Four Different Ampeg SVT's

[BassAndDrums97]

So lately I've been comparing these four Ampeg SVT models.

SVT-CL

Heritage SVT-CL

SVT-VR

SVT450H


I was wondering if anyone on TalkBass who has experience with any of these four amps could give me their opinion and/or answer some questions.

I've heard that the heritage series is 100% made in U.S.A. (since Ampeg moved their production somewhere overseas in 2006/2007 )
Heritage Series: American made? True/False?


I have only played out of an SVT-CL and an SVT450H. I don't remember being disappointed by either one. Aside from that experience, I would have to go-ahead and assume that the SVT450H is better. It has a graphic EQ and has a higher wattage than the other three. (other three amps are 300 watts with a switchable impedance 2 or 4. where as this amp is 250 Watts @ 8 ohms and 450 watts @ 4 ohms) It is also the cheapest one out of the three, which worries me.

Don't hesitate to post any opinions/experience that you've had with any of the three amps.

Thank you.

[michael_atw]

I've played a VR and own a CL (Vietnam) and a '72 SVT. I'm also about to own an AV. The CL to me is different from both the VR and '72. Perhaps the term is...darker? I found the tone from both the VR and '72 to be quite similar but discern-able from the CL. I sold the VR because I found the '72 to have more investment value...and use the CL more because it's more mobile and I really like the tone. I used a custom SVT410HE (USA) with a SVT115E (NON-US), now displaced the SVT410HE with an HLF (USA version). I personally find the tone of the VR more defined than the CL. Perhaps more middy (I'm not very good at describing that stuff )

[Zentner]

The VR is my favorite sounding of the bunch. The Heritage is just a US made CL, and the 450H is solid state- so not really in the same category.

I'd say the Heritage is probably the best made of the 4, and the other 3 will have similar build quality.

Of course.... it it was up to me I'd buy an OLD SVT (I have 2) but the VR is the closest sounding to either of them.

Originally Posted by BassAndDrums97

So lately I've been comparing these four Ampeg SVT models.

SVT-CL

Heritage SVT-CL

SVT-VR

SVT450H


I was wondering if anyone on TalkBass who has experience with any of these four amps could give me their opinion and/or answer some questions.

I've heard that the heritage series is 100% made in U.S.A. (since Ampeg moved their production somewhere overseas in 2006/2007 )
Heritage Series: American made? True/False?


I have only played out of an SVT-CL and an SVT450H. I don't remember being disappointed by either one. Aside from that experience, I would have to go-ahead and assume that the SVT450H is better. It has a graphic EQ and has a higher wattage than the other three. (other three amps are 300 watts with a switchable impedance 2 or 4. where as this amp is 250 Watts @ 8 ohms and 450 watts @ 4 ohms) It is also the cheapest one out of the three, which worries me.

Don't hesitate to post any opinions/experience that you've had with any of the three amps.

Thank you.

[Sartori]

The 450H is a decent amp, but not in the same league as the other three.

[RickenBoogie]

+1 the SVT450H is nothing like the other 3, as those are tube amps, and the 450 is a bottom-of-the-line solidstate B Series in SVT clothing. Unfair. otherwise, .............

[BassAndDrums97]

Well, the SVT450H is pretty much out of the equation. thanks everyone.

[Buster Brown]

Yes, the Heritage is USA assembled. And I agree that the 450 is nowhere NEAR in the same class as the VR, CL and Heritage model.

I own and play the Heritage and, by far, it is the finest head that I have ever used.

[kranahan]

Vintage Blueline SVT hands down! But I would vote for the VR out of the choices you have listed.

[Arthur U. Poon]

I used the "Search" function for "SVT-VR" and came across this thread. From what I've read here, the SVT-VR is the cleanest sounding of the current all-tube SVT models and is the closest to the Blue Line SVT's tone.

To the SVT owners "In the know":

Are the current new SVT-VR's manufactured overseas well made, and reliable? Does the SVT-VR's tone compare to the old vintage SVT's?

If so, I'm going to start saving for an SVT-VR and it's matching 810E cab.

From what I can tell the Heritage SVT is closer tone-wise to the SVT-CL, and I wasn't happy with the 2 SLM-era SVT-CL's and SVT2-Pro that I once owned. For me, they sounded too distorted at louder volumes.


I used to borrow what I now think was a Magnavox-Era SVT stack (judging by pictures I've seen posted on TB) and it's tone was the ultimate tube bass tone in my book. Turned up to stage levels it had just the slightest hint of warm disortion, yet it still sounded clean, -if that makes sense.

BTW, I'm in no means unsatisfied with my current amp rig; I just think it would be nice to have the vintage SVT tone at my disposal.

Thanks!

[Alex1984]

Originally Posted by Zentner

The VR is my favorite sounding of the bunch. The Heritage is just a US made CL, and the 450H is solid state- so not really in the same category.

I'd say the Heritage is probably the best made of the 4, and the other 3 will have similar build quality.

Of course.... it it was up to me I'd buy an OLD SVT (I have 2) but the VR is the closest sounding to either of them.

The VR and the 2 non-pro, with the 2 non-pro being a bit more edgy.

[Alex1984]

Originally Posted by Arthur U. Poon

I used the "Search" function for "SVT-VR" and came across this thread. From what I've read here, the SVT-VR is the cleanest sounding of the current all-tube SVT models and is the closest to the Blue Line SVT's tone.

To the SVT owners "In the know":

Are the current new SVT-VR's manufactured overseas well made, and reliable? Does the SVT-VR's tone compare to the old vintage SVT's?

If so, I'm going to start saving for an SVT-VR and it's matching 810E cab.

From what I can tell the Heritage SVT is closer tone-wise to the SVT-CL, and I wasn't happy with the 2 SLM-era SVT-CL's and SVT2-Pro that I once owned. For me, they sounded too distorted at louder volumes.


I used to borrow what I now think was a Magnavox-Era SVT stack (judging by pictures I've seen posted on TB) and it's tone was the ultimate tube bass tone in my book. Turned up to stage levels it had just the slightest hint of warm disortion, yet it still sounded clean, -if that makes sense.

BTW, I'm in no means unsatisfied with my current amp rig; I just think it would be nice to have the vintage SVT tone at my disposal.

Thanks!

Yes, I believe there was a bad batch in the beginning, but after that, people seem very happy with their Asian SVT-VRs.

[tdub0199]

I had a 450H and sold it rather quickly and replaced it with a GK 1001RB II and haven't looked back since....... I would go with the CL....

[oinkbanana]

if you can get a vintage Blueline SVT, do that. the vintage and the VR sound really similar, and sound wonderful compared to the CL imho. the quality features of the Heritage are nice, but that sound (and the CL) sound just pale compared to a vintage or a VR amp. too bad there's no Heritage VR, cause that would be the hands down winner!!!!

[Arthur U. Poon]

Originally Posted by oinkbanana

if you can get a vintage Blueline SVT, do that. the vintage and the VR sound really similar, and sound wonderful compared to the CL imho. the quality features of the Heritage are nice, but that sound (and the CL) sound just pale compared to a vintage or a VR amp. too bad there's no Heritage VR, cause that would be the hands down winner!!!!

Your advice on simply finding a vintage Blue Line SVT is probably the best advice IMO.

If anyone can suggest different sites, besides ebay, to locate a vintage SVT, please let me know.

I still plan on trying out an SVT-VR to satisfy my curiousity.

[JimmyM]

I have a Blue Line from 69 and I love it, but gun to my head, I don't think I could tell the difference between it and a VR. Both are quite worthy and both sound like SVT's. I also love the SVT-CL and 2 Pro, but you do get a slightly different sound due to the separate gain/master volume knobs. You can also get preamp distortion from them, whereas the only way to get distortion out of a VR/vintage is to crank it.

Still, if I could only have one, it would be the VR/vintage.

[Arthur U. Poon]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I have a Blue Line from 69 and I love it, but gun to my head, I don't think I could tell the difference between it and a VR. Both are quite worthy and both sound like SVT's. I also love the SVT-CL and 2 Pro, but you do get a slightly different sound due to the separate gain/master volume knobs. You can also get preamp distortion from them, whereas the only way to get distortion out of a VR/vintage is to crank it.

Still, if I could only have one, it would be the VR/vintage.

Thanks for the post, Jimmy! Now to find a local store that has a VR in stock!

[rodl2005]

Originally Posted by Arthur U. Poon

Thanks for the post, Jimmy! Now to find a local store that has a VR in stock!

& remember, the VR WILL sound extremely different-better-once playing at decent gig volume, than in-store. Imo anyway.

[DiabolusInMusic]

I currently run an SVT-CL and though I've never owned Viet Nam SVT's I have owned other gear from the Viet Nam era. And I will never buy anything Ampeg Viet Nam again, horrible experiences from a new SVT-6 Pro and BA 210. No issues with my American SVT-CL

[PWV]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

Still, if I could only have one, it would be the VR/vintage.

+1 NO issues with my Nampeg VR for almost 2 years now.

[Tim1]

I also have a Vietnam VR which has behaved without a problem from new. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another as I am sure any teething problems will have been well sorted out by now.
JohnK also has a Vitnam VR which he has posted is every bit as good as his vintage ones - and he would know! I can't remember how many times I have had to post on this topic to reassure potential buyers - yes there were some early problems with some of the amps during the changeover but it did get sorted and a good one is a good one from any era.