I would get a solid state power amp and a 2x12 with v30s, probably used around that cost for Rectifier cabinets. Even a pedal like Electro-Harmonix 44 Magnum that serves as a power amp.

My son's actually been gigging through a fairly cheap bass amp head/cab. Those are really cheap and sound great tbh. The tone knobs really color the sound any way you could possibly need. I wouldn't have known, but his band teacher got a bunch of mics and stuff at an auction and let him try it.

This is very similar to that setup. They run from 30-450 watts and guitar sounds are huge wth the Eleven Rack. He uses the 200watt one I think, but it's a head & 4x10.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/acoustic-b30-30w-bass-combo-amp

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/acoustic-b200mkii-200w-bass-combo-amp

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/acoustic-b450mkii-450w-bass-combo-amp

Then you also have a killer bass guitar rig too, of course.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0NnMKpv7UM

The sound guy was pretty impressed with that setup. I wish I had the direct sounds from the mic.

Amp & head separate:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/acoustic-b300h-300w-bass-amp-head

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/amplifiers-effects/acoustic-b410mkii-4x10-bass-speaker-cab