From seeing Nile live, looked to me like their lead guitarist was using a Marshall stack, maybe one of the newer models, and the rhythm/vocals guy used a rack full of stuff.

I've got a 5150 combo and I like the tone a lot after changing the pre-amp tubes to electro-harmonix and replacing the speakers with vintage-30s, though I liked the tone to begin with.

Also I've heard that the JSX is phenomenal for lead tones, and you might check out EVH's new 5150 III.

Other than that, the Soldano low-wattage Astro head might be almost cheap enough for you.

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