hi there 8) i've friends who got great results with the Yamaha/ Squier/ Ibanez bass starter set. however, you'd trim more $$ off your budget if you get these units used.
for home practices, even the Ibanez IBZ10B (10W) is adequate.
well you asked what's adequate- 10W is adequate... for lonesome indulgences at home... but seriously, it won't be enough for a band context. if you jam, i'm sure the studio has a bass amp loud enough to match the drums?