Choosing between bass head OR preamp + power amp for live use

[mstone564]

Just wanted to see what you guys think about this as I'm kind of stumped!

This is also so I can get rid of my Peavey Max 450 + Avatar 410 Neo combo.

I have an Ampeg 8x10 cab, now I just want a head or preamp + power amp that will be able to push it. I'm also kind of equal on the whole tone vs. loudness thing live. I want both to be strong.

Been looking at either just getting an SVT-7 Pro or...
A Sansamp RBI (that would benefit in the studio as well) and a power amp. Any suggestions on which would be better in the long run and what power amp would be a good choice?

Thanks!

[JimmyM]

Between those two rigs, I'd go for the 7 Pro because I think it's the best sounding non-all-tube amp that I've played. The pre/power setup allows you to swap preamps without switching the power amp, but heads are more convenient and do just as good a job. You can also use them in the studio without a cab unless they're all tube heads.

[grendle]

+1 on the 7 pro out of those two.

I run a svt 2 pre with a 1200w SS (class A/B) power amp and 8x10. No tone or volume issues . Don't care for the tone of the sans amp by itself though personally, but I do like the pre + power amp thing. Also the weight savings over the svt 2 head is a good thing. About 30 lbs vs 80. You can go the class D route also and have about a 10 lb rig. I don't care for the class D stuff though personally. What ever works best for your situation.

[mstone564]

Thanks for the replies, guys!

So, I'm assuming I should go with a nice ampeg head then... lol.

What about the SVT-4 Pro? It seems a little more versatile than the 7, but would I be able to use either of these in the studio without a cab...?

[grendle]

Oh if it matters , I have less than $400 into my rig. Pre amps and power amps can be found for good prices seperatly.

[dukeisdog]

Originally Posted by mstone564

Thanks for the replies, guys!

So, I'm assuming I should go with a nice ampeg head then... lol.

What about the SVT-4 Pro? It seems a little more versatile than the 7, but would I be able to use either of these in the studio without a cab...?

As long as the amp has no power tubes you will be fine.

[grendle]

Originally Posted by mstone564

Thanks for the replies, guys!

So, I'm assuming I should go with a nice ampeg head then... lol.

What about the SVT-4 Pro? It seems a little more versatile than the 7, but would I be able to use either of these in the studio without a cab...?

I think they all have preamp outs (ampeg). My pre has 2 main outs, and an xlr out with a pad.

[JimmyM]

Ya, they both have XLR outs. I prefer the 7 Pro but nothing wrong with the 4 Pro.

[nicoli]

Originally Posted by mstone564

...would I be able to use either of these in the studio without a cab...?

If you are looking to record via DI at a studio, I am sure the studio would have something on hand that'd be a better option than the line out of your amp.

[darius8]

The Peavey Max 450 has a "power amp in" already all you would need is the pre-amp.

[swspiers]

If you REALLY like swapping out gear, tweaking knobs and experimenting with all sort of different tonal options, nothing beats the amp/pre-amp.

If you're really extreme about it, you can use pre-amp pedals, which are fairly cheap and fun to try out.

But it comes at another price. I sometimes wish I had just stuck with a head and been done with it...

[Duke21]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Between those two rigs, I'd go for the 7 Pro because I think it's the best sounding non-all-tube amp that I've played. The pre/power setup allows you to swap preamps without switching the power amp, but heads are more convenient and do just as good a job. You can also use them in the studio without a cab unless they're all tube heads.

I'll go for the SVT 7 pro as well, less hassle and if Jimmy say the 7pro sound like a real SVT then it does. You could always run the RBI into the effect return and use the 7pro as a power amp