Looking for a sub $1000 tube or hybrid head..

__HM__ · #1 11-21-2011, 10:00 PM

Hey guys. I need some help selecting an a head to compliment my new Ampeg 2x15 cab. I play in a hardcore/heavy metal band, but also enjoy playing a lot of funk, prog, 80s rock, grunge, jazz.. Basically, I need something that can do it all, but is especially good with de-tuned metal (Drop D, C, and B tunings are mainly what we use.)

I'm looking at SVT 3s, Orange Terror Bass 500s, and hybrid Markbass amps.. But honestly I don't know what I'm looking for. I've been mainly a guitarist for most of my music-playing life.

Looking to spend like $500 or less on a used amp.. So if it can be had for $1000 or less new, it works for me.

I'm playing a Warwick Corvette $$ Rockbass, if that sways anything.

Let me hear some opinions! Thanks guys.

JimmyM · #2 11-21-2011, 10:18 PM

I'd take a look at the Ampeg PF500 ($400 new) and the SVT 7 Pro ($800 new).

jumbodbassman · #3 11-21-2011, 10:27 PM

Svt pro 7 is really nice. Folks love the pf500 but i returned mine as i thought it was underpowered and was cutting out on gigs at "moderate" levels.

If you want to go really cheap i have a few Ampeg SS amps or Hartke hybrids for sale. Sorry for the plug but you asked....

amp tag sale - trace, road, fender etc

__HM__ · #4 11-21-2011, 10:28 PM

You would take either of those over an SVT3 Pro? Mind explaining why? (Aside from price, I can get any of these 3 heads for less than $500..)

Thanks for the quick reply.. I've forgotten how fast this forum can move

__HM__ · #5 11-21-2011, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumbodbassman

Svt pro 7 is really nice. Folks love the pf500 but ireturned mine as i thought it was underpowered and was cutting out on gigs. If you want too go really cheap i have a few Ampeg SS amps or Hartke hybrids for sale. Sorry for the plug but you asked....

amp tag sale - trace, road, fender etc

Thanks for the heads up, man. But now I'm really curious about this SVT 7... ha. Good luck with your sales, though.

JimmyM · #6 11-21-2011, 10:36 PM

I think Jumbo's experience with the PF500 was a fluke. I'm sure a dud gets out from Ampeg now and then, but most folks I know have nothing but good to say about the PF500.

Anyway, the reason I recommended it and the 7 Pro is because I like the sound of micros better than I like the sound of SS amps with the larger iron transformers such as the 3 Pro. 7 Pro's a little big to be called a micro but it's the same technology.

jumbodbassman · #7 11-21-2011, 10:38 PM

just got to try it out with a band tonight thru a 6 10 cab. fixes pefectly in the mix. Very ampeg sounding and headroom with the 1000 watts. it would sound sweet with the 215. What speakers are in the 2-15? is that the b 25 cab or the v4 cab or something else?

__HM__ · #8 11-21-2011, 10:40 PM

I see. I really wish my Guitar Center had a 7 in stock, you've got me curious. I've tried out a 3 and loved the hell out of it, but I'm not 100% sold. I'm betting there's something better out there to blow that kinda cash on..

Jimmy, do you have any recommendations outside of Ampegs?

__HM__ · #9 11-21-2011, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jumbodbassman

just got to try it out with a band tonight thru a 6 10 cab. fixes pefectly in the mix. Very ampeg sounding and headroom with the 1000 watts. it would sound sweet with the 215. What speakers are in the 2-15? is that the b 25 cab or the v4 cab or something else?

It's an SVT 215E. I actually have a "New Cab Day" thread active for it here:

New Cab Day.. Ampeg SVT 215E..

jumbodbassman · #10 11-21-2011, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I think Jumbo's experience with the PF500 was a fluke. I'm sure a dud gets out from Ampeg now and then, but most folks I know have nothing but good to say about the PF500.

Anyway, the reason I recommended it and the 7 Pro is because I like the sound of micros better than I like the sound of SS amps with the larger iron transformers such as the 3 Pro. 7 Pro's a little big to be called a micro but it's the same technology.

Not sure it was a dud. It was the perfect storm. Everybody miced but me. Only 2 12 cab Avatar and sharing a power strip with a fender brown guitar tube amp alla Clapton. couldn't get the pf 500 to cut out at home but couldn't deal with the stress of not knowing if it will happen again next time i had to crank it without pa support . IMO the 7 takes that away, at least i hope so. Plus the 7 has pretty much the same preamp section as the pf 500 with a tube and GC sold it to me for 698 delivered, tax included.. so was only about 260 more than the 500..

jumbodbassman · #11 11-21-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by __HM__

It's an SVT 215E. I actually have a "New Cab Day" thread active for it here:

New Cab Day.. Ampeg SVT 215E..

looks like a solid cab. Probably 4 ohm so you will not be able to run it and a 810 together with many amps unless they do 2 ohms....

__HM__ · #12 11-21-2011, 10:51 PM

Yeah, it's 4 ohms. That was kinda just a dream rig anyways, I'd never need something that big at a gig, and a setup like that would barely fit in my 'man cave.' ha.

jumbodbassman · #13 11-21-2011, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by __HM__

I see. I really wish my Guitar Center had a 7 in stock, you've got me curious. I've tried out a 3 and loved the hell out of it, but I'm not 100% sold. I'm betting there's something better out there to blow that kinda cash on..

Jimmy, do you have any recommendations outside of Ampegs?

different jimmy here. folks love the Genz Benz (660 or 900 watts) stuff but on the expensive side. I also recently played a Markbass sd 1200 witha 2 15 cab that was pretty nice. Little modern sounding but you could dial in a vintage sound with 2 knobs that act like a time machine in adding scoop or dulling the sound for a more vintage sound. Very pricey amp but GC had them on clearance few weeks ago and music 123 was matching. thread in the hot deals section.

JimmyM · #14 11-21-2011, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by __HM__

Jimmy, do you have any recommendations outside of Ampegs?

Nope. Only Ampeg.

But seriously, there are a lot of really cool amps on the market made by other companies as well. It's just that Ampeg is the one that consistently hits my buttons.

chaosMK · #15 11-21-2011, 11:35 PM

You can get just about any of the best tube amps ever made under $1000 used, whatever your flavor is.

If you love the SVT-3 get an SVT-4 for ~$600 used.

2x15 sounds like a boomfest in any kind of modern metal.

sad_katz · #16 11-22-2011, 12:31 AM

There's the Traynor YBA200 and Peavey VB2. All-tube, sub-$1000. The YBA is more mid-aggressive and VB2 mellower. Both sounds good for rock and have good EQ.

Otherwise the Ampeg SVT-7PRO sounds like a winner. Ampeg tone, 1000Watts, not-that-heavy.

GK MB500 Fusion is not bad either. Less tubey - more GK growl.

__HM__ · #17 11-22-2011, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sad_katz

There's the Traynor YBA200 and Peavey VB2. All-tube, sub-$1000. The YBA is more mid-aggressive and VB2 mellower. Both sounds good for rock and have good EQ.

Otherwise the Ampeg SVT-7PRO sounds like a winner. Ampeg tone, 1000Watts, not-that-heavy.

GK MB500 Fusion is not bad either. Less tubey - more GK growl.

Okay Katz, here's a question. If all those amps are good for metal, which one would also be best suited for a Geddy Lee tone? I'm thinking the growly, middy tone on Moving Pictures. I'm guessing the GK or the Traynor?

soulman969 · #18 11-22-2011, 12:43 AM

An SVT III Pro was the best hybrid head I've ever used and I picked mine up used for around $400. I've never used the 7's but personally it would have to be a hell of a lot better for a $400 up in price. I love Ampeg heads like that III Pro. Never had a lick of trouble with it.

winegamd · #19 11-22-2011, 12:57 AM

My vote is for the Gens Benz streamlined. More power than any all tube head available with all the same fidelity. Check out the threads on it.

kaputsport · #20 11-22-2011, 01:01 AM

I will sound partial here, but there is a Marshall DBS 7400 head on ebay right now. 4000 watts peak, tube preamp, built like a tank, and will power anything you throw at it.

It'll make your guitarists hate you. You want loud... That is the one to get. I use it for everything. I don't play heavy metal or hardcore, but it could. Works really well in rock, jazz, funk. Has tons of punch and plenty of EQ options. Can handle 2 ohms, active or passive basses, and could probably shoot the cones of the 2x15 ampeg out of the grill if you are not careful. I power a 1x15 with mine, and my 7200 powers a 4x10. Great amp, and relatively cheap for what you get.