Gig worthy amps have come down in price recently. Used to be $1500 was the minimum for something good, now you can get something gig worthy for $1000 if you spend carefully.
Again, what kind of sound are you looking for? Album/Songs?
I don't recommend 2x12" combos, especially cheap ones, because they're typically crappy, heavy, weak amps. You would do much better getting an Avatar 4x12 ( Or 2x12 ) with Celestions and a used amp head off ebay such as a Peavey 6505, Vox Valvetronix, or Line 6 HD147.