Ampeg SVT-7 Pro vs. Mesa Walkabout

[dmk]

Just got my brand new SVT-7 Pro, Rev C00. Thought they were up to Rev D, but oh well. I’m pretty certain it comes with a 5-year warranty.

I've been using a Mesa Walkabout paired with a Vintage-Blue B15 cabinet. Love the sound with this combo, but at the level we play, I was always pushing the Walkabout into distortion. I'm not complaining about that tone, but with some songs, I just didn't want the distortion.

By the way, Mark Gandenberger at Vintage-Blue makes a quality cabinet.

Now, I know I could have purchased another cab for more volume, but instead thought I'd try the Ampeg amp.

And, I'm happy!

It's amazing how similar the two heads sound. My preference though, goes to the Ampeg as it is definitely more focused on the E string. On the Walkabout, I tried playing with the EQ at the bottom, but couldn’t get that Ampeg definition.

Again, both amps are great, but in this contest the SVT-7 Pro wins.

[vin*tone]

Yeah with one cab you'd be getting less than 200 watts from the WA. It does better with a pair but I found it ran out of steam for me too.

[Jim C]

And that's why I sold mine.
I like my old TL606 1x15 cabinet and the WA couldn't push it; it is VERY clear with a SWR SM400. I liked the 7Pro in the store but am taking a break from new Ampeg's due to QC (no problem with the 3 others that I own).
The TH500 is working out very well; wold like to compare the 7Pro on a gig with the same cabinet someday.

With a big cabinet application (HT322 in my case) I only brought it because I needed big sound (outdoors) and it still didn't work out. I also couldn't wait anymore for the obvious WA 500-1,000 watt versions and went elsewhere.

[JimmyM]

7 Pro is my idea of the best "micro" on the market.