Ampeg SVT-II - I Need Help

jcodyhall · #1 09-26-2010, 07:49 PM

I'm considering buying an Ampeg SVT-II tube bass head (300 watts). I found a fairly good price on it online, but I dont know anything about it. I will be hooking it into an Ampeg Classic 610 cab, and playing with a Schecter 5string Custom and 51 reissue Fender P. I currently play through an Ampeg SVT450 head. How would the SVT-II compare to the 450?
Is there anyone that can give me some kind of a review on it?
Anything will help!! Thanks guys!

JimmyM · #2 09-26-2010, 07:53 PM

how will it compare to the 450? it will blow the 450 off the planet! it's basically the same as the vintage svt's except for the graphic eq, the single channel instead of two channels, and a few tube substitutions, and it's very well loved by svt enthusiasts.

rbonner · #3 09-26-2010, 07:53 PM

In reality there will be considerably more power available with the SVT II. If the unit is in good working order it should whomp that 610 cab very nice.

BOB

ledyard · #4 09-26-2010, 10:32 PM

There is NO comparison. The SVT II is superior to every Ampeg out there IMHO except maybe the SVT II pro (with the additional master volume which I have not tried). I have played through the "real" late 60's/early 70's SVT very extensivley. Also have owned 2 SVT CL's. Owned a SVT 350H and played live through a SVT 1000(which wasnt really that bad). Also tried a SVT 4 pro once or twice.
None of them come close to the SVT II. Except the real vintage SVT. The SVT II is essentially the same thing but as previously stated, it has more options.
I really want to try a SVT II pro. But I will never sell my SVT II. Unless its for alot more than its worth.

Only down side is that it has that signature Ampeg weight. Around 73 lbs if I remember right.

Tim1 · #5 09-26-2010, 11:43 PM

Fabulous head. I played one for years and yes it is very heavy, but you won't regret it.

jcodyhall · #6 09-26-2010, 11:47 PM

thanks for the reviews guys... what do you think this head would be worth (ballpark figure) considering it is in proper working condition

ledyard · #7 09-26-2010, 11:51 PM

For a nice SVT II with good tubes and 100% clean bill of health expect to pay $850-$1000. You might be able to find one for less but you will need to re tube it.

mikeldtl · #8 09-27-2010, 12:33 AM

Love my SVT II. I recently fixed up a 2 pro ( it's actually sitting next to my computer desk right here) for a friend and it has nothing on the non-pro. I would take the II over the Mesa 400+ by a slim margin and the Sun 300T by the same. Just a great sounding head that I've learned to love. The only head I've played that sits neck and neck is the VR. Still.... a good deal on the SVT II is the best amp you can buy for the money.

rodl2005 · #9 09-27-2010, 01:39 AM

whenever I need a great sound with NO worries re headroom- ANYTHING, I take the SVTII.

the graphic is foot/switchable so can run just as a simple SVT- CLASSIC amp!
Will woop the @$$ off the SVT450/B2RE & will sound great thru the 610, but even better thru a sealed cab IMO.

Alex1984 · #10 09-27-2010, 01:45 AM

I think it's been said enough times already, but in case you needed the extra push, it's one great amp!

Great tube tone, and the added flexibility of the graphic EQ! Sucks to lift though.

MIJ-VI · #11 09-27-2010, 02:08 AM

A link to the SVT II schematics:

Ampeg SVT-IIP schematic?

DrSmaggs · #12 09-27-2010, 02:12 AM

I'd use that over my SVT 4 Pro any day

cascadian_grind · #13 11-20-2010, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeldtl

Love my SVT II. I recently fixed up a 2 pro ( it's actually sitting next to my computer desk right here) for a friend and it has nothing on the non-pro. I would take the II over the Mesa 400+ by a slim margin and the Sun 300T by the same. Just a great sounding head that I've learned to love. The only head I've played that sits neck and neck is the VR. Still.... a good deal on the SVT II is the best amp you can buy for the money.

Ahh yes! That is my 2 pro! Thanks again for getting going!

Now that it is up and running, I love it more than any amp I've ever used. Over the last few years I have experimented with various combinations of amps/pedals including a sansamp driver, sansamp rbi, bbe sonic stomp, and ebs valvedrive through both an SVT4 and VR, and nothing compares to the sound I can get out of the 2 pro plugging straight in.

I have the master volume all the way up, drive at about 3 o'clock, and gain at about 10-11 o'clock and play through an Ampeg 8x10 and 6x10. My drummer says it makes him nauseous some times hahaha.

flyingfinbar · #14 11-20-2010, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cascadian_grind

Ahh yes! That is my 2 pro! Thanks again for getting going!

Now that it is up and running, I love it more than any amp I've ever used. Over the last few years I have experimented with various combinations of amps/pedals including a sansamp driver, sansamp rbi, bbe sonic stomp, and ebs valvedrive through both an SVT4 and VR, and nothing compares to the sound I can get out of the 2 pro plugging straight in.

I have the master volume all the way up, drive at about 3 o'clock, and gain at about 10-11 o'clock and play through an Ampeg 8x10 and 6x10. My drummer says it makes him nauseous some times hahaha.

Yowza! I got my master all the way up, drive at like 9, and gain at about 9 too, and it's more volume than my band knows what to do with...and that's only through an SWR 6x10! I could only imagine what kind of volume you're producing.

anderbass · #15 11-20-2010, 04:06 PM

Hey jcodyhall, looks like your pic is one of the later production models that came with a removable power cord and screened rear panel to protect the tubes. I've got one just like it, great amp and agree its a big step up from a 450. I payed 8 bills for mine in near mint condition. If your interested, a search here using the term: SVT-II non pro will get you tons of cool info and hours of reading about this model.

Jonyak · #16 11-20-2010, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyingfinbar

Yowza! I got my master all the way up, drive at like 9, and gain at about 9 too, and it's more volume than my band knows what to do with...and that's only through an SWR 6x10! I could only imagine what kind of volume you're producing.

wow, I have my SVT II pro with master at like 12, and the gain at 9 and drive at 9 and its rediculously loud.

it sounds so nice as well.

Unrepresented · #17 11-20-2010, 05:04 PM

Looks just like mine. I love mine and would never part with it. I spent some time with either an SVT450 or SVT350 (don't remember which one) and there's no comparison. The SVT-II will run loudness laps around it and with a ton more tone.

I run mine with a NV610 and am quite happy.