Ampeg V4 or Orange AD200b

[perogato02]

I have the opportunity for buying an Ampeg V4 for a reasonable price (certainly in Europe).

At this moment I use an Orange AD200. I like the sound and looks of it, but the 200 watt valves is too much ... I never go past 1 or 2 on the volume dial (but the gain is turned on big time)
So maybe it would be better to have a 100 watt all valve amp so I can turn the taps open on that baby.

The question is: how different does the V4 sounds?

I like a lot of grit in my sound.
I use an EBMM Stingray 4H and 2 Hartke 410XL's (the old ones)

[coreyfyfe]

Very different. I like the V4 a lot more, but that's me. The orange IMO sounded fuzzier, like a very squishy type distortion, and distorted early for it's rating. The V4 is a more mid-forward, aggressive sounding amp, and when driven to distortion it's more of a grindy overdrive.

[TomB]

I don't think you'll ever regret buying a vintage V4B at a reasonable price, period

[perogato02]

Originally Posted by TomB

I don't think you'll ever regret buying a vintage V4B at a reasonable price, period

True enough ... and it is 'just' a V4 from the late '70s

[michele]

May I ask how much is this reasonable price?

[perogato02]

800 euro

[jetofuj]

Sweet price, it is Go for it!

If you won't dig Ampeg, you can always sell it without any problems and replacing Orange is also easy.

[perogato02]

my thought ... the price isn't holding me back (well, actually, nothing except time is holding me back )

[michele]

That's a good price especially if it runs at 220 volts ...

[perogato02]

Cheers and thanx for your kind answers ...

Maybe I'll check first if it runs on 220 (but I think it is okay on that part)

[Mr. Foxen]

Might be better off gunning for an OR120 if you dig Orange.

[perogato02]

Yes, I had my eyes on one but this V4 is closeby so I can go and pick it up.

And I think I like the mid grit of the Ampeg ... maybe I just have to find it out all by myself

[jackcheez]

Originally Posted by perogato02

... maybe I just have to find it out all by myself

That is part of the fun.

[perogato02]

Originally Posted by jackcheez

That is part of the fun.

As long as it can be gritty

[michele]

Originally Posted by perogato02

Cheers and thanx for your kind answers ...

Maybe I'll check first if it runs on 220 (but I think it is okay on that part)

Check that. I had mine from USA and had to flip a 200 bucks 220volts output transformer into it for running with european voltage. You just want to be sure it's not a 110volt amp running through a bulky external power transformer (unless you dig carrying some more weight around )

[perogato02]

Originally Posted by michele

Check that. I had mine from USA and had to flip a 200 bucks 220volts output transformer into it for running with european voltage. You just want to be sure it's not a 110volt amp running through a bulky external power transformer (unless you dig carrying some more weight around )

Please, no! No extra weight on a V4

The guy already played on it and he has bought it yet from someone else in Europe, so I think it will run on 220.

[Happy Face]

I've had both a V4 and an AD200 MkIII. At the same time. Now I only have the Orange.

I may have had an iffy V4, but I thought the tone when over-driven was terrible. Very much a buzzsaw (trebly) overdrive versus a fat, soothing O-D from the Orange.

After hearing so much good chatter, I was psyched when I found the Ampeg for a great price ($300). But even after getting a good tech work it over, I couldn't wait to be rid of it.

Just one person's opinion.

[Deluge Of Sound]

Originally Posted by Mr. Foxen

Might be better off gunning for an OR120 if you dig Orange.

+1.

Of course, an OR120 will likely set you back more than a V4.

[Duke21]

Originally Posted by perogato02

I have the opportunity for buying an Ampeg V4 for a reasonable price (certainly in Europe).

At this moment I use an Orange AD200. I like the sound and looks of it, but the 200 watt valves is too much ... I never go past 1 or 2 on the volume dial (but the gain is turned on big time)
So maybe it would be better to have a 100 watt all valve amp so I can turn the taps open on that baby.

The question is: how different does the V4 sounds?

I like a lot of grit in my sound.
I use an EBMM Stingray 4H and 2 Hartke 410XL's (the old ones)

If you want a nice all tube head at 100w look at the EBS T90, sound great with a EBMM ray34, it breaks really nice, grity and warm, not fuzzy. It is a modern head (D.I. Out) but classic/vintage design: low, treble, volum and presence, thats it.

[RockBobby]

You will smile, have a back up, and have a piece of history. Buy it!