Ampeg B2RE Compared to SVT/SVP Series.

cassanova · #1 07-31-2011, 05:54 AM

How do these compare to the SVT series and discontinued SVP preamps?

I know the power amp is solid state in these things and I'm okay with that, because it has a tube preamp. I'm curious to know about it's overall sound quality. My Genz Benz died on me last night, so I'm thinking about purchasing something different.

Thanks in advance.

RickenBoogie · #2 07-31-2011, 07:38 AM

I don't think the B2Re has a tube pre, in fact, all the B series are all solidstate to my recollection. The SVT Pro series are hybrids, and SVT's are all tube, but B series are not.

Venom of God · #3 07-31-2011, 07:54 AM

The B2RE is completely solid state, like RickenBoogie said, I always thought they still sounded pretty good though. Everything in the SVT Pro series has a tube pre and a solid state power amp, with the exception of the SVT2, which is all tube.

I've never used an SVP preamp, but I believe they are pretty similar to the preamps in the Pro series, which sound great. Hope that helped!

cassanova · #4 07-31-2011, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickenBoogie

I don't think the B2Re has a tube pre, in fact, all the B series are all solidstate to my recollection. The SVT Pro series are hybrids, and SVT's are all tube, but B series are not.

You are correct on it being completely solid state. I did some research on it after posting, and the person selling theirs obviously has it listed wrong.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Venom of God

I've never used an SVP preamp, but I believe they are pretty similar to the preamps in the Pro series, which sound great. Hope that helped!

I used to own an SVP-Pro for a while. IIRC, it's the same preamp they use in the SVT-II Pro. If the B2RE can obtain very similar tonality, then I'd be very tempted to buy one.

RickenBoogie · #5 07-31-2011, 09:03 AM

I've owned all manner of Ampeg amps, from solidstate to all tube. One thing is for sure, they all have that particular "flavor", but as good as they are, they are certainly different. To me, there's a huge tonal difference between ANY of the solidstate heads vs. the all tube amps, with the hybrids coming in somewhere in between. Certain solidstate models, like the B100R combo, and apparently, the new PF350 and 500, are even "tubier" sounding than the others. You'd need to judge based on your own ears though, to be certain you're satisfied overall.

JimmyM · #6 07-31-2011, 09:15 AM

I love Ampeg stuff mostly, but the B2RE is a fish out of water. It was Ampeg designing an amp for people who didn't care for the Ampeg tonality. It's OK but it's the one amp they make I don't particularly care for. The SVT labeled amps, however, are killer, except for the SVT-450H, which is a B2RE in an SVT chassis. If you like Ampeg but are on a budget, I'd highly recommend checking out the PF500.

I wouldn't give up on the Genz, though. I'd call them and see if they can do something for you. They've been known to be extremely nice about stuff and give very reasonable costs for out of warranty repairs.

Venom of God · #7 07-31-2011, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cassanova

I used to own an SVP-Pro for a while. IIRC, it's the same preamp they use in the SVT-II Pro. If the B2RE can obtain very similar tonality, then I'd be very tempted to buy one.

Well, the SVT-2 has the same preamp as the SVT-3 (a hybrid amp), which I have and would recommend, though there are certainly others who are more knowledgeable than me on here who would probably recommend you the SVT-7 (which I've never heard).

I love my SVT 3 though, sounds great to my ears and the D.I. on it is KILLER. A great compromise between the SVT-VR that I wanted and how big my wallet is (prices in Australia are ridiculous). It has been a few years since I've used a B2RE admittedly, but there use to be one I used a lot at school and going back to my old Hartke after it sounded really lifeless and sterile, so the B2 can't have been doing everything wrong. I tried a PF500 in the shop also, which was a cool little rig with Ampeg flavour but again a little sterile for me.

rickwebb · #8 07-31-2011, 11:33 AM

i'm currently running an SVP-PRO preamp into the back of a B2-R head ( bypassing the B2-R's preamp). unplug the SVP and it's like night and day. the B2-R on its own sounds okay... you get the picture...

cassanova · #9 07-31-2011, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I wouldn't give up on the Genz, though. I'd call them and see if they can do something for you. They've been known to be extremely nice about stuff and give very reasonable costs for out of warranty repairs.

I'm not giving up on the Genz and I'll have it repaired after I get something different. Truth be told, I've been wanting something different for a while now, and have always preferred having separate power/preamps, & speaker cabs.

I've been torn between the SVP-Pro, SVP-CL, and SVT-3. I saw the B2RE and thought it was a fair price, so it caught my eye. Now to add to the confusion, I've stumbled across another GK 2001 RPB. Never played one of these and the nearest one is 2 hours away, so I highly doubt I'll make a drive just to test that out, unless it got massive good reviews. Which I am not finding.