Ampeg SVT-3PRO Series Head VS. Ashdown MAG 600H EVO II

matplaysbass123 · #1 06-08-2011, 08:43 PM

Alright, so I have an Ashdown MAG 600H EVO II and it's great, but I want something that is rack mountable. I have been looking at the Ampeg SVT-3PRO Series Head. I run through a Fender Bassman 8x10 which pushes 600 and 1200 peak. Would the Ampeg be a good match pushing 450? If not, then any suggestions? Also, I use a Fender Precision Bass.

JimmyM · #2 06-08-2011, 11:18 PM

It would be fine, but for $200 less I'd go for the SVT 7 Pro. Some go for the heavier transformers, but I actually like the class D Ampeg stuff better. For some reason they sound and feel more tubey to me, whereas the amps like the 3 Pro and 4 Pro are tighter and sound less tubey to me. Some folks like that tightness but not me so much. Plus the 7 Pro is 1000w, which is a bit much for your cab but not ridiculously overpowering.

rodl2005 · #3 06-08-2011, 11:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

It would be fine, but for $200 less I'd go for the SVT 7 Pro. Some go for the heavier transformers, but I actually like the class D Ampeg stuff better. For some reason they sound and feel more tubey to me, whereas the amps like the 3 Pro and 4 Pro are tighter and sound less tubey to me. Some folks like that tightness but not me so much. Plus the 7 Pro is 1000w, which is a bit much for your cab but not ridiculously overpowering.

Me too! Strange aint it? Except for the MESA WA. D class with tube fronts seem pretty good.

JimmyM · #4 06-09-2011, 12:12 AM

Not a fan of the WA? I've still yet to play one.

matplaysbass123 · #5 06-09-2011, 12:20 AM

Well I am playing hardcore stuff in drop c, so I am looking for the tightness. I just don't want to get a head I can't use to it's potential.

WhoDidTheElf · #6 06-09-2011, 12:21 AM

Both would probably be fine watt wise for your cab, mostly just about tone. What ever captures the sound you're after the most.

If you want that classic SVT tone then roll with an Ampeg, if you want what Ashdown offers, then roll with them.

As far as the Mesa WA...I own one and for a while I was kinda upset with it because I couldn't get the tone I wanted out of it. But the key with that amp is patients. I got a good tip on here about what mids to roll off in the Parametric EQ and the tone got wicked. The mid voice on it is quite distinct and can cut through mighty well, just needs a bit of taming. (Though I think if I messed around with the tubes I could get that with more ease.)

Edit: If you want tight you might want to roll with a SVT. They kinda make their name off a very tight sound.

matplaysbass123 · #7 06-09-2011, 12:23 AM

Not only tightness, but a twangy sound that will cut through. I really would like a tone like that, cause my bass has such a warm sound already.

WhoDidTheElf · #8 06-09-2011, 12:32 AM

How do you define twangy?

matplaysbass123 · #9 06-09-2011, 12:36 AM

Bands such as Miss May I and For The Fallen Dreams have a twangy sound, which is kinda what I am looking for.

JimmyM · #10 06-09-2011, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matplaysbass123

Well I am playing hardcore stuff in drop c, so I am looking for the tightness. I just don't want to get a head I can't use to it's potential.

Playing in drop C is not hard for any amp. And don't mistake me saying that the 3 Pro is tighter as a lack of tightness in the 7 Pro. It's not mushy at all. But some do favor the way the iron power transformers work in traditional solid state designs and that's why they're still out there still very much competing with all these micro designs. They never were my thing and I prefer micro amps over them, but I get the attraction for some folks. I did own a 3 Pro for a few years, though, and it'll be loud enough in an 810 to get you fired from most clubs, which I think was your original question.

WhoDidTheElf · #11 06-09-2011, 12:48 AM

I don't know maybe it was the youtube clips but the songs I listened to seemed pretty tight with a lot of mid scoop, very SVT styled. But that was my hearing, I don't know how others hear it.

matplaysbass123 · #12 06-09-2011, 12:55 AM

So the svt will he able to push out appt of power then? Because that us one of the bigger things I am looking at. Also, do you know what the svt peaks at and how well a sansamp pedal will work with it?

JimmyM · #13 06-09-2011, 01:05 AM

A tube SVT's 300w RMS and 700w peak. And if you're just going to use one sound and stick with it, a Sansamp isn't necessary. But I use a VT Deluxe so I have a couple different types of distortion at lower levels than turning an SVT past the clean point.

andy67 · #14 06-09-2011, 02:29 AM

Again, I seem to be doing a Hartke reps job for free!! However, the LH1000 is worthy of consideration due to its power (1000w - bridged or dual mono) cracking tone circuit, tube pre-amp and price £500 or $599 UK\USA.

The SVT 3pro is also a superb amp with excellent tone shaping abilities as well as the pre/power/solid state tube combination. Don't worry about the power output it is perfectly adequate when used correctly. Only issue for me is the price. However, used prices range from £400 - £500 here in the UK.

andy

matplaysbass123 · #15 06-09-2011, 10:44 AM

Is it hard to mess with the settings on the ampeg? Also, I've been hearing stuff about gallien krueger. Any thoughts?

JimmyM · #16 06-09-2011, 10:52 AM

It's not hard, no. And GK makes nice stuff as well. So does Hartke, and so does everyone else in that price range. It's all what speaks to your sensibilities.

Lo-E · #17 06-09-2011, 11:06 AM

I've been using an SVTIII-Pro for quite a few years and I've used it with a bunch of 8x10 cabs. Never had a bit of trouble getting great sounds. Never had trouble getting PLENTY of volume.

It's not a complicated amp to use. 10 minutes looking through the manual will tell you everything you'd ever need to know about getting sounds out of it. (I haven't used the graphic EQ in years - it's bypassable. It is flexible enough, however, to give you a very wide range of sounds if you need them.

Personally, I haven't had very good luck with Ashdown amps, but I've only used their recent stuff.

Hope this helps.

matplaysbass123 · #18 06-09-2011, 11:16 AM

That helps ALOT!!

meatwad · #19 06-09-2011, 11:23 AM

It's been said a millon times, but the SVT-III PRO works best at 4ohms, and adjust the gain so that the input light stays on more than it stays off, but not necessarily so that it stays on all the time during steady playing. By following this, you have a great sounding monster of an amp that is capable of lots of great tones, and massive volume through an 8x10 cab.