their good amps and there are alot of defferent versions of them....i have only used the 100 what hi gain one...but ive heard that the duel reverb ones are really good....a used one usually goes for around 500 to 800$$ but ive seen them on ebay for like 450$$....for the cab...ive only used it with my mesa cab and it sounded really good but you have too turn it up really loud to get that nice tone..what is your buddy looking for you to pay??