Ampeg SVT-AV vs Ampeg SVT-VR

chechunka · #1 02-03-2011, 12:59 PM

Hey folks I have both the Ampeg SVT-AV (Made in the USA) with flight case & the Ampeg SVT-VR (Made in Vietnam) with a padded cover. I may have to sell one of them (just thinning the heard), and am torn as to which I should part with.

I do like having the separate gain knob on the AV, but then again the pure tone of the VR is pretty special too. Not sure if being made in the USA is reason enough to make the AV's more sought after or not. From what I can tell they are basically the same as the new Heritage series aren't they, or are the Heritage series running a totally different circuit board?

I just thought I'd get some feedback. 2 heads are always better than 1 (pun intended) but I thought I'd see if there weren't some other variables more people might bring up that I had not yet considered.

Thanks!

RickenBoogie · #2 02-03-2011, 06:04 PM

Yes, the made in USA is a good selling point. But, I'd keep the AV for the master volume alone.

AlPBass · #3 02-03-2011, 07:57 PM

I don't own either of the heads, but having looked into both of them at one point, another variable to consider is versatility. I think the SVT-AV is the same as the SVT-CL but with a 70s-era grey faceplate, so I'll assume it functions like the CL.

The AV is said to be more versatile because of its separate Gain and Master knobs. With the AV you have the option to dial in dirtier sounds at high and low volumes and cleaner sounds at high and low volumes, whereas with the VR, you get either low and clean or loud and dirty. Having the same power rating and size and probably very similar weight, the only variables I can think of are the Gain/Master versatility factor and maybe the AV/CL preamp being different to that of the vintage 70s Ampegs (although some say the VR preamp isn't as close to the 70s Ampegs as one would think).

Tim1 · #4 02-03-2011, 08:23 PM

When I bought my Vietnam VR I was able to AB it side by side with a CL/AV. I came away with the VR and the guys in the store all preferred it too. It wasn't that much different but definitely cleaner with a bit more punch in those conditions, although if you want a bit of grit at lower volumes the CL/AV has got it. I don't regret my decision, the VR is a superb amp but I do rather suspect that you may get more for the AV since it is USA made. Your call really - me, I would keep the VR even if I only used it for outdoor gigs its clean loud tone kills.

panama · #5 02-03-2011, 08:26 PM

This sounds like a thread trolling for offers. Mods?

chechunka · #6 02-03-2011, 09:34 PM

I appreciate the input. You guys are bringing up some great points. I'm leeeeeeeaning towards keeping the svt-vr since my touring rig right now is a mesa big block 750 which has a gain knob and covers svt-av territory pretty well.

Panama not looking for offers. Just trying to get some advice from some other players buddy.

SactoBass · #7 02-03-2011, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panama

This sounds like a thread trolling for offers. Mods?

I saw nothing in any of chechunka's posts that hinted at trolling for offers. What I got out of his posts is, he is only asking for advice from other players regarding the differences between the two Ampeg heads because he is thinking of selling one of them and he is asking for input to help him make a more informed decision.

BassBob1 · #8 02-03-2011, 09:52 PM

I would keep the VR. But that is just my personal preference. I don't own either but I have played both (well not an AV but a CL which is the same if my understanding is correct). I feel like the VR's i have played are "smoother" sounding, if that makes any sense. With that said, I really do like both. Since you have that mesa gets you any of the versatility the AV would plus much more.

Jerrold Tiers · #9 02-04-2011, 07:04 AM

The AV is indeed the CL .....

The VR is pretty much the old SVT, with just a few things that are a bit different.

brettson · #10 02-04-2011, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panama

This sounds like a thread trolling for offers. Mods?

I hope you're joking.

NickMonti · #11 02-04-2011, 09:59 AM

I've got a new svt vr in the mail!
After reading these svt threads... I'm glad I did.

But it sounds like the preamp grit is only available with the volume increase?

Hm...

Tim1 · #12 02-04-2011, 11:47 AM

There is so much "character" in the VR tone that I have never missed preamp grit in my VR. Yes, it is clean up to stupid volume levels, but it is Ampeg clean and fills a room like no other IMO - even at low volumes. You will not be disappointed.