Ampeg B-100R or VR200 Micro Stack?

[Charley Umbria]

OK, so first I'll `fess up: I'm actually a drummer.

Having said that, I've recently purchased a sweet used Epiphone T-Bird Pro IV (Sunburst, of course!) and I'm looking for an amp. It'll probably be used for playing with friends or jamming with my guitarist daughter at home, but smaller gigs aren't out of the question. I really like the Ampeg sound and I mostly "play" classic rock; 60's, 70's, and so on.

I think that either the B-100R or the Micro Stack will be loud enough and with direct lines out I can always use PA support for volume, if needed. I've been able to find a few of the B-100Rs for $300-$400, so they're only a little less expensive than the Micro Stack.

I've searched through the forums and there are lots of reviews of each amp and comparisons between Ampeg, Acoustic, Peavey, GK, etc. in this price range.

What are your thoughts on these two amps: Ampeg vs. Ampeg?

[prd004]

I have a B100-R and I absolutely love it! But I would search for a made in USA version though.

[JimmyM]

to me that's choosing between the two best combos in that price range. i absolutely love the b100r, no matter where it's made. don't have one but they're fantastic. i do, however, have a micro vr. equally awesome. plus the micro vr allows for expandability with two cabs whereas the b100r doesn't. so just on the expandability issue alone, the micro vr is a better choice for me. still, if i found a deal on a b100r and i was in the market for a combo, i'd snag it no problem.

there is another option that's looking pretty sweet if you like ampeg stuff, though. in march they're coming out with a solid state line of portaflex heads that do 350w and 500w, as well as 115 and 210 fliptop cabs designed to be mated with the heads similar to a b-15.

[DanNowhere]

I'd agree you can't go wrong with either of them. The Micro VR is very useful for gigs. I just hope it proves to be durable in the long run. The cabinets are very solid, but the head seems a bit fragile.

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by DanNowhere

I'd agree you can't go wrong with either of them. The Micro VR is very useful for gigs. I just hope it proves to be durable in the long run. The cabinets are very solid, but the head seems a bit fragile.

my micro vr once fell off the cab and onto a stage with a hard surface because i tilted it back too far. ok, so it wasn't like throwing it off a 5 story building, but it took a pretty good tumble. didn't get so much as a scratch. anything will break if it hits the right way or hits hard enough, but i came away from that experience with confidence in the build quality and durability.

[Charley Umbria]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

there is another option that's looking pretty sweet if you like ampeg stuff, though. in march they're coming out with a solid state line of portaflex heads that do 350w and 500w, as well as 115 and 210 fliptop cabs designed to be mated with the heads similar to a b-15.

Thanks, Jimmy. Yeah, I considered waiting for the new Portaflex models, but with a 350 head going for $299 and a cab for $399, I'm up to over 750 bucks, after sales tax. I can get a B-100R for about half of that and the Micro Stacks are starting to show up on the used market for under $500.

Would I be losing any significant low end or fullness by going with the Micro's 210 vs. the combo's 15" speaker?

[JimmyM]

none whatsoever. the 210av does require me to boost the low end slightly to match the response i get in my vintage 810 from 73, but once you do that it's solid.

[Tacopastorius]

Here's what I think.

[stiles72]

I play a T-bird through a B-100R regularly and can't say enough positive things about it. It's the next best thing to a vintage B-15, and you can usually pick one up at a reasonable price. The Micro VR is a great little rig also. I had a chance recently to play through a '78 SVT/810 and it sounded just like a big Micro VR. Both are great little amps - just depends on what want sound you like better. If you like deep and boomy, I'd go B-100R. If you want it a little tighter, go with the Micro. As for features, the B-100R does give you more EQ options, but the Micro VR has an XLR line out vs. 1/4". Either way you can't go wrong.

[Rob Martinez]

I have an Asian made B100R and it is a fantastic amp. It's a keeper!

[SteveC]

The micro - just because it looks cool.

[AlPBass]

I've got a B-100R also and it's a great amp for medium volume needs or to play mellower stuff that doesn't need very quick tight attack. Although I have made it sound more like those types of amps with an MXR M80 Bass DI+ in front of it, so with a preamp pedal it can probably go into more-modern territory too.

I've tried a MicroVR a couple of times and it's probably the best of the solid-state Ampegs along with the B-100R/B-200R. That one still has a warm vintage tone but a little tighter and clearer. It can probably go louder than the B-100R but it's still not exactly a high-power rig, but I imagine it would be excellent for everyday use, i.e. personal practice, band practice, local gigs in smaller places.

[Drifta]

So far i've been running my ampeg 210av cab with my aguilar 1x12 and my shuttle 6.0.


I've PUSHED this cab, considering we play pretty loud and it's rated at 200 rms and i'm pushing 300. It sounds GREAT. One of my buddies is an experienced drummer (20 years gigging) and commented on how it sounded -- out front it didn't distort and sounded tight.

Surpisingly it handles the low b better than I thought, I've only expeienced some farting at REALLY high volume with my bass boosted high (was messing around with tones) but where I normally set my eq, no farting.

cab is amazing, I'm going to keep this as you can set it anywhere, and it weighs like nothing. I'm not too sure about gigging out with it, so i'm going to grab a berg ae212 (i really need the volume).. but this ampeg has impressed me SO much.

[jkramer5]

Originally Posted by Tacopastorius

Here's what I think.

Me Too

[Charley Umbria]

Thanks for all the great info, guys. Sounds like the hunt is on...

[Mojo-Man]

I have a B100R, and A B50R.
Both a wonderful combo's.
I'm gassing for a Micro VR Head, with a Fliptops 2x15 cab in 4 ohms, at 300 watts.
60's rig of doom. (with a P-bass of course)

[DanNowhere]

This thread makes me think about recovering my Micro VR stack in the diamond blue tolex. That would be freaking sharp as hell, although it looks pretty nice as it is already.

[Volume4]

I owned a B-100R twice..both USA, although thats not really important....first one in 2003 and second one recently.

They are excellent amps... I love them

That said I sold my second B-100R to fund a Micro-VR stack and I couldn't be happier with the decision.

It is lighter and louder.
I prefer the simpler layout of the controls
It handles pedals better.
DI
Can run 2 cabs

The OP said he plays "classic rock"......to me thats more SVT than B-15...although a B-15 or B-100R can certainly do rock very well.

[SDMFJay]

I've had my Micro-VR for about 6 months now and I am beyond impressed with it. It is LOUD with the matching 210AV. The tone I can get out of it with different brands of basses is amazing. The vintage old school look also sold me on it

[chadds]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

my micro vr once fell off the cab and onto a stage with a hard surface because i tilted it back too far. ok, so it wasn't like throwing it off a 5 story building, but it took a pretty good tumble. didn't get so much as a scratch. anything will break if it hits the right way or hits hard enough, but i came away from that experience with confidence in the build quality and durability.

Is that the head you are selling suddenly?
oops just kidding.