New (Old) Ampeg SVT-IV Pro

[corpophage]

I recently bought an Ampeg SVT-IV Pro off of ebay and I have a few questions concerning it. First off, its the original version of the amp, like the very original. I would link a picture, but there doesn't seem to be one in existence anymore. Anyways,

1. There was no power cable that came with it, can I just use a normal three pronged power cable? I have a few left over from other audio equipment and computers.

2. There was also no Speakon cable and I wish to test this amp before I leave feedback. All I have currently is a Peavey 6505+ guitar cab, rated at 300 watts using 16ohms. So, I have a few problems here;

The guitar cab is only mono, so I would only be able to hook up one power amp up to the guitar cab with a 1/4" cable. To run it mono bridged, I need the Speakon cable. If I run the guitar cab off of one of the channels, will I blow the second power amp? I know with tube amps, they need to be hooked to a speaker or dummy cab before they are turned on and that the SVT4 runs stereo by using two separate power amps per channel.

Even if I can, will it matter that the SVT4 can only output 4 and 8 ohms? Will that end up putting too much stress on the amp? Keep in mind I just want to hook it up for less than a minute at low volumes, just to ensure it works.

And if I can't use a 1/4" cable to test it, where can I purchase a proper Speakon cable for this amp? (I actually plan on using it in the future once I buy a bass cab, so if you can answer this either way, it'd be helpful.)

3. The amp had very little live life and was basically a dust collector in a closet. Would the tubes have worn out over time, even if there was minimal use? And if I get them replaced, does the amp bias need to be readjusted by a professional?

Thank you very much for your time in reading this, it is much appreciated.

[JimmyM]

1. yes, you can, but use the heaviest one you've got since that's a lot of juice.

2. hybrids don't need to be hooked up to a speaker load to keep from blowing up. you can hook your guitar cab up to one side or the other no problem, but be very careful not to turn it up too loud. guitar cabs blow real quick with loud bass going through them. and speakon cables are easily available at any music store or music store website.

3. no, tubes don't just wear out over time. some tubes can last for decades, even with regular use. and no, it won't need biased because it has no power amp tubes. only power amp tubes need biasing, not preamp tubes.

[waleross]

I have a new SVT-4Pro model. Its a powerful amp and I would try to take it to a tech before doing it yourself. I bought an SvT400T off of ebay and for $50 Had a tech check it out and run it through bass cabs at the shop. ITs worth it. As far as the mono bridge cable goes, mine came with the amp(new) . In your case you have to make one up. Look at this site for old threads on the subject of speakon cables for a mono bridge hook up. If you get a bass cab (4 Ohms) hook it up with a 1/4" cable to test it out or even 2 cabs in stereo mode. You can also try : http://www.fliptops.net/
for old parts. They might be able to help you.....Good luck

[JimmyM]

wale, one question...what's he doing to the amp himself? sounds like to me he just wants to plug it into a guitar cab to quickly try it out. i think that's something he doesn't need to take it to a shop for

[corpophage]

Oh, now I feel pretty dumb. I was mixing the SVT4 up with the SVT2. I thought it had tubes in the power section as well. Thank you for clearing that up.

Also, I heard that the SVT4's Speakon cables were wired differently to handle the higher wattage? That's why I was wondering where to get one, because I thought I needed a special one.

[rbonner]

The Mono cable on a 4PRO is wired differently on one end.

BUy a speakon cable that uses 4 pin speakons not two... Then on the end that will go to the amp open it up and move the -1 wire to the +2 position on the plug. If you aren't comfortable get the guy at the music store to do it. Then put a couple rings of tape on the cable end that have the wire moved as that end alone must be plugged itno tthe 4PRO.

Done.

Krank it up and dump it in.

BOB