Ampeg alternatives

[Nsmccarty91]

Does anybody know of a good head/cab setup that would be comparable to the SVT classic + 8x10 that I'm not going to have to drop 3,000 on?

[fu22ba55]

I don't meant to sound flippant, but the alternative to a $3,000 SVT head and cab is a reasonably-priced SVT head and cab.

You can find MTI-era or earlier SVT heads for way less than 1400 if you have cash in hand and are ready to pounce...

And decent 8x10 cabs are a dime a dozen. They usually go for pretty cheap on craigslist since nobody wants to schlep them around, and nobody wants to ship them.

You should be able to get a pre-SLM SVT head and any-era 8x10 for under 2K if you look around and have cash in hand.

Some asking prices on TB are great, and some are astronomical. Shop around and wave your cash in someone's face.

[BassmanAd]

The only thing that I've ever found comes close is a GK RB series. But even that isn't close to the real thing. Buy used. Much cheaper.

[BassmanAd]

Originally Posted by fu22ba55

Shop around and wave your cash in someone's face.

Bingo.

[EricF]

If you want Ampeg, but the price is the problem, buy used. I bought my SVT-CL for $900. I see 810s on CL for sub-$1000 every day.

If you actually want something non-Ampeg, there are many, many different bass amp manufacturers on the market who make products as good, or better, than Ampeg.

[zachoff]

VT Pedal, GK ###RB, and an Ampeg 810. A lot of that "sound" comes from the cab. It definitely colors the tone quite a lot.

[boten607]

definitely buy or trade for used. I found an HLF410 and SVT450 head on craigslist that was like brand new and traded the guy an old Les Paul studio that I didn't use ... $600 to $800 guitar for $1500 in bass glory. obviously, if you're particular about what you want, you'll just have to be more patient.

[hdracer]

These are not to much and sound good.

[joeydavidson]

I was going to suggest the Ampeg Micro VR as well, those things are cheap, 200watts into a large cab such as a used 810e should be quite loud in theory, they seem like a cool amp from what I've read.

[SmithLee]

I got a $400 RB 1001...almost new. And a stripped tolex SVT 8x10 $350. $750 sounds great! The end.

[StrangerDanger]

A fantastic alternative from the sound of it:
Genz Benz - Official Streamliner Amp Thread -NEW !!

[JimmyM]

i was just given a micro vr stack for christmas and it's amazing how realistic and how much kick it has for a little sealed 210 and a 200w amp. i'm also pretty big on the tech 21 vt.

but there's a reason i'm not rushing to sell my svt

[spaz21387]

hartike

[Jim C]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

i was just given a micro vr stack for christmas and it's amazing how realistic and how much kick it has for a little sealed 210 and a 200w amp. i'm also pretty big on the tech 21 vt.

but there's a reason i'm not rushing to sell my svt

Congrats on a cool Christmas gift!
So, regardless of actual tone, can that little thing move enough air to get BASSO PROFUNDO?
There's something about bigger power and cabinets I've never found with the micro stuff; maybe just sonic impact.

To the OP; if you don't want to use the VT pedal, the closest sounding amp I've found to an SVT-CL at a clean setting is the Mesa Walkabout; just got one and am VERY happy after 2 gigs, 2 rehearsals, and a bunch of time playing at home

[JimmyM]

well yeah, obviously it's a small rig and it's not going to hurt you like an svt/810e. but i was quite shocked at how much it actually does. it's enough to where i can see myself using it for my day to day stuff a lot more often. you know i loves me some big iron but sometimes i just don't want to **** with it.

[derridiandrift]

used SVT-CL - $900
used SVT-810E - $600
total price = $1500
face melting tube tone: priceless

[Jim C]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

well yeah, obviously it's a small rig and it's not going to hurt you like an svt/810e. but i was quite shocked at how much it actually does. it's enough to where i can see myself using it for my day to day stuff a lot more often. you know i loves me some big iron but sometimes i just don't want to **** with it.

How does it compare to say a B-15R?

[JimmyM]

got me. i never played a b-15r. but it puts out way more volume than i'll ever need. to my ears it goes louder than a ba115 or a b100r. bass gear mag tested it in their #4 issue and said it does above its rated power. they came up with 160w @ 8 ohms and 259w @ 4. ampeg rates it 150/200w. obviously you have to dial down your tonal expectations from the big stuff but it's a lot like the vt in that it really cops realistic tones for not having any tubes.

[ampegman]

I traded my Line6 HD100 plus some cash for an Ampeg B4R and
picked up a used 8x10 for $650!!! Both out of Phoenix. Merry Christmas to ME!!!

[Buster Brown]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

but there's a reason i'm not rushing to sell my svt

Bingo and a big +1 !!