A few amp questions

oniman7 · #1 12-04-2011, 09:06 PM

Hey all, I'm looking at upgrading my rig, and I've been looking a lot at Ampeg. Seems to be great stuff, and I think I can work my way up to affording it at some point.

I've just heard good and bad things about different heads... something about American vs. Vietnam/Korean? They don't necessarily make it easy to find which is which. I'm also just curious which cab I should get. I want something reliable, ballsy, preferably light, and not one of the really expensive ones.

I'm also wondering about the whole tube power vs. solid state. I've heard that 1 tube watt is roughly equivalent to 3 solid state? Does this hold true for power matching cabs as well? I'd like to get a GK Neo 410 that handles 800W (so it's transportable), but I'm not sure if the Ampeg tube heads would over power it.

Stumbo · #2 12-04-2011, 09:07 PM

JimmyM?
JohnK_10?

oniman7 · #3 12-04-2011, 09:07 PM

I should mention I'm looking to go tube (and will have to learn about tube amps in the process).

And what is the difference between RMS and Program power handling?

oniman7 · #4 12-04-2011, 09:08 PM

If JimmyM could bless us with his presence, that would be great. He seems to be the definitive Ampeg guide.

**B-string** · #5 12-04-2011, 09:11 PM

The bats are out tonight.........
The G-K NEO 410 will handle tube Ampegs just fine, Would also handle the PF500 if you want to keep it light weight. The 7Pro could do damage if you decide to start doing building demolition (crank it up close to full output).

**B-string** · #6 12-04-2011, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oniman7

I should mention I'm looking to go tube (and will have to learn about tube amps in the process).

And what is the difference between RMS and Program power handling?

RMS is a standard developed to rate amp power, at a rated distortion level it is 0.707 of that rated power. Program power can be anything from a reasonable representation of expected power to a marketing number to look really powerful.

oniman7 · #7 12-04-2011, 09:16 PM

Could you work an example into there so I could understand it better?

**B-string** · #8 12-04-2011, 09:25 PM

AMPS FAQ!! Info on OHMS, Allsize RIGS-OverUnderPowerCabs DIY TechTalk-Links

300 watts @ <1% THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) would be at a level of about 390 watts (from peak to peak of the waveform). Peak power could be twice the rated "RMS" with an "acceptable" amount of distortion. "Program" could be anything you want it to be, just like "peak to peak" no standard for the measurement was ever adopted to protect consumers.
The harder you push an amp beyond "clean" the more power will be output (and the more distorted the output).

oniman7 · #9 12-04-2011, 09:36 PM

Sorry. I've read that FAQ so many times and it's just too thick for me to get at.

Anyways, any Ampeg suggestions? I've heard bad things about the Portaflex. Did you like yours?

Joe Louvar · #10 12-04-2011, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stumbo

JimmyM?
JohnK_10?

+1
JimmyM is our #1 Ampeg go to man, and JohnK knows a lot too and has an awesome vintage tube amp collection.

And of course you are in very good hands with B-string’s help - he repairs amps, so he know tons too.

Joe Louvar · #11 12-04-2011, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oniman7

I've heard bad things about the Portaflex. Did you like yours?

Over all the Portaflex seems to be pretty well liked ~
Ampeg PF500/PF350 - part 3, I think

**B-string** · #12 12-04-2011, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Louvar

+1
JimmyM is our #1 Ampeg go to man, and JohnK knows a lot too and has an awesome vintage tube amp collection.

And of course you are in very good hands with B-string’s help - he repairs amps, so he know tons too.

Thanks Joe

Quote:

Originally Posted by oniman7

Sorry. I've read that FAQ so many times and it's just too thick for me to get at.

Anyways, any Ampeg suggestions? I've heard bad things about the Portaflex. Did you like yours?

Most of "us" spend years in college and a lifetime learning so it is hard to put in a easily understood nut shell?
The "RMS" rating while no where near perfect is at least a reference as it is a standardized test. Use that as a guide only to compare amps output power available to send to a speaker cab. Most gigging bass players will only have a need for high wattage (in "RMS") amps over 500 watts if they play med to large outside gigs with no PA support.
I don't own the PF series myself, I like a different brand. The "bad things" you have probably heard were the result of a brand new product hitting the streets. As hard as anyone tries, things will happen with brand new technology in the field you just can't seem to find in prototype testing. Those troubles have been addressed, so I wouldn't be too concerned now. Go out and play through one you may find it to be the sound you have wanted. Most any brand can and will have failures, but they show up early in the warranty period.
Remember cab "wattage ratings" are the rated power input from an amp head, you can drive them with a lot less. Just don't try cranking a lot more than they are rated for.

If you know what a sine wave is and what it looks like I can explain a "little" more about the "RMS" rating.

sad_katz · #13 12-04-2011, 10:57 PM

Shoot JimmyM a PM. I did and he's been wonderful in helping me getting the right Ampeg

(didn't get the ampeg in the end due to problems locally)

Anywho the 2008 onwards Ampeg stuffs are good regardless MIA or MIV. For the head, I recommend the SVT-VR if you want to go the heavy tube amp route. For the cab, either a SVT-410HE or PN-410HLF if you can find one. I personally didn't like the tone of the GK NEO 410. Not enough punchy-ness compared to ampeg cabs, imo. The SVT-410 has rolled off lows and highs but it does have a tweeter if you need it, fyi.

Portaflexes are the best selling amp/cab by Ampeg right now and it's not surprising to see a glitch or two in their products. Most of the time Ampeg's warranty services have replaced those faulty ones. I'd also recommend the PF-500 or the bigger 7-PRO if you want the SVT tone without the weight. PF-115 cabs are also favorite choices. Not as loud as a 410 but sounds damn good.

Just read the Amps FAQ, don't abuse your gear, then any amp can be paired with any cab

oniman7 · #14 12-05-2011, 07:01 AM

Thanks guys! Very helpful so far.
Not to open the whole lightweight vs. Heavy rigs debate again, but I have trouble with my 75lb amp now... something sort of lightweight would be great in that department.

Tone and power are more important, though, so I may have to just suck it up and hit the gym.

I like the All-tube Ampegs. Does the Svt7 actually sound like their tone? I'm thinking I'd like to buy a tube head just to have more headroom on my amp in case I need it. Thoughts?

When I get home today, i'll PM JimmyM. Too hard from my phone.