Very budget bass only amp with gain control?

Try a used Altec 1594 on ebay. Only 100w but probably lots more peak ability with that huge transformer! Cheap as $75-100 on average.

The Crown K-2 is very cheap in the context of high end audio. I bought mine for $650. There is no better bass amp.

Any of the Behringer pro amps, I believe they have one that outputs that kind of power. $200-$400

I've got a QSC 1200. 300 watts @8ohms when bridged mono with gain control. It is virtually bullet proof with internal cooling fan too. $175??? emfoods@yahoo.com

Thanks all, I have some research to do!

A pro amp w/cooling fan just may drive you up the wall with it's noise. I'm using a Hafler TransNova 9505 which is excellent for bottom, but this looks like it might be just the ticket for your system and budget: (http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--BEHA500) A 60 day satisfaction guarantee too(hard to beat).

Thanks Rodman, have you used this amp?

Not yet, but the next time I do a pro install I will be. I've used quite a few Behringer pieces in my sound tech work(especially the last 10 years). For the money- you can't beat the stuff. Every install I do, I insist on a DEQ 2496 to curve the room response(after whatever treatments are done). With this return policy, it's hard to go wrong on the A500: (http://www.samedaymusic.com/returns) If you should happen to not like the sound, just let them know it wasn't up to your standards. I've dealt with Same Day quite a few times, and never got a hassle from them on a return. I believe some of the guys on this thread tried it(at least the thread starter did): (http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1170999828) You might e-mail him, and inquire.