Ampeg heads with 410HLF

Dustin Teel · #1 07-15-2011, 12:07 PM

I'm going to purchase a head to pair with my 410HLF and am tired of mixing brands, because I don't own any Ampeg heads as of now. I have used several and am kind of at a loss... I really liked them all..

I'm considering between the SVT-350, B2RE, and new PF-500. This head and cab will be used for medium sized bar gigs, and I will always have PA support.

My band, in addition to our originals, does a lot of 90s alternative covers. Therefore, I really need that low-mid growl present on most Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots albums.

Which head would you guys go with? Thanks in advance, bros.

Flabass · #2 07-15-2011, 12:13 PM

I use a SVT3 Pro with my 410HLF.

Colonel129 · #3 07-15-2011, 12:26 PM

I rock the SVT Classic... but if it ain't tube, go for light weight! PF-500 is my vote!

Marton · #4 07-15-2011, 12:31 PM

You should try to save a little bit more cash, and get one of the Ampeg hybrids head, they sound way better (and more like an Ampeg should sound) than the solid states models.

TaylorO' · #5 07-15-2011, 01:07 PM

do NOT get the svt 3 pro. Most problematic Amp ive ever owned.

JMac4strngr · #6 07-15-2011, 01:32 PM

B2-R/B2-RE and the SVT450/350H are basically the same amp in different clothing. IME, Aside from dependability, they don't offer much in the tone dpartment.
From talks I've heard round the campfire(Talkbass-world), the new Portaflex series sound pretty darned good.

NKBassman · #7 07-15-2011, 02:39 PM

I voted for the PF-500, but it was sort of by a process of elimination for the other 2...

Dustin Teel · #8 07-17-2011, 06:19 PM

Yeah, I know Ampeg has far better "top-of-the-line" heads, I'm just keeping it simple and saving some cash. If I can get that signature Ampeg tone out of a portable, affordable rig, I'm totally satisfied. I think I'm going with the PF-500. I tried to demo it at GC today, but somebody put the last one on layaway, and they wouldn't let me play it, dangit. I tried the PF-350 and it sounded great. I can't imagine the tones are very different...

BassBob1 · #9 07-17-2011, 06:40 PM

the PF 500 sounds very similar to the SVT 7 Pro which I own and love (also running it through a 410HLF).

lokikallas · #10 07-17-2011, 08:49 PM

Out of the three, I would vote on the pf500. I would personally look for a pro three used. You can find them for under 500$ just about anywhere. I have had one for 15 years with no complaints. I might get a 7 pro soon, but just because it is half as heavy, twice the power with pretty much the same preamplifier. The pf500 looks great, but doesn't have the same pre. The B series is kind of ampegs budget series. Not bad, but no character IMO.