Ampeg Micro VR vs. Ashdown Five Fifteen Mini Rig

Televator · #1 09-26-2011, 09:28 PM

I'm in the market for a small rig for playing around my apartment / jamming with friends (rock and blues) / occasional synth work, and I've been looking at two amps particularly: the Ampeg Micro VR and the Ashdown Five Fifteen Mini Rig. The Ampeg is smaller, twice as powerful, has more features (e.g., a direct out) and seems easier to find, but the Ashdown is considerably cheaper and, frankly, I don't know that I really need the Ampeg's additional power.

I haven't had a chance to demo these amps yet, so I'd like to hear your opinions. What say ye?! Which do you think I should go for, and why?

JimmyM · #2 09-26-2011, 09:46 PM

Haven't heard the Ashdown but the Micro VR is one of my favorite rigs ever to come out under the Ampeg name.

Ironderby · #3 09-27-2011, 12:14 AM

Depends what you are looking for, alot of people just see the name ampeg and think its better. The ashdowns are very well built, and quite light compared to some other amps i've owned. And have a very punch jazz sound, which might be what you are looking for. Never played the ampeg. But i personally think, for what you are looking for, the ashdown is better.

Televator · #4 09-27-2011, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Haven't heard the Ashdown but the Micro VR is one of my favorite rigs ever to come out under the Ampeg name.

That's quite an endorsement! Apparently there are a lot of people who agree, judging by the poll results so far.

BulbousMoses · #5 09-27-2011, 09:36 AM

I can't speak about the Ashdown but I own the Ampeg and I love the thing. As for not needing the Ampeg's additional power, it's only 150 watts with the single 210AV cab so I wouldn't be concerned with it being overpowering.

Televator · #6 09-27-2011, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironderby

Depends what you are looking for, alot of people just see the name ampeg and think its better. The ashdowns are very well built, and quite light compared to some other amps i've owned. And have a very punch jazz sound, which might be what you are looking for. Never played the ampeg. But i personally think, for what you are looking for, the ashdown is better.

I was thinking more rock than jazz, but the Ashdown is darn tempting (and physically more substantial, though that's more of an aesthetic advantage--and possibly a practical detractor, in terms of portability and space savings). What do you think if the impact of the wattage difference? Do you think that the 150w of the Ampeg (with one cab) would be too much, given the conditions I mentioned (apartment / friendly jams / occasional synth use)? I suspect not, but I'm interested in hearing other's opinions.

AshdownMad · #7 09-27-2011, 09:42 AM

The five fifteen Ashdown is a pretty awesome piece of kit!!! Iv used the perfect 10 mini rig in the past n tht was awesome!!!! (basically the same but 2 10" cabs n 65watt head)
Iv not used the ampeg but it does look kl!

Televator · #8 09-27-2011, 12:37 PM

Looks like opinions are split about 75 / 25 in favor of the Ampeg. I'm loving the opinions, by the way--keep them coming!

pgk · #9 09-27-2011, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Haven't heard the Ashdown but the Micro VR is one of my favorite rigs ever to come out under the Ampeg name.

that micro vr head is the dog's danglies. i don't think i'd care for the little cabs all that much but i can tell you that with a B15 cab that rig rocks Hard, and is scary good with a 2-15 cab

Televator · #10 09-27-2011, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pgk

that micro vr head is the dog's danglies. i don't think i'd care for the little cabs all that much but i can tell you that with a B15 cab that rig rocks Hard, and is scary good with a 2-15 cab

Interesting. I've got a B115E cab (probably not the one you were referring to, but still...) I could use with it.

speyer · #11 09-27-2011, 11:16 PM

I just bought an Ampeg micro VR in the classifieds... stoked!

oh... I voted ampeg

JimmyM · #12 09-27-2011, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Televator

That's quite an endorsement! Apparently there are a lot of people who agree, judging by the poll results so far.

Ya, it's not a rig for people looking to kill babies with volume, but it's got plenty of ass on it and does clean and a killer mild grind. And the knob on there marked "volume"? That's for when 150w is too much

jeff7bass · #13 09-28-2011, 08:36 AM

I played the VR rig at GC for the first time yesterday and was quite surprised at how BIG it sounded. I played the new Squier 50’s P-Bass through it, the Butterscotch one with a single pickup (nice bass for 300 bucks). Great classic tone with both clarity and fatness. I didn’t expect the cab to sound that good. Head sounds best with the GAIN around 1:00 – 2:00. Would make for a great rehearsal/small gig rig. The Ashdown was next to it but it wasn’t hooked up so no go. Maybe next time.

Televator · #14 09-28-2011, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff7bass

I played the VR rig at GC for the first time yesterday and was quite surprised at how BIG it sounded. I played the new Squier 50’s P-Bass through it, the Butterscotch one with a single pickup (nice bass for 300 bucks). Great classic tone with both clarity and fatness. I didn’t expect the cab to sound that good. Head sounds best with the GAIN around 1:00 – 2:00. Would make for a great rehearsal/small gig rig. The Ashdown was next to it but it wasn’t hooked up so no go. Maybe next time.

Thanks--I can't wait to try it. Maybe this weekend...

Televator · #15 09-28-2011, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Ya, it's not a rig for people looking to kill babies with volume, but it's got plenty of ass on it and does clean and a killer mild grind. And the knob on there marked "volume"? That's for when 150w is too much

You've got a point there

Though, some amps just don't sound very good until they're putting out a lot of volume.

JimmyM · #16 09-28-2011, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Televator

You've got a point there

Though, some amps just don't sound very good until they're putting out a lot of volume.

SS amps generally don't have that problem, unless you just don't like the sound of quiet amps.

speyer · #17 09-28-2011, 09:44 PM

I'm gonna pair mine with a TC RS210 for a practice/small gig rig... I've got a good feeling about this little pairing! I think I've seen or heard about it somewhere on TB... but should be good

MustacheJoeII · #18 09-28-2011, 10:07 PM

The VR is incredibly versatile. I can plug my organ into and it still sounds good. You can play guitar through it and it sounds good. Five knobs is all you need as far as getting a good sound. This is how I use it, Gain: 12 o'clock, Bass: 1 o'clock, Mid: 5 o'clock, Treble: 11 o'clock, Volume: anywhere I want it, you can turn up all the way. It's super light, so I can take it anywhere.

I can't tell you about the Ashdown, but all the Ashdown stuff I've played always sounded really good.

Televator · #19 09-30-2011, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MustacheJoeII

The VR is incredibly versatile. I can plug my organ into and it still sounds good. You can play guitar through it and it sounds good. Five knobs is all you need as far as getting a good sound. This is how I use it, Gain: 12 o'clock, Bass: 1 o'clock, Mid: 5 o'clock, Treble: 11 o'clock, Volume: anywhere I want it, you can turn up all the way. It's super light, so I can take it anywhere.

I can't tell you about the Ashdown, but all the Ashdown stuff I've played always sounded really good.

I never thought to use it as a guitar amp. Not that I'd have to, but I'm curious to hear how it sounds.

MustacheJoeII · #20 10-02-2011, 01:41 PM

A lot of guitar players use bass amps for guitar. Low and earthy, I wouldn't recommend extreme high shredding, but if you play some tick-tack stuff or like a low twangin' tele, it works.

A friend of mine loves old 70's Fender Bassman stuff to play guitar.