Hmm, vietnamese Ampeg SVT-CL..

mouthmw · #1 04-23-2011, 05:46 AM

Been doing some searching on these, and seems like some think they suck because they're not USA made, and plenty of people don't really seem to like the SVT-CL at all, and recommend the SVT-VR instead.

Is the SVT-CL not very favorable Ampeg head?
Are there any artists using it?
I looove Juan Alderete's tone, but he's either using a vintage Ampeg or an SVT-VR, I'm not sure, probably vintage.

ATM, I'm using GK-700RB II (with Ampeg 810E) and I love it. I got the offer where I'd do a trade + additional cash pay for a Vietnamese SVT-CL that the guy bought 2 years ago.
Seems like a good offer for an Ampeg, but I'm not really sold on SVT-CL. Most of the loved Ampeg sound seems to be closer to SVT-VR.

I love the growl and punch of my GK paired with my Ampeg 810E, but I've always been very fond of tube sound.

coreyfyfe · #2 04-23-2011, 07:21 AM

None of them are US made anymore (except the heritage), and even then at least in the last few years of production they were only really assembled in the US since most of the parts/components were imported. How much difference is there between a board full of chinese components soldered in two different locations? Skilled workers with good QC will produce a good product regardless of location.

Jerrold Tiers commented on a thread recently giving some of the background on the issue, but even the transformers haven't been made in the US for a few years prior to the manufacturing switch.

As far as VR vs CL, I prefer the VR, but I like the non-master amps better. Just a preference. I had a CL, it was a good amp. You can get plenty of punch out of the amp when you balance the gain/master properly.

micahturner · #3 04-23-2011, 07:34 AM

I use the SVT-CL and I love it, but I have not used the SVT-VR so I can't tell you anything about it.

As far as quality goes, my Vietnam made SVT has been in the shop only once and the repair took one day and cost $25. Not bad at all really, just some plate resistors. Overall my SVT is very dependable, and I've toured with it being my only amp. The only back up I use is a DI.

Good luck!

TMart99 · #4 04-23-2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coreyfyfe

Jerrold Tiers commented on a thread recently giving some of the background on the issue, but even the transformers haven't been made in the US for a few years prior to the manufacturing switch.

Could you direct me to that thread? Do you recall the title of that thread?

Thanks.

henryjurstin13 · #5 04-23-2011, 08:23 AM

I strongly preferred the CL over the VR... I just like the pre/post volumes much better. I had a couple issues with one of 3 SVT-CL heads, but my anniversary SVT-CL was problem free... in case anyone can put a year on the AV head. The problematic head was purchased new at GC prolly around '07.

mouthmw · #6 04-23-2011, 08:54 AM

Nice to see someone who actually prefers the CL head. I like the separate gain knob so I can dial in more dirt easily unlike VR's 1 volume knob.
But other than that, I can't say I've tested these live 1 on 1.

micahturner · #7 04-23-2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mouthmw

Been doing some searching on these, and seems like some think they suck because they're not USA made, and plenty of people don't really seem to like the SVT-CL at all, and recommend the SVT-VR instead.

Is the SVT-CL not very favorable Ampeg head?
Are there any artists using it?
I looove Juan Alderete's tone, but he's either using a vintage Ampeg or an SVT-VR, I'm not sure, probably vintage.

ATM, I'm using GK-700RB II (with Ampeg 810E) and I love it. I got the offer where I'd do a trade + additional cash pay for a Vietnamese SVT-CL that the guy bought 2 years ago.
Seems like a good offer for an Ampeg, but I'm not really sold on SVT-CL. Most of the loved Ampeg sound seems to be closer to SVT-VR.

I love the growl and punch of my GK paired with my Ampeg 810E, but I've always been very fond of tube sound.

As far as the Juan Alderete's sound goes, I saw in a gear rundown video that he uses an SVT-VR with older Ampeg cabs. A lot of his sound also has to do with him using a Lakland U.S. DJ jazz bass and having incredible talent.

If you are undecided go somewhere and try both amps out. If you are concerned with the Vietnamese maker, keep in mind that SVT-VR's are made overseas as well. Both amps are great and QC has improved over the years. If it really bothers you, keep an eye out for American made VR's and CL's. They are out there.

steveinohio · #8 04-23-2011, 11:23 AM

I prefer the SVT- CL far and away. I just find it to be more versatile than the VR.

steveksux · #9 04-23-2011, 11:57 AM

The Vietnamese Ampegs have a remarkable quality control pledge. In the fine print of the warranty it clearly states:

"You love me long time!"

Randy

JimmyM · #10 04-23-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mouthmw

Been doing some searching on these, and seems like some think they suck because they're not USA made, and plenty of people don't really seem to like the SVT-CL at all, and recommend the SVT-VR instead.

the cl's made in vietnam sound the same as any other cl's i've played, and i've played a lot. now there were some qc issues while they were being made in vietnam (they're now made in s. korea), and i have played a couple on gigs that had problems. however, i've also played a couple vietnamese cl's that were excellent as well, so if this one works, i'd say get it.

Quote:

Is the SVT-CL not very favorable Ampeg head?
Are there any artists using it?
I looove Juan Alderete's tone, but he's either using a vintage Ampeg or an SVT-VR, I'm not sure, probably vintage.

the tonal difference between the vr and cl is slight imho. the sound is the same, but to me, the cl feels just a little bit more held back than the vr. however, that's not to say i don't like it. i use them all the time on road gigs where i have to rent amps, and they're always great.

coreyfyfe · #11 04-23-2011, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TMart99

Could you direct me to that thread? Do you recall the title of that thread?

Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerrold Tiers

The US transformer issue is from before the Loudites took over...... The original manufacturer was in Chicago. They were great, but eventually got bought out. The low volume pain-in-the-tush SVT transformers were tolerated for a while, then given a hefty price gouge. The first runs of 'Nam units still had US transformers, and then the Loudites had them made elsewhere. There was a brief foray into Mexican-made transformers in the process.

Getting anything not made in china into a china-made product is virtually impossible.... In Korea it isn't as difficult, but still not that simple. In 'Nam, it was easy, not that much as far as components is made there. But the US price was indeed one of those "and just how stupid ARE you?" prices........

Another Heritage SVT-CL question.

Laurent · #12 04-24-2011, 12:27 PM

Two important qualifiers to my answer:

1. I have heard this from people (music industry pros) close to Ampeg but I have not been able to verify this.
2. JimmyM will strongly reacts to this and probably bounce on me for writing this.

- Ampeg both had deep quality/manufacturing issues with Vietnam and also cashflow problems (meaning they could not pay their supplier) so they pulled out of this country and went to South Korea.

- I have also heard that the South Korea SVT often sound better then the US ones.

Tim1 · #13 04-24-2011, 01:00 PM

I knew this would come up. In defence of Vietnamese VRs I have had no issues with mine and have compared it favourably with a seventies vintage head. Johnk has regularly posted that his Vietnam SVT is as good as any of the (many) vintage heads he owns. Mine has behaved faultlessly and been driven hard since I have had it, as has that of others I know. I think there were some early Vietnam problems but these were ironed out well before they shifted production to Korea. Cerainly there were teething problems but the "Ampeg bashers" leapt on these with gusto and joy. I don't know why I get so defensive about this - but it gets my goat when I read something that begins "I have heard..." I have played my Vietnam VR next to a Krean model in a shop and take it from me the sound was identical (and fabulous), the only point of difference was that we thought the casing on the Vietnam model was better assembled than the Korean(a minor detail).

Sartori · #14 04-24-2011, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mouthmw

Nice to see someone who actually prefers the CL head. I like the separate gain knob so I can dial in more dirt easily unlike VR's 1 volume knob.
But other than that, I can't say I've tested these live 1 on 1.

Same, I like the separate gain from master. That way I can turn the gain all the way up.

If I had enough money to just randomly want to buy an SVT, I'd buy a CL.

JimmyM · #15 04-24-2011, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laurent

Two important qualifiers to my answer:

1. I have heard this from people (music industry pros) close to Ampeg but I have not been able to verify this.
2. JimmyM will strongly reacts to this and probably bounce on me for writing this.

- Ampeg both had deep quality/manufacturing issues with Vietnam and also cashflow problems (meaning they could not pay their supplier) so they pulled out of this country and went to South Korea.

nah, won't jump...actually that's what i've heard, too. but again, that was all under the idiot who used to run loud eletronics until late 2008. but somehow or another, they've pulled it together.

Quote:

- I have also heard that the South Korea SVT often sound better then the US ones.

heads, no...cabs, very much so.

derridiandrift · #16 04-24-2011, 07:49 PM

I've owned an American CL and I currently have an American VR. Both great amps, but a bit different from each other. I prefer the VR because I like to get dirt from a pedal instead of from a gain control on the amp. YMMV.

Offshore production suffered from quality problems that were apparent pretty much the minute you took the amp out of the box (I know because my first 2 VRs were brand new, from China and Vietnam, and both went back to the store). My suspicion is that if you get your hands on an offshore one that works properly, you'll be fine.