Ampeg SVT 3Pro vs 70s Ampeg SVT vs GenzBenz Streamliner STM-900

Bim1959 · #1 09-17-2011, 06:38 PM

I'm in the middle of a dilemma and was hoping you folks could help out.

I used to play my 70s SVT head thru an older Hartke 410XL cabinet (the 240 watt model) when the Ampeg crapped out on me (lost serious power, got a bigtime AC hum to it - all tubes are good - thinking its time to recap it). I shelved it and pulled out a lighter-weight Ampeg SVT 3Pro head which sounded close to being as good as the SVT but the 3Pro is redeveloping the bias-drift problem so the output is really distorted. I am currently playing thru a Sunn 1200s hybrid head (2 tubes in preamp, 1200 watts) into the Hartke cabinet.

I'm starting to get up in years (just turned 52) and am dreading getting the SVT fixed knowing how heavy it is (and that I'll fall back in love with it). I really like the 3Pro but with the bias drifting every year on me (which I can fix in a few minutes time) but hate to find the day when I turn it on and cant use it live because the bias drifted again.

I'm thinking of getting a Genz Benz Streamliner STM-900 and fixing and selling off the SVT, SVT 3Pro and the Sunn 1200S. The only problem is, nobody around my area has a Streamliner. Heck, nobody close to me even carries Genz Benz amplifiers so the only one I've heard is the Bass Whisperer demoing one.

What says all of you about this?

**jmattbassplaya** · #2 09-17-2011, 06:41 PM

When I was looking to replace my SVT for a more lightweight head that still had tube-like qualities I got a lot of suggestions on the STM-900. I eventually tried one in store and found it to be a really nice head. That said, it's definitely not an Ampeg, if that's the tone you're going for. Have you considered the Pro-7?

GrowlerBox · #3 09-17-2011, 06:45 PM

JimmyM will no doubt be along in due course, but have you thought about the SVT 7Pro?

Edit: sorry, already suggested, so consider this a +1!

BassBob1 · #4 09-17-2011, 06:48 PM

I can't help you in the streamliner category. But I own an SVT 7 Pro and love it. I have only been able to compare it to newer SVT CL's and VR's and it sounds darn close. I'm sure JimmyM will be around shortly to tell you about how close it does sound to a SVT.

Jerrold Tiers · #5 09-17-2011, 07:49 PM

If set right to begin with, letting the unit thoroughly warm up first, the 3PRO "should" not drift.

Most of the "drifting" is from setting partly warmed-up.

You can do it dead cold, or you can do it fully warmed-up. But if you do it while it is still warming up, it will always be off.

That said, the 7PRO has a good rep for sound....... very good.

JimmyM · #6 09-17-2011, 08:07 PM

Well now, I guess I'll just go on vacation.

I do have to add that I've yet to play the Streamliners, and I have a lot of respect for what Andy and Jeff do and I'm sure they make a great amp, but the 7 Pro is as close to the real thing as I've heard in a hybrid.

tekdiver500ft · #7 09-17-2011, 08:13 PM

Another vote for the 7Pro. The Streamliner is a very good head, but it doesn't sound like an Ampeg, and since you are used to that, I'd stick with it, and at only $800, you really can't lose.

husky123 · #8 09-17-2011, 08:29 PM

I've been A/Bing my 73 SVT with my 7 Pro for 3 days now and honestly it's splitting hairs. I couldn't be happier with the 7.

**nutdog** · #9 09-17-2011, 10:11 PM

Maybe this will help. I just got a streamliner 900 and an ampeg pf500, which is supposed to capture a bit of the SVT vibe. I find the ampeg to be crisper and zingier and the streamliner to be fuller. Maybe the can be EQ'd to sound more similar but I haven't had them long enough the find out. So far I wouldn't call them similar. Both of these clip are through the ampeg svt210av. And I'm drunk. We need a "I've had a good bit of wine tonight" emoticon

Streamliner:

http://soundcloud.com/olester3/ste-028

PF500:

http://soundcloud.com/olester3/ste-030

redhed · #10 09-17-2011, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by husky123

I've been A/Bing my 73 SVT with my 7 Pro for 3 days now and honestly it's splitting hairs. I couldn't be happier with the 7.

+1 , I think the SVT7-PRO is the best amp I have owned!!

rodl2005 · #11 09-17-2011, 10:48 PM

This all ime/imo etc......

I know lots of ppl like the Streamliner!

I owned an SVT II(non pro model) & loved it to death (of my back, well my back cr@pped out due to other circumstances, not from lugging bass gear).

Thought the SAME thing, ' from the opinions of ppl on TB & a couple you-tube vids ' , & I grabbed a Streamliner (I already owned a GB Shuttle 6.0 & like it a lot).

Not only is the Streamliner totally different to the SVT, I found it's voicing WAY too boomy/phat/bassy call it what you will. But while it sounded great alone in a room, it TOTALLY stuffed up our band mix.
All the other band members-in 3 bands-said things like 'what's with the bass- it's all undefined & boomy'.
Now, I REALLY wanted the STL to work for me, as I'd had nothing but great experiences from GB via the Shuttle, & I'd already BOUGHT the amp, so I definately DIDN'T want the STL to be something that didn't work.

I tried every EQ option, incl. backing the bass off totally, & maxing the mids & everything inbetween, NO GO! Still a muddy, boomy sound.
Now I know I'm not the only one with this experience coz many have PM'D me about their similar probs.

The Streamliner IS a good amp, I DID get it to sound good once-using an EBMM Stingray & a Berg 1x12 cab & an 'ok' tone with same bass into a Mark Bass 1x15. But I didn't want an amp that just sounded ok into one cab.

Flipped it for a SVT 7 PRO & I get 99.9% of my old SVT II tone minus 60lbs (I rarely used the all power tube OD of the SVT II) & I feel that's nearly all that's missing. And the 7 PRO does a nice slight fur style overdrive too.

The Streamliner does have a nice overdrive, which can go from slight to a real gnarly grind, but, to me, is nothing like any all tube amp I've ever played in my 30+yrs of playing all tube amps.

Basically, I found the STL to be a really nicely made & designed amp, but one that is not like any all tube amp I'd ever tried/owned, so, sadly, in the end wasn't for me.
If ya like the SVT, the 7 PRO, imo, is the next best thing.

Duke21 · #12 09-17-2011, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrowlerBox

JimmyM will no doubt be along in due course, but have you thought about the SVT 7Pro?

Edit: sorry, already suggested, so consider this a +1!

+1 +1 well lots of 7Pro suggestions here, and I bet Jimmy will suggest the 7Pro as well, which turned up to be so

grendle · #13 09-17-2011, 11:37 PM

Have the bias pot replaced with a 10 turn pot in the 3 pro. No more drift, tighter adjustment too. Ill be doing it to mine this week as soon as my new tubes get in. Ill shoot ya the pn for the pot from digikey or mouser.

lokikallas · #14 09-18-2011, 09:58 AM

I just traded up my 3 pro for a 7. I don't know how they did it, but they squeeze more tone out of the one tube than the 3's 5 tubes. If you sell the three your halfway there to paying for a seven. You'll have more watts than you'll ever need. Keep the tube amp and get it fixed when you can, use it when you've got roadies to help lug it around.

**jmattbassplaya** · #15 09-18-2011, 10:07 AM

What about the Pro 8? It has the SVP preamp in it. Consider me intrigued!

Bim1959 · #16 09-19-2011, 12:32 PM

I havent had an SVP preamp yet. I had the Billy Sheehan version - the 2 channel with distortion and was not impressed - it sounded very thin like a tube screamer. I like the idea of the 7 Pro but have been reading that THEY have problems with the limiting circuit. I know I'll never need that much power but the option would always be there if I happened to. So I'm going to check online and see what cures there are and most likely go with a 7 Pro.

KsPiNeSh · #17 09-19-2011, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bim1959

I havent had an SVP preamp yet. I had the Billy Sheehan version - the 2 channel with distortion and was not impressed - it sounded very thin like a tube screamer. I like the idea of the 7 Pro but have been reading that THEY have problems with the limiting circuit. I know I'll never need that much power but the option would always be there if I happened to. So I'm going to check online and see what cures there are and most likely go with a 7 Pro.

Regarding the issues with the 7Pro, those were related to the limiter on the first run of amps (identified by the sticker showing "Rev A00"), and even then not all of those had issues (mine works perfectly). That issue seems to have been worked out with the new models as reported by many TBers

KJung · #18 09-19-2011, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bim1959

I havent had an SVP preamp yet. I had the Billy Sheehan version - the 2 channel with distortion and was not impressed - it sounded very thin like a tube screamer. I like the idea of the 7 Pro but have been reading that THEY have problems with the limiting circuit. I know I'll never need that much power but the option would always be there if I happened to. So I'm going to check online and see what cures there are and most likely go with a 7 Pro.

Good call. As much as I love my Streamliner, if you dig the SVT3Pro, my guess is the 7Pro would make you die and go to heaven. The Streamliner excels in BIG, clean, open, tube tone. A bit different from the aggressive, mid present Ampeg hybrid vibe.