Ampeg PF-500 with B115e or SVT-15e cab ?

Sayclean · #1 09-09-2011, 10:54 AM

I'm thinking about adding a different speaker cab to my PF-500 amp instead of taking the Portaflex 1-15 cab (possibly for bigger gigs) Would you suggest getting a B115e cab or SVT-15e cab? This is separate cab, not stacked with Portaflex cab. And Im only interested in these two with 15's so not interested in 4-10's etc. Which of the two cabs would be better with new PF-500 amp ?

stiles72 · #2 09-09-2011, 11:34 AM

Not much difference based on the specs. Both are 8 ohm cabs, 200 watts each, and list the useable low freq as 35/33hz. Could very well be the same driver in each box. Main difference is quality of the cab construction and cosmetics. The SVT-115E is built a little better, but the B cab should do you just fine. The B also comes with the vintage style grill cloth which I personally prefer over the standard black and think makes a better cosmetic match for the PF500 head.

carl h. · #3 09-09-2011, 11:41 AM

What will one of these cabs gain you over the PF1-15?

I have PF-500 and an SVT 15E and it is a nice pairing. When I do bigger events I grab a 410 or 2.

stiles72 · #4 09-09-2011, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carl h.

What will one of these cabs gain you over the PF1-15?

Both the B cab and the SVT-115E are ported cabs. The PF115 is sealed and has a tweeter (defeatable). I had the PF115, but had to send it back because it had an issue. However- while trying it , there was an audible difference to my ears between it being a sealed cab vs. a ported cab. It all depends on what sound you are looking for. Many others who have the PF115 are going for a vintage B15 double baffle sound, and are able to cop it and are quite pleased. I've been running my PF500 primarily through a ported 2x15 Ampeg Simmons cab and it rocked! I'll also add that the build quality and cosmetics on the PF were top notch. Very classy.

carl h. · #5 09-09-2011, 11:54 AM

OK

Aside from design differences, what will the audience hear that is different?

Mastermold · #6 09-09-2011, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carl h.

OK

Aside from design differences, what will the audience hear that is different?

The audience never notices bass tone anyway. The difference is for your listening pleasure.

Sayclean · #7 09-09-2011, 12:28 PM

PS.... I also have some Ampeg BA-115 combos and and some 4-10 cabs and they seem to have more of the "flatwound" string bottom end "Ampeg" "Thump" motown bottom end sound then the Portaflex fliptop cab. As for the amp - I do like the lighter weight PF-500 better then lugging my SVT-4 Pro amp in the rack mount with tuner and, cordless rig at over 100 plus pounds... :-) Trying to get that old Ampeg Classic amp and 8x10 cab sound without all the weight. I'm getting lazy in my old age... haha 53 years old and 42 years of playing on and off the road....

Sayclean · #8 09-09-2011, 12:58 PM

Sayclean · #9 09-09-2011, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mastermold

The audience never notices bass tone anyway. The difference is for your listening pleasure.

Master, I tend to agree. I played a 5 string for about 1.5 years because it was the "in" thing to play. But realized after, that my Fender jazz with Nickel roundrounds and my Fender "P" bass with flatwound strings can dial in about any tones and style I need or want to play!!! Amen

Sayclean · #10 09-09-2011, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sayclean

Master, I tend to agree. I played a 5 string for about 1.5 years because it was the "in" thing to play. But realized after, that my Fender jazz with Nickel roundrounds and my Fender "P" bass with flatwound strings can dial in about any tones and style I need or want to play!!! Amen

....... and almost everyone doesn't know what you're playing, they just know when it's good playin' , even my girlfriend.... :-)