Ampeg Heritage CL construction details (from Ampeg)

JGR · #1 08-17-2010, 06:10 PM

I emailed Ampeg to find out more about the construction details of the Heritage CL. I had a pair of US ones that were great, but the new one begs a question as to whether it is worth the extra $$ for a new one versus a used USA one?

Here is what they said (kudos to them for a quick reply):

Hello,

The major differences between a regular or Heritage CL are as follows:

· All PCBs are reengineered. This not only includes the thicker profile as well as plated thru hole, but thicker traces as well.
· The stock tubes are JJ/Tesla and Svetlana, instead of Sovteks.
· Tolex, grill and graphics are similar to late 70’s SVT’s.

The electronic components are the same, as they are sourced from the same vendors as SLM Electronics era amps.

I was hoping they did more than just the PCB and tubes for that price. The PCB is definitely good news, though I'm not sure it is worth a $700 premium over what we used to pay for a USA one before Loud... but we'll end on a positive note and say glad to see something back in the USA...

jastacey · #2 08-17-2010, 06:24 PM

Who's winding the transformers?

guidedbassman · #3 08-17-2010, 06:24 PM

i find that the new ampeg svt heritage are great amps but after just picking up a new svt-cl i can't see why i would trade it in for the heritage. They are both great sounding amps working on the rule that the "supper SVT" is the father of all big bass amps the only question in the back of my mind is can you trust the "ampeg" of today like you could the "ampeg" the the old days. I guess we all will have to wait and see.

best wishes.

73jbass · #4 08-17-2010, 06:31 PM

I'm curious about the tone differences between the SVT Classic cab and the Heritage cab.

guidedbassman · #5 08-17-2010, 06:55 PM

as far as i can tell the only real difference is the speaker grill "the look of the cab" . they both use usa made speakers so i don't see how they could be very different

JGR · #6 08-17-2010, 07:08 PM

I believe the Heritage cab uses the new Eminence B810 speakers which are a big (and much needed) improvement over the old speakers. They also started using machine screws and T-nuts to mount them instead of the wood screws which is a good thing.

guidedbassman · #7 08-17-2010, 07:11 PM

now tell me if i'm wrong but arn't the older speakers in the 810e made by Eminence?

Buster Brown · #8 08-17-2010, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JGR

I believe the Heritage cab uses the new Eminence B810 speakers which are a big (and much needed) improvement over the old speakers. They also started using machine screws and T-nuts to mount them instead of the wood screws which is a good thing.

You know, I popped the grill on mine and took out one of the speakers. I agree about the B810s but they STILL seem to me to be a little different.

I, too, purchased the Heritage CL and am glad I did...but I probably did it for insanely selfish reasons..I mean I aso play a 4Pro but I just wanted to "complete the set", if you know what I mean...but it IS a beast!!

JimmyM · #9 08-17-2010, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jastacey

Who's winding the transformers?

their chinese supplier. they can't get american transformers anymore. electrical windings won't do them anymore.

tombowlus · #10 08-18-2010, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73jbass

I'm curious about the tone differences between the SVT Classic cab and the Heritage cab.

They definitely sound different. The Heritage seems to go deeper than the Vietnam-made SVT-810e I have, but the "standard" 810e seems to have more going on in the upper midrange. To be honest, I could see where some players would prefer the standard 810e to the Heritage (and vice versa, of course).

As for the Heritage SVT-CL head, I believe that some of the wiring layout was changed as well, and this can have some sonic benefits (especially where noise is concerned). All I know is that the Heritage CL that I have in my possession currently is definitely the best sounding CL that I have heard.

Tom.

60jbass91 · #11 08-18-2010, 10:47 AM

tom when is this heritage-vr that you have been hinting on about for months going to be coming to us man, i cant wait for that considering the black cloud thats been hanging over the made in nam normal ampeg-vrs

dokazaado · #12 08-18-2010, 10:55 AM

hi folks, haven't been here in a long time!
anyway, while the Ampeg Heritage sounds great,
I just can't pay $2500 for a PCB-built amp
when I can buy a turret-board-built Reeves Custom 225
or a Verellen Meat Smoke for the same money.

73jbass · #13 08-18-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guidedbassman

now tell me if i'm wrong but arn't the older speakers in the 810e made by Eminence?

The ones in mine were Eminence made in China.

JimmyM · #14 08-18-2010, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guidedbassman

now tell me if i'm wrong but arn't the older speakers in the 810e made by Eminence?

yes. they've used eminence since 1974.

Grooveman1961 · #15 08-18-2010, 11:36 AM

the real difference between the heritage cl head and other cl heads is essentially......marketing.

Groover · #16 08-18-2010, 11:42 AM

What does PCB stand for?

Jonyak · #17 08-18-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groover

What does PCB stand for?

printed circuit board.

Vintage-Blue · #18 08-18-2010, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groover

What does PCB stand for?

Printed circuit board.

RTL · #19 08-18-2010, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groover

What does PCB stand for?

"Probably Chinese Built"

Buster Brown · #20 08-18-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tombowlus

They definitely sound different. The Heritage seems to go deeper than the Vietnam-made SVT-810e I have, but the "standard" 810e seems to have more going on in the upper midrange. To be honest, I could see where some players would prefer the standard 810e to the Heritage (and vice versa, of course).

As for the Heritage SVT-CL head, I believe that some of the wiring layout was changed as well, and this can have some sonic benefits (especially where noise is concerned). All I know is that the Heritage CL that I have in my possession currently is definitely the best sounding CL that I have heard.

Tom.

Tom...as to the CL....I couldn't agree more!!

Cheers!