I own a pair of Ampegs, a VT-22 120 Watt 2x12 combo, and a VT-40 60 Watt 4x10 combo. If you must go the traditional route, I'd put either of these old babies against anything available new.

I've been now-and-again working on a project to build a 5 Watt single-tube power amp for my rig. For someone about to blow $600-$700 US dollars on an amp, I suggest this is a much better way to go.

I know that sounds all wrong, at first, but take the time to read through the posts and links from this thread in Tech Talk.

http://www.guitartricks.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=2164

With that kind of money, you could get a really nice small amp that you can take anywhere, and get the same tone every time. You should still have enough left over to get a honkin' big PA amp to boost your sound (as part of the mix) to any level you want.