Choose: Ampeg SVT Classic or Mesa Strategy 400 & Why

lynnchpin · #1 07-31-2011, 01:30 PM

I have to get rid of one of these champs

. I need your opinion to help me decide which one stays

.

Please elaborate as much as possible for your decision for or against the two.

The SVT is USA-made in 2007. The Boogie, I presume was made around 1986

I know there have been similar posts about "the best tube amp" but the info didn't satisy. Further, I know ultimately it's a purely subjective matter on so many factors...so let's get to it.

Thanks for your time and input

kranahan · #2 07-31-2011, 01:43 PM

Keep the 'peg

lynnchpin · #3 07-31-2011, 01:47 PM

but why? I love them equally, both have pros and cons

waleross · #4 07-31-2011, 01:54 PM

I would go for the newer head, go for the Ampeg.

Dethrats · #5 07-31-2011, 02:18 PM

really the choice is yours...

which have you been MOST happy with tone, performance, ect. which head will always meet the demands of a gig?
but if i were in your shoes (id be one happy fella! with such great amps) id keep the Ampeg.

BassmanPaul · #6 07-31-2011, 02:42 PM

I too would vote for the newer amp to stay but only you can make the choice.

lynnchpin · #7 07-31-2011, 02:56 PM

Surely we have more reasons behind these choices other than age

**B-string** · #8 07-31-2011, 03:35 PM

The Ampeg would be easier to replace in the future but would have less maintenance requirements now. The Mesa probably much harder to source in the future if you wanted it back, maintenance chances go up with age.
The only question I could see is which one do you gig with the most? That would be the tell as to which one to keep?

koobie · #9 07-31-2011, 03:56 PM

How long have you owned each amp?

Have you had either or both amps checked out and/or re-tubed?

Which amp gives you the tone you prefer?

Do you use more than one cab? The Mesa cannot be bridged.

Is the weight of the SVT an issue?

redhed · #10 07-31-2011, 05:38 PM

Keep them both!

marlond · #11 07-31-2011, 05:44 PM

I have to agree with keeping the one you like to gig with.

lynnchpin · #12 07-31-2011, 08:12 PM

I really need YOUR opinions as to why YOU would keep one over the other. 86 Mesa or 07 SVT...and WHY?

lynnchpin · #13 07-31-2011, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koobie

The Mesa cannot be bridged.

How do you go about bridging the MESA?

...uh, nevermind. I just realized what I just typed

lynnchpin · #14 07-31-2011, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koobie

How long have you owned each amp?

Have you had either or both amps checked out and/or re-tubed?

Which amp gives you the tone you prefer?

Do you use more than one cab? The Mesa cannot be bridged.

Is the weight of the SVT an issue?

I've owned the SVT for about 3 years, the Mesa...a little over 1 year.

I retubed the SVT w/ Svetlana (mistake) after 2 years and I haven't done so w/ the Mesa, but they seem rather fresh.

The tones of each amp are unique of course, yet both are... delicioso.

I've played with multiple cab configs: 8X8, dual 15s, 8X10, dual 4x10s, dual 8x10's...but I've settled on a single 8X10 for now. Running stereo w/ Mesa and mono w/ the SVT.

The weight of the SVT or any amp is of no concern. It's a labor of love for incredible tone.

JimmyM · #15 07-31-2011, 10:41 PM

Why would I keep the CL over the Mesa? I like Ampegs better. Mesas are great, but they don't quite hit my buttons like Ampeg does. I don't buy into the age thing, though. A well maintained tube amp can be 50 years old (only 3 years till my B-15 hits that mark!) and work as well as they day it came out of the factory.

But look, only you can decide which one to keep. One thing that might possibly sway me is availability. You can buy CL's all day long, whereas Mesa's not making any more tube bass amps and it could be a while before you see another 400 for sale. You shouldn't keep it strictly on that basis, but if you like both equally, that could be a factor you might want to consider.

lowphatbass · #16 07-31-2011, 10:53 PM

If you like both heads equally and are selling one for financial reasons maybe you should sell the one that will bring the most money.

Caca de Kick · #17 08-01-2011, 10:31 AM

The confusing thing about your choises is; the Strategy 400 is only a power amp. Not only that, the Strategy is a 2 channel output that cannot be bridged.
So what kind of preamp are you running with it?

strke-fender · #18 08-01-2011, 10:50 AM

I say keep the Mesa, but that's only because I don't really care for SVT's.

JimmyM · #19 08-01-2011, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caca de Kick

The confusing thing about your choises is; the Strategy 400 is only a power amp. Not only that, the Strategy is a 2 channel output that cannot be bridged.

It is? It can't? Wow, I must bone up on Mesa tube bass amp history. In that case I'd definitely sell the Mesa if it came down to it.

Alex1984 · #20 08-01-2011, 11:34 AM

I'd pick the Ampeg as I prefer the sound, and also, it's got a preamp, not just a power amp.