Portable DIY valve amp for beginner?

[Simon Barden]

And for just over $300 you could get a new 50W Boss Katana, which whilst a solid state modelling amp, is a very nice sounding amp indeed, and with its 1/2W mode, is fine for home practice but loud enough for gigs and also has decent effects. Or get a used valve amp for that amount.

[Dedman]

And for just over $300 you could get a new 50W Boss Katana, which whilst a solid state modelling amp, is a very nice sounding amp indeed, and with its 1/2W mode, is fine for home practice but loud enough for gigs and also has decent effects. Or get a used valve amp for that amount.

I've found this with a lot of the pedal kits too, fine if you just want the experience of building your own, but if you want a pedal and can't afford to stuff it up , it's cheaper to go buy one.
In this case the PB 5w or a Vox Nutube head and a Boss EQ pedal would probably work out cheaper.