Orange AD200 vs SVT VR report

[Tim1]

As some of you will know I have owned an Ampeg SVT VR for a while and a couple of days ago I bought an Orange AD200. Just got back from a little jam on it with my guitarist in our rehearsal space, so it gave me a chance to compare with the SVT in a familiar acoustic environment, although no drums were present. Firstly, I noticed the Orange breakup/overdrive which wasn't very apparent in the store. Still plenty of clean volume but that breakup was coming through when pushed. Some styles will love it, but for me I like it clean so it is a bit limiting volume wise. Having said that it will still get reasonably loud and clean - this is the big difference with the SVT VR which just seems to have headroom to burn and will get much louder and stay cleaner. Horses for courses, I suppose.
The Orange is noticeably lighter and easier to schlep than the SVT, and for that reason will be my rehearsal amp I expect although the Ampeg will be doing most gigs.
Tonally "similar but different", the Orange seemed a little more open when clean with more bottom end but I could make the SVT sound similar, although the SVT definitely has that huge mid punch going for it. Interestingly the Orange preferred the NV215 cab to the NV610 - it broke up much earlier on the 610 and the 215 sounded much more controlled.
I bought the Orange because I wanted a lighter amp that was still tube for smaller gigs and band practices, and because the pricing over here at the moment is very much in our favour. I don't regret the purchase, it is a fine amp. If I could only have one of them for me I would stick with the SVT, although I can imagine others might prefer the Orange. Both fine amps.

[Musicman20]

Nice report. I A/Bed these two and walked away with the Orange, but Im UK based so the Ampeg was STUPID expensive and the Orange had a much better warranty with Made in UK tag. The orange customer service is fantastic, yet another reason.

I agree on size weight as well...much easier to move and to use it at 8 ohms is a nice option.

Personally I bought it for the tube growl which I couldnt get the Ampeg to do as well, but I bet the Ampeg has much more clean headroom.

[nysbob]

Exactly the reason I never really lusted for an Orange - they seem to want to head toward breakup land... which of course is exactly what some folks are looking for. I use pedals for that.