SVT 2-PRO, Do I need new tubes?

slapstick13 · #1 12-08-2010, 02:27 PM

Bought an ampeg svt 2 pro about 6 months ago used. To get to a good volume I have the gain at noon and the master at about 1. Sometimes the master is even higher. Is this disappearing headroom a result of tubes going bad? The amp doesnt sound 'bad'. Theres no popping or sudden volume drops or anythign like that, but the last couple months it been sounding rather bland. And im running it through an 810 and using a p bass. Not sure If im just used to it or if the tubes really do need to be replaced. Any opinions? I dont want to just go retube it for $300 if it doesnt actually need it yet. Any advice?

kosmicwizard · #2 12-08-2010, 03:56 PM

Probably, take it to your tech. He can run some trouble shooting on it and see if any of them solve the problem, if not the tubes are probably the culprit. You will be amazed at how loud that should be. Cheers.

eastcoasteddie · #3 12-08-2010, 04:05 PM

gain at noon and master on 1 for good volume...what does that mean exactly?
I take it you are not using the -dB pad, especially with a passive bass....although when I had a passive Jazz, I used the -dB pad but set the gain at about 1 o'clock. I set gain at noon with Active basses. I usually keep my master volume at 1 when I play alone in the house. If I play with others, the master would have to come up to about 3, depending on how loud we want to get
Are you using the graphic EQ? The EQ will boost volume as well, but at the specific frequencies you choose.

jastacey · #4 12-09-2010, 08:24 AM

Here is a suggestion, check the bias, and reset it, after the amp has warmed up for about 30 minutes, if the tubes are the stock Sovteks 6550WE, you should get many years out of them .... the setting I use is dime the master and use the pre-gain as the volume control, this works for me

slapstick13 · #5 12-09-2010, 08:39 AM

Sorry, I should have been more clear on what I mean by 'good volume'. I mean being loud enough to keep up with my drummer and guitarist. No Im not using the -db pad. And my graphic eq hasnt worked since I got the amp(part of the reason that the amp only cost me $800!!!!!). Looks like I'll have to wait till the holidays are over and bring this wounded beast to the tech.

anderbass · #6 12-09-2010, 10:13 AM

If you've got any shops stocking a new SVT-IIpro or CL nearby you could haul yours down and do a quick side by side comparison...