Originally posted by sambob
Perhaps your're just looking in the wrong place.

I KNOW there are big amps that have a good tone at low levels, but to me they are a waste of money and space in my car, plus an avoidable source of back pain...

I know a lot of guys love their big amps, but the thing is that most of them simply don't need them. A nice 1X12 combo(or even a 2X12 if you're running stereo effects) is all you need.