Ampeg SVT: 610 vs 810

[TimboSlice87]

So I'm looking to get a new bass rig. I've read some reviews on the Ampeg SVT 610. Some claim that it is almost, or as good as the 810. (the 610 has additional ports). I've been leaning toward the 610 because it is smaller and easier to lift.

Im also trying to decide on a head. Debating the SVTPRO 4, although I heard the vents being on the sides could cause issues with overheating. Or maybe the SVTPRO 3. Your thoughts?

[Dethrats]

get two 410HLF's and call it a day. got a small gig a 810 is too big for? covered with a single 410. got a gig where you need to move air? boom add the second cab, win!

[WalWarrior]

I have the Amped SVT-VR sitting atop the Ampeg 610 w/ matching grill cloth. Awesome rig that fits in the back of a Subaru Imprezza wagon. I also havea SVT 4PRO head mounted in a case. I dig both heads. The 610 sounsa great,
not to mention being much easier to move around.

[Gearhead17]

Originally Posted by TimboSlice87

So I'm looking to get a new bass rig. I've read some reviews on the Ampeg SVT 610. Some claim that it is almost, or as good as the 810. (the 610 has additional ports). I've been leaning toward the 610 because it is smaller and easier to lift.

Im also trying to decide on a head. Debating the SVTPRO 4, although I heard the vents being on the sides could cause issues with overheating. Or maybe the SVTPRO 3. Your thoughts?

610 - Similar to the 810, but sounds and feels looser in the low end department. The 810e is a thick sounding wall of bass. Both can work out well. Check past threads on here and you can find a lot of opinions on here about both cabinets.

Side vents on the 4 PRO - if they are blocked, the unit will overheat. Stupid design by Ampeg since the head was made to be racked. If you do rack it, keep space above the head clear. At least one space and/or add a fan.

The 3 PRO is a dirtier sounding amp than the 4 PRO. The 3 PRO can get plenty loud and has some tube growl in it. Not as much as the SVT, but a good amount. The 4 PRO is a clean sounding head at all volumes. Lots of power and more headroom than the 3 PRO. Both are good heads.

Grab your bass and head to Guitar Center to demo all of those items. It's the only way to choose what you need.

Keep in mind a large bass cab is going to be loud and in situations where you need to be quiet, it could be difficult to do that. Having two 410's is a great way to go since you can do one cab for smaller shows and two for bigger shows. I do not recommend the 410hlf, not a lot of midrange articulation in the tone.

[TimboSlice87]

Originally Posted by WalWarrior

I have the Amped SVT-VR sitting atop the Ampeg 610 w/ matching grill cloth. Awesome rig that fits in the back of a Subaru Imprezza wagon. I also havea SVT 4PRO head mounted in a case. I dig both heads. The 610 sounsa great,
not to mention being much easier to move around.

Do you use the SVT4 with the 610? my buddys trying to tell me its too much power for a 610 alone, so now im wondering.

[Gearhead17]

Originally Posted by TimboSlice87

Do you use the SVT4 with the 610? my buddys trying to tell me its too much power for a 610 alone, so now im wondering.

The 4 PRO will run the 610 just fine, just watch how much low end you are pushing and listen to the speaker. If it is farting or distortion badly, turn the low end and volume down right away. The 4 PRO can certainly kill the 610.