Good power amp for an SVT-IIP pre amp?

JCM800 · #1 10-20-2011, 10:31 AM

My main amp is a mid-70's Ampeg SVT. Am downsizing my backup amp, a Fender TB-600, cause it is too powerful for my new lower-wattage cabs. Would like to replace with something rackmount-able for portability.

Saw an SVT-IIP preamp for cheap, dig the tone of the full SVT-II rackmount (I own one, but out to pasture due to inherent design flaw... mah, hence the TB-600), and I am assuming I will need some type of power amp for this thing if I got it.

SO: Looking for as close to SVT tone as possible, so preferably a tube power amp over SS. Not sure what's out there or what to look for. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Alex1984 · #2 10-20-2011, 10:54 AM

SVT-300? But if that were the case you'd probably be better off with an SVT-II.

Mesa Strategy comes to mind.

Alex1984 · #3 10-20-2011, 10:59 AM

BTW, what did you mean by inherent design flaw? What was so wrong about the SVT-II?

someparts · #4 10-20-2011, 12:09 PM

One of the older Peavey Classic Tube 120 rack power amps might fit the bill. Built like a tank and four 6L6s in the power section.

mattafact · #5 10-20-2011, 08:24 PM

I have the SVT-IIP and I've been using it with a 2000 watt Yamaha power amp. The only issue is I have to crank the graphic EQ output to get much volume out of it.

I just picked up an actual SVT-II last week so mine is now my backup/small show amp.

lug · #6 10-21-2011, 07:52 AM

I've paired the SVT-IIP with both the Peavey DPC 10000 single rack space power amp and a Mackie 1400i with great results. I'd imagine almost any nice power amp will do, just depends on the amount of weight.power you need. The preamp is to die for.

**svtb15** · #7 10-21-2011, 09:09 AM

I used a Carvin power amp for a few years and also a Crown MA1200 for a long time.. IMO that is the BEST stand alone Ampeg preamp that they ever released.. Same pre and the NON PRO SVT2 and SVT3 amps..

anderbass · #8 10-21-2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCM800

SVT-II rackmount (I own one, but out to pasture due to inherent design flaw...

If your tech couldn't fix yours he's the one with an inherent flaw.

This model does have a couple potential issues my amp tech (timv) documented in the SVT-II appreciation thread here on TB. My SVT-II has been 100% reliable for several years now after being repaired by a truly competent tech.

JCM800 · #9 10-26-2011, 03:08 PM

Mine has produced an intermittent crackle, as if a pot were dirty or going out.

Bill Webb, one of the most renowned bass amp techs in Austin TX couldn't figure it out after repeated visits. My SVT he sorted out in one sitting. John Mergilli, another local amp guru did research and found the SVT-II's inherent flaw was too much heat into too small an area.

While teching for King's X I saw Dug Pinnick had SVT-II in his garage. Asked him about it and he said, "Yeah, I loved that amp! But I had to stop using it cause it started making this crackle that no one could seem to fix..."

Am tempted to throw my used-but-still-some-life-in-em 6550's from my recently re-tubed SVT into the SVT-II and see what happens, as a last ditch effort to keep it from being a really heavy doorstop.

Will go in and find that SVT-II appreesh thread and see what yr tech did...!

Morning Beer · #10 10-26-2011, 03:12 PM

Carvin makes a tube pre, but its only 100 watts
Carvin.com :: TS100

Filip Burdon · #11 01-21-2013, 10:35 AM

I was thinging about using Ampeg SVT-IIP as a preamp for my EBS TD 660 (I'll bypass it's preamp and use it just as the power section). Do you have any idea how it could sound?