Nick Sandford

Hello. I am a guitar player in a band and we are beginning to do small gigs. The problem is I need to buy a good amp for the task. In my price range I can afford a Marshall Valvestate half stack or a proper valve combo amp for the same or less. What should I buy? are valve amps noticably better then valvestate amps (Marshall).Will a combo be load enough for small gigs? If you have any suggestions please reply.