Comparing SVTs

[f64]

Originally Posted by B-string

Nope, power is power it doesn't matter HOW it is controlled from the wall . 300 watts is still 300 watts. SS is cleaner so you don't THINK it is as loud. Distortion and compression only "seem" louder.

An old argument. I use a CL often and it walks all over most of my higher rated SS heads. There are way too many other factors that may give me, my group and the audience that impression. Yes, I agree that it's a subjective opinion and yes compression, distortion, tube sag, etc... sway opinions of each. Often the biggest problem I have with 1000w heads is having adequate speakers to use the power. We do a lot of open lawn shows where my sound gets killed quickly and I've never had a problem using a CL with an 810.

[B-string]

Hm, I have done shows at parks loaded with people and had no harder time with a 300 watt 800RB than I had with either of the old SVT's I have owned? Guess I am just lucky? All those live sound jobs were just freaks too. I've been so lucky .

[alembicguy]

As far as live sound shows, most of the bigger shows are calling for SVT back line for a reason, I know too with my 30 years of supplying back line for them. Not asking for too many SS amps on riders.

[SIFJiggy]

I've got it --- why 300w SS does NOT equal 300w tube

Not geared towards bass but the same principles apply:

http://proguitarshop.com/andyscorner...priate-wattage

[SIFJiggy]

Originally Posted by SIFJiggy

I've got it --- why 300w SS does NOT equal 300w tube

Not geared towards bass but the same principles apply:

http://proguitarshop.com/andyscorner...priate-wattage

Apologies - not the article I was thinking of. However, it does illustrate the point that wattage and volume (dB) are different values in the equation.

I guess I'm just saying I've never seen an SVT rig lost in the mix

[B-string]

I would request one on a rider also more than likely, I don't have to transport it.That has what to do with wattage? I don't see the electronic disagreement?

[Big John66]

Ok, I will probably take my Magnavox era SVT to my grave, but humping it out of gigs at 1 in the morning is something I just don't want to do anymore.

I tried a 3 Pro at a gig back in July and was less than impressed. The following week, we played a big bike night. I used a 7 Pro for that gig and it knocked me out. Plenty of power through my fridge, lots of Ampeg tone and 15 pounds in a 2 space rack bag.

I still pull out the all tube SVT for special gigs and when someone is there to help me move it, but for now the 7 Pro is my go to amp and I couldn't be more happy with it.

[SIFJiggy]

"300w is 300w" - I know tube saturation and compression have plenty to do with it - but that article really made me think about using wattage as the end-all be-all for evaluating loudness... Didn't mean to come off douchey or anything.

[jason1980's]

A while back I started some threads (polls on them too) that compared the hybrid Ampeg SVT heads. There may be some information in there that could be useful to you on the subject of the hybrid heads from Ampeg. This is the thread.
Ampeg Hybrid Head Poll

If you are also curious about the all tube SVT heads from Ampeg this is the comparison thread about those as well.
Ampeg All Tube Head Poll

Hope this helps you out.

EDIT: If your curiosity does venture into the world of the all tube heads, a factor of sound to consider with them is also the difference between having a single volume knob or having separate gain and master volume knobs. This thread is on that subject.
Ampeg Tube Head Volume Poll

[Mastermold]

I too "experience" (subjectively or whatever) more volume with my SVTs but have no idea why or what that's all about. I just like the tone they give.

[Floyd Eye]

Sure wish I could try them all out. I'm second guessing myself now. It would be awhile before I would be able afford the CL and it seems like I'd be as well off just sticking with the RBI as getting one of the hybrids.

[Figjam]

In my experience, a VT and a solid state is a great match up. (Or the RBI, in your case).
A hybrid is another option; but not really significantly different than what you have going on.
An all tube amp is a bit different. Advantages: A slightly more authentic tube sound.
Disadvantages: More expensive to maintain, heavier, more fragile when transporting, more expensive to buy in general, more sensitive to impedence mismatch (need to run exactly a 4 ohm or 2 ohm load)

If I seem like I am biased, I may be. But it is just what I have experienced. I do love tube amps. However, the weight of an SVT alone has been reason enough to make me change my mind. I own a CL that I am trying to sell and use a solid state with a VT.

I am 100% happy that I tried the all tube thing though. It gave me closure. There may be a bit of insecurity that one can experience from never having owned a tube amp, and if you never have owned one your arguments against them may come across as defensiveness. Having owned one, I can say that I do love the tone, and have learned a bit from standing in front of an 8x10 with a CL; and I know that is a desired tone for me; but I will do my best at achieving 90% of that tone from a different rig.

If you have lots of money, I think its great to have options. But if you have to choose one, there are many things to consider.

[Floyd Eye]

Originally Posted by Figjam

In my experience, a VT and a solid state is a great match up. (Or the RBI, in your case).
A hybrid is another option; but not really significantly different than what you have going on.
An all tube amp is a bit different. Advantages: A slightly more authentic tube sound.
Disadvantages: More expensive to maintain, heavier, more fragile when transporting, more expensive to buy in general, more sensitive to impedence mismatch (need to run exactly a 4 ohm or 2 ohm load)

If I seem like I am biased, I may be. But it is just what I have experienced. I do love tube amps. However, the weight of an SVT alone has been reason enough to make me change my mind. I own a CL that I am trying to sell and use a solid state with a VT.

I am 100% happy that I tried the all tube thing though. It gave me closure. There may be a bit of insecurity that one can experience from never having owned a tube amp, and if you never have owned one your arguments against them may come across as defensiveness. Having owned one, I can say that I do love the tone, and have learned a bit from standing in front of an 8x10 with a CL; and I know that is a desired tone for me; but I will do my best at achieving 90% of that tone from a different rig.

If you have lots of money, I think its great to have options. But if you have to choose one, there are many things to consider.

I am a guitar player as well and in that capacity I am a tube snob. I have a few cool old Fender tube amps and I love them. I pretty much forced the guitar player in my band to buy a tube amp. As far as guitar goes, I believe there are no good SS amps. That said, I have never played a tube bass head. I am not sure if the same sort of things apply. Is it normal practice to crank the amp and then use the volume control on the bass to go back and forth between clean and overdriven?

I have no issues with regards to weight. I will never choose a rig based on transporting it. My rig is huge now and I like it. We have a fully outfitted 16' enclosed trailer and we are providing our own sound and lights for most gigs anyway. I do have issues with cost though. It has taken me a little while to save up the money I have now and there are other things I want/need. Originally I was saving for a Line 6 G50, but after I got enough saved I started thinking that I would be better off getting me a bad ass bass head and just sticking to the Mogamis for awhile longer. Plus I have a few GC gift cards that would help toward the wireless. As I said, I don't dislike the rig I am using now, but there is no doubt that I will need to at least replace the power amp at some point. And I guess, like the rest of us, I have always just jonesed for an SVT.

I would PM Jimmy or just catch him on FB, but I already know what he'll say. "Get a CL or VR and start playing oldies or classic rock". lol

[Kmonk]

I had a 4 Pro and didn't like it. I could never get any clarity from it and it actually seemed under powered. I now have an older SVT head and an U.S. built 6 Pro. They both sound great.

[Floyd Eye]

Yeah, I guess at this point if I pull the trigger I am leaning toward one of the 300 watt tube monsters. If only I could get my hands on an old version that I could afford.

[Figjam]

I was going to mention the guitar bit. I think tube amps are essential for most guitar styles. I use valvestate for some post rock stuff but tube is great for many or all other things.

[prd004]

You want a real SVT, either a CL or a VR. All those tones you mention are classic tube driven Ampeg sounds.
Keep saving your gig money and scour the classifieds, used ones can be found at a bargain if your patient.
A lot of people say the 7 pro comes close, but I haven't played one.
If a "real SVT" just isn't doable maybe one of the hybrids and a VT pedal will get you where you want to be.

[SIFJiggy]

This is random - if you shop the used GC section online - you can find CLs for pretty cheap - like 900 ish (maybe less I can't remember)

I just discovered a week or two ago that the GC used section is markedly cheaper than the bay and most CL posts.

Just a thought...

[dmac1961]

Save your coins and get some fashion of an all tube SVT, it IS what you are looking for. There does seem to be a trend of bassists moving to lighter weight rigs, so if you look, you will find a good deal on one. It won't be mine though, because I love moving heavy gear!

[Turock]

Originally Posted by Figjam

Disadvantages: More expensive to maintain, heavier, more fragile when transporting, more expensive to buy in general, more sensitive to impedence mismatch (need to run exactly a 4 ohm or 2 ohm load)

While I agree with the "heavier" and "more expensive" parts, the rest is a collection of myths..