Ampeg Svt 3 non-pro Questions

[RedieTheLion]

Hello! this is my first post, so i apologize if im breaking any rules or asking questions that have already been awnsered youll hafta help me along.

Ive got a Ampeg svt 3 non pro coming from ebay.
and when it gets here im considering changing the tubes out if i feel the tone is lacking, so suggestions on that or tube suggestions?

Also i will want to be running it as just a head without a cab until i get enough money for a cab. I have heard its safe to do so since it is a hybrid amp, my question is how do i do it? For running it at my church do i just use the XLR out?

And at my house for a headphone amp, just use the headphone jack if it has one, or what?

Thankyou for you time

[stiles72]

IMO, I wouldn't change the tubes unless they are causing problems. I've tried different brands of preamp tubes in my 3-Pros (JJ, Tung Sol, etc...) , and I don't notice any real difference from the stock Sovteks. If I ever need a re-tube - I'll be using Sovteks.

As for using the amp without a cab, the 3-non pro doesn't have a headphone jack. If you are going straight to a mixer - I'd use the XLR out. Otherwise the 1/4" line out will work, or even the effects loop send will get your preamp signal to the board. All depends on what the mixer is set up to accomodate. Just don't use the speaker out jack to go into the mixer.

[RedieTheLion]

Thankyou for the insight, I appreciate it.

As far as what you said about tubes, sounds fair enough to me.

Usually I run direct, and then my amp thru as a monitor, so i believe skipping the direct box and just using the XLR out on the head will hopefully work best.

I mistook the old writing for not being pro, but turns out it is the Pro version. When it comes to cabs i will be going ampeg as well. would you go 6x10 or 4x10?

[rockstarbassist]

Unless the tubes are noisy or not at all functioning, swapping the 1 or 2 12AX7's in that amp isn't gonna make a world of difference, IME.

My first non-practice combo amp was the 3-Non Pro and was ok as a starter. I don't recall if I changed the preamp tubes or not.

[stiles72]

There's not a huge difference between the non pro and the pro - just a couple more bells and whistles. Both solid amps, and both will get you an Ampeg tone. As for cabs, it all depends on what kind of sound you're looking for. The 410HE and 610HLF to my ears don't give me the big low end that I like - so I've always played through 2x15's. The 410HLF isn't bad at pumping out deep lows - but if that's not you're thing, then to me it's a coin toss between the 410HE and 610. You could also go with a pair of 210AV cabs for a nice retro looking rig that's easy to move.

[Toastfuzz]

Just FYI, I found my Ampeg Classic HE 4x10 on Craigslist for $350. Found out later that this is the "treblier" cab thats kinda supposed to be paired with a 1x15, however it has a ton of low end to my ears. I'd love to get a 1x15 underneath it and see if it really sounds that much bassier.

If you're just going to use a single 4x10 and don't ever plan on using 2 cabs, I'd hold out for a 4 ohm one though. The 4x10 I got is 8 ohm, which means I can pair it with another cab to get the max power from my amp, but 99% of the time I'm too lazy to drag the other cab around and the single 4x10 at 8 ohms works fine.

[RedieTheLion]

Im currently eyeing a 4x10hlf on craigslist for 375$ which isn't bad at all. 4x10's and a 15' sounds good, but carrying around two cabs just doesn't sound appealing to me. So ittl probaly have to be just the 4x10hlf.(:

[lokikallas]

375 is a great price on a 410hlf. don't let it get away. It's only drawback is the 4 ohm load is hard to match up with a double cab configuration. If your matching it up with an svtpro3 tho, it's a perfect match.