexible than combos because you can choose any speaker cabinet you want to match your sound. This means that you can create a custom sound that meets your specific needs. For example, you can use a high-power head with a high-wattage cabinet for a loud, powerful sound, or you can use a low-power head with a low-wattage cabinet for a more mellow, vintage sound.
- More power: Stacks are typically more powerful than combos. This makes them a good choice for gigging musicians or players who need a lot of volume. For example, a high-wattage amp head with a 4×12 cabinet can easily produce enough volume to fill a large venue.
- Better tone: Some guitarists believe that stacks produce better tone than combos. This is because stacks have separate power and speaker sections, which can reduce noise and interference. Additionally, heads often have more features and controls than combos, which gives you more flexibility in shaping your sound.
- Upgrade potential: Stacks are more upgradeable than combos. If you want to upgrade your sound in the future, you can simply change the speaker cabinet or the amp head. With a combo, you would need to purchase a new amp altogether.
Disadvantages of stacks
- More expensive: Stacks are typically more expensive than combos because they are two separate components.
- Less portable: Stacks are less portable than combos because they are two separate components that need to be transported together.
- More difficult to set up: Stacks can be more difficult to set up than combos because you need to match the power output of the amp head to the impedance of the speaker cabinet.
Advantages of combos
- More affordable: Combos are typically more affordable than stacks because they are a single unit.
- More portable: Combos are more portable than stacks because they are a single unit.
- Easier to set up: Combos are easier to set up than stacks because you don’t have to worry about matching the power output and impedance of the two components.
Disadvantages of combos
- Less flexible: Combos are less flexible than stacks because you cannot change the speaker cabinet. This means that you are limited to the sound of the speaker cabinet that is built into the amp.
- Less powerful: Combos are typically less powerful than stacks. This makes them less suitable for gigging musicians or players who need a lot of volume.
- Lower tone quality: Some guitarists believe that combos produce lower tone quality than stacks. This is because combos have a single unit design, which can lead to increased noise and interference.
Overall, whether a stack or a combo is better for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a versatile, powerful, and high-quality amp, a stack is a good choice. If you are looking for a more affordable, portable, and easier-to-set-up amp, a combo is a good choice.
Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing between a stack and a combo:
- Genre of music: If you play music that requires a lot of clean headroom, such as jazz or classical, a stack may be a better choice. If you play music that requires a lot of distortion, such as metal or hard rock, a combo may be sufficient.
- Size and weight: Combos are typically smaller and lighter than stacks. This makes them more portable, but it also means that they may not be as loud.
- Budget: Stacks are typically more expensive than combos. However, you can save money by buying a used stack.
- Upgrade potential: Stacks are more upgradeable than combos. If you want to upgrade your sound in the future, you can simply change the speaker cabinet or the amp head. With a combo, you would need to purchase a new amp altogether.
- Your personal preferences: Some people prefer the sound and feel of a stack, while others prefer the convenience of a combo.
It is important to try out both stacks and combos before making a purchase. This will help you to find the amp that best suits your needs and preferences.
