Ampeg SVP CL Preamp

[theweedline]

I just purchased a Ampeg SVP CL preamp. What is the difference between this and the Pro. Also, I am looking to buy some new tubes for this as well. Needs (2) 12ax7's and (2) 12au7's. Any suggestions for brand?

[JimmyM]

svp cl is better imho. the pro's pretty good but you got the right one. jj's are a decent brand that won't break the bank, probably the highest regarded new 12ax7's these days. if it were me, i'd try a nice set of nos rca's or sylvanias. they can get pricey, but you can get less expensive ones that are good, too. they'll cost more than the jj's, but better quality always does.

[Jerrold Tiers]

Just in case you were wondering...... The "SVPCL" is NOT the CL preamp.... it's basically the old SVT preamp, the channel with the mid, plus a couple extra settings. The goofy way it was named makes it seem as it it is really the "CL", but it isn't.

if you want that. it's nicer. if not, well, maybe you'd like the other better.

[Jim C]

Hi Jerrold
Not sure exactly what the differences are between the pre amp of an SVT-CL and the SVP-CL; can you elaborate?
I own both (with the latter driving an SVP1500); they both sound very good but not all that similar; assumed the biggest differences in tone and playability was due to the tube vs. SS power amps

[yamaha]

I owned the SVPCL and it sounds fantastic. I am not a master tone junkie, but I did do a few tests with different tubes when I had mine. I found the LPS to be more grindy and agressive, but most other tubes sounded very close. I eventually went for EH, and was 100% happy.