Ampeg SVT, GK 550 Tube, Genz, SWR or Mark Bass?!?

[SJAddis]

Greetings,

Ok, I can't seem to find that wonderful rich punchy depth of an Ampeg SVT- but they're heavy as a dead horse! But, as I have been trying a couple at music shops I the comparison is quite glaring.

I'd like to entertain a (bit) lighter amp head! I'd appreciate some input/recommendations: should I just go with the old SVT VR or Classic- and endure the weight or ARE there any of those others even close enough to that wonderful tone to go with them? I have to make this purchase within the next few days/week. I have gotten a few different opinions over time...but, as yet they just don't seem to prove it to my ears when I try! But 85lbs vs. say, 8lbs!? ...y'know.

Opinions from exceedingly seasoned, working players would be most appreciated.

Thank you for your time.

[B-string]

Can't speak to the Genz or Mark, the G-K Fusion 550 gets plenty close enough for this ex SVT (Magnavox era) owner. But it is 28lbs not 8?

[sad_katz]

1) Do *not* sell that SVT just yet! Nothing else can compare to the full tone of an SVT

2) Need punch (rolled lows, bump in mids/high-mids)? A Shuttle/Max through one or two UBER 410 cab(s) should do the trick, imo.

3) If you need a brighter punch, look into SWR.

4) If you want similar tone for half the weight, Ampeg Micro SVT, PF-350/500, and 7-PRO has similar SVT tone but lighter. Not exactly the same, but close enough.

IMHO, YMMV

[jmattbassplaya]

Ain't nothing like the king.

The SVT Pro7 gets close enough, but it doesn't capture the heft that you'll only get from running a full tube amplifier.

[adivin]

Genz Benz Streamliner.

[JimmyM]

Tube amp emulation is better than it's ever been. I use an Ampeg PF350 and Micro VR quite often on my gigs and I'm amazed at how close they come. And I don't have one, but the SVT 7 Pro is as close to a tube SVT as I've heard without actually being one. But you try them side by side with an all-tube SVT and you see why the all-tube SVT heads are still king.

For many, nothing else but tubes will do. I was like that when I was younger. Even went back to tubes full time recently after trying to downsize and ultimately not liking it. But old age is creeping slowly in, so I don't use the tube stuff as often now that I have some better smaller stuff. And the new small Ampeg stuff I have is working for me. I'm much more happy with it than my previous attempts at downsizing. It's not quite the same but it's close tonally, certainly closer than a $300 amp has a right to be, and closer than anything else I've used. And you can get in and out of a gig like a sax player. Will it work for you, too? Don't know. There's plenty of bassists who happily lug the heavy stuff because they can't get that sound and feeling with anything else. And load-ins and load-outs only take a few minutes while gigs can last for hours. Your call.

[Tunaman]

Whats your cab?

[SJAddis]

Thanks guys for your posts...

Right now I own a Hartke 2x10" a couple of Hartke 4x10s and an old 18" cab w/a 500w Carvin speaker- all of which have been very reliable- but also very subject to change. I picked them up a few years ago and have not had enough reason to part with 'em. You know how it is- different gear for different gigs; I have a little GK head for small stuff and as a backup.

Now I am willing to spend whatever money on whatever amp so long as it sounds outstanding and adds that element of alive-ness only a great amp can! I have met a couple studio bass guys and they have old hand made amps they rely upon- but not really a good solution for me.
I can't afford a cool, utterly hand-made deal. But I figure after 22 years of bass playing I am worth owning a rig I REALLY want, is entirely dependable and which is as rewarding as entirely possible. I swear though, these amps get heavier every year!