Could anyone..(SVT content)

Dethrats · #1 06-05-2011, 02:05 PM

Could anyone do a triple side-by-side audio comparison of the SVT-CL, the VR, and the new Heritage?

baileyboy · #2 06-05-2011, 02:08 PM

I'm sure JimmyM will be happy to oblige...

RickenBoogie · #3 06-05-2011, 02:10 PM

There was a thread like that a while back, but I can tell you this, the CL and Heritage are close, the VR is very different.

Dethrats · #4 06-05-2011, 03:28 PM

i tried a search for audio and such, but as one would assume... all the key words trigger the text from the threads :/

Tim1 · #5 06-05-2011, 05:50 PM

Interesting comment, RickenBoogie. In what way (tonally rather than controls) is the VR "very different" to the CL and Heritage?

JimmyM · #6 06-05-2011, 06:05 PM

To my ears, they're not very different...they both sound like SVT's, but the CL feels just slightly "held back" compared to the VR. Not the best way to describe it, and I can't put my finger on exactly how. Haven't tried the Heritage. But I'd be happy to play on either the VR or CL and have quite often.

Dethrats · #7 06-05-2011, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tim1

Interesting comment, RickenBoogie. In what way (tonally rather than controls) is the VR "very different" to the CL and Heritage?

all i know spec-wise, its has 1 or 2 more preamp tubes over the CL/Heritage

to me, that'd be more sought after when it comes to CL vs VR. but then again ive never played a VR :/

Tim1 · #8 06-05-2011, 07:58 PM

Yeah, when I purchased my VR I was able to try it next to a CL and I think Jimmy is right when he says the CL feels a little held back compared to the VR. That said, they are clearly two sides of the same coin and I can understand why some styles might prefer the oprion of the preamp gain control. My VR just seems to stay clean way past 12 o'clock - not that I can ever get away with playing at that volume! Love it to death.

meatwad · #9 06-05-2011, 08:22 PM

I personally would choose whichever is available at the best price, at the time. We are talking about three of the best amps on the market. You can't go wrong with any of them.

D Bopp · #10 06-05-2011, 09:31 PM

Awesome, awesomer, awesomer

JimmyM · #11 06-05-2011, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dethrats

all i know spec-wise, its has 1 or 2 more preamp tubes over the CL/Heritage

to me, that'd be more sought after when it comes to CL vs VR. but then again ive never played a VR :/

One of those extra tubes in the VR is for the preamp of the second channel and doesn't count against the CL

Dethrats · #12 06-06-2011, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

One of those extra tubes in the VR is for the preamp of the second channel and doesn't count against the CL

ahhh, right forgot about the second channel :P

so.... is anyone rich/lucky enough to put up side-by-side audio of any of these bad boys?

beans-on-toast · #13 06-06-2011, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

To my ears, they're not very different...they both sound like SVT's, but the CL feels just slightly "held back" compared to the VR. Not the best way to describe it, and I can't put my finger on exactly how.

I find that master volume amps can sound less open. Maybe this is the "held back" that you are referring to.

If you turn the master up full or close to it, the power sections in the VR and CL are about the same. Just use the gain on the CL to control the volume level. Maybe you'd then find that the CL's are less held back sounding.

JimmyM · #14 06-06-2011, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beans-on-toast

I find that master volume amps can sound less open. Maybe this is the "held back" that you are referring to.

If you turn the master up full or close to it, the power sections in the VR and CL are about the same. Just use the gain on the CL to control the volume level. Maybe you'd then find that the CL's are less held back sounding.

Interesting...I'll have to try that. But I usually can't get enough gain to make me happy on the puny volume gigs I do

so it'll have to be at a soundcheck before anyone gets there.

JGR · #15 06-06-2011, 01:56 PM

I've owned two USA CLs and a USA VR. The Heritage should sound like any CL with the same tubes. The VR was a bit clearer and brighter but I found the low end mushy at high volumes so I returned it. I never had that issue with the CLs for whatever reason. I used to run the master about 3/4 and use the gain to set the overall output which usually put it around 10 o'clock which I guess is pretty loud. Overall the CLs worked better for me.

rickdog · #16 06-06-2011, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

... the CL feels just slightly "held back" compared to the VR.

I was fortunate to get a sweet deal on a CL... plugged it into my 4x10 for the first time yesterday. If that is what "held back" sounds like, I'm gonna need a longer cord and a bigger room if I ever get to try a VR

meatwad · #17 06-09-2011, 09:55 AM

On my CL, I used to run the master wide open and adjust the gain, and this made for a cleaner sound (until it was time to raise the roof). Nowadays, I have the gain set around 10-11 o'clock and adjust the master. I find the tone to be a little grittier overall, but seemingly more consistant until the proverbial roof needs raising. Ever since I swapped the stock Sovteks for JJs and Winged "C" tubes, my CL reminds me more of how my '69 SVT sounded. Honestly, I give the tubes more credit for how an SVT sounds than what series it is.