Marshall VBA 400 vs. SVT-VR

[TenaciousE]

I apologize in advance for another vs. thread, and I know I will have to play the SVT. But, I would like some opinions from people who have experience with both amps. Currently I have a Marshall VBA 400 going through a VBC 412 cab, playing Sadowsky basses, mostly rock/blues. I prefer tube amps and I love the Marshall. However, in the back of my mind I keep hearing a little voice saying that I should own an Ampeg before I die, the SVT-VR is the holy grail, etc. My resistance to this voice is gradually failing. Unfortunately there aren't any SVT dealers near me geographically, but I plan on checking out some stores during some travel time in the near future. But, just for my curiosity, I wanted to see if anybody had any insight. Specifically, what (if any) are the major differences, and why did someone choose one over the other given both options.
Thanks,
Eric

[taurus1]

vintage SVT's are the coveted ones, the new ones aren't as desirable from what I read. I'm the opposite of you, I have a vintage SVT and lust for a VBA-400 4x12 rig.

[panama]

Where is JimmyM to chime in about an SVT always sounding like an SVT despite the vintage?

Anyway the VBA-400 is a beast and very hard to find from what I understand. I wouldn't get rid of it

[nysbob]

It's a sideways move at best...this coming from a vintage SVT guy.

The grass is always greener.

[TenaciousE]

Originally Posted by nysbob

It's a sideways move at best...this coming from a vintage SVT guy.

The grass is always greener.

You might be right. I'll have to play through one. I was just wondering what the similarities and differences are. Since they're both all tube monsters.

[Bassmec]

Originally Posted by TenaciousE

You might be right. I'll have to play through one. I was just wondering what the similarities and differences are. Since they're both all tube monsters.

Why restrict yourself to one when two is so much more fun:
Just get a Lehle P split and have the best of both worlds.

[RickenBoogie]

Though i wouldn't deny you your right to own an Ampeg head, it would be kinda sad if it meant losing that marshall head. What you have, is a very nice, and very big bass rig. If anything, just save up and buy the VR as a 2nd amp.

[johnk_10]

all three of my SVT heads sound exactly the same:

(top to bottom: '07 SVT-VR, 1969 SVT, 1975 SVT)

[Dapper_Bandit]

I've got an awful lot of love for my VBA-400. They're a seriously underrated head because people tend to associate Marshall's current stable with the awful solid state guitar stuff and these guy slipped under the radar.

Plus, it says Marshall on the front of it.

[Bassmec]

Originally Posted by Dapper_Bandit

I've got an awful lot of love for my VBA-400. They're a seriously underrated head because people tend to associate Marshall's current stable with the awful solid state guitar stuff and these guy slipped under the radar.

Plus, it says Marshall on the front of it.

Only the uninitiated under rate the VBA 400, its a great amp!
Marshall make some cheap shite but they make a few real classics just to let people know they really still can.

[Alexander]

I'd love to hear more about this as well, though I'm approaching it from the opposite angle - considering getting rid of my SVT for the Marshall. I bought my SVT 2Pro used several months ago and have had nothing but problems with it. I could've gotten a new VBA for the same price (being here in the UK does have a few perks!), so am kicking myself a bit... I love the tone, but the amp has been horribly unreliable. I'm picking it up from the shop (again) tomorrow - if it goes out again within the next year, its a gonner...

[Tim1]

I must admit the VBA has intrigued me for a while, not the least because down here it is just over half the price of my SVT VR! Also I believe it is considerably lighter. Hmmmmm....