SVT-CL vs Peavey VB-3? Which one?

Immigrant · #1 07-29-2011, 08:00 PM

I'm unloading my current rig; an Acoustic B600H and 410/115 cabs. I'm going the all-tube route, and last night at my son's gig I was amazed by the sound of the head I've been wanting, an SVT CL.

I've been reading about them for a while, and it seems they are prone to manufacturing defects, along with reliability issues down the road. I haven't read too many bad things about the Peavey VB3. I think it's made in the US, and that tugs at me a little. But it's not the industry standard.

I plan on mating the SVT-CL to two 410HLF cabs, that way I can use either one or two, depending on whats needed.

Do I have reason to be a little freaked out about the few bad things I've read, and opt for the Peavey? I really want to go SVT.

JimmyM · #2 07-29-2011, 08:06 PM

No, Ampeg SVT-CL's are not prone to manufacturing defects or reliability issues. If they did, they would not be the most requested backline rental amps in the world.

Have not played the VB-3, but respect to Peavey.

**B-string** · #3 07-29-2011, 08:19 PM

Peavey stuff is very reliable, the VB3 to new to know for sure. The point is moot though, you were blown away by the CL! There are tons of CLs out there, sure you will hear of some failures. Take a drive by a car dealer sometime, the more they sell, the bigger the chance of finding warr. work in the service bays.

bassplayer1494 · #4 07-29-2011, 08:23 PM

I would go with the CL too but i never played a VB-3 they seem like really good amps and Peavy is a solid company but after playing a pbass and stingray classic through a CL and 810 i was also blown away and am currently GASing for one :P

Immigrant · #5 07-29-2011, 10:31 PM

I'm going to check out the CL on Tuesday. The rig I heard last night was a CL with the 810 cabinet. That would be cool, but I'm not in best shape and the weight of the thing scares me.

Plus I've done a lot of research. It seems the 410HLF actually has lower frequency response than the 810. I'm sure if I end up getting the CL head along with 2 cabinets, side by side, it will be the last amp I'll ever buy. Man, I hope. GAS.

VanillaThundah · #6 07-29-2011, 10:48 PM

Having owned a VB-2, and assuming the VB-3 is much of the same with more wattage and features, I would totally suggest the SVT-CL on both tone and wattage. You really can't get a bad sound of an SVT to be honest, its a plug and play amp. I found the VB2 to be lacking in the tone department (they don't use 6550's, I believe thats most of the problem) and it just didn't have the balls that all the SVT's I've played have.

Concerning the 410HLF, I wouldn't let their numbers on frequency response sway your opinion of what to get. It's ported, which will make it go low, but from what I've read you suffer in midrange clarity. Best advice, grab an SVT and try out both cabs with your bass....see which one wins! =)

jvdb · #7 07-29-2011, 11:34 PM

And while you're testing, check out a vintage SVT as well. Made in the USA and IMO even cooler than a CL.

As far as the HLF's. They do sound very different than an 8x10. Less focussed and lot's of lows. Too much if you ask me.

rodl2005 · #8 07-29-2011, 11:45 PM

I'm sure there will be others with different views, but I liked the 410HLF cab the LEAST out of all the cabs I used with my SVT.
As stated above, sure it goes low, but was-to my - severely lacking in clarity!
I didn't use ask all tube amps for overdrive either, in fact virtually never. I let pedals do 99% of that for me.
Cabs I used with the SVT were:-
Ampeg 410HLF(as I said-liked it the least), 2x410HE,810. Bergantino-NV610, NV215-both great with the SVT,-AE212, AE112(with a Mark Bass HR115STD), SADOWSKY SA410, Ashdown 410 x2, GK 410 & 2x Mark Bass HR115STD.
IMO all these sounded better-to me-than the 410HLF. OF course, we all hear & like different tones, thank the Lord!
Re amps:- the SVT is SO popular for a good reason. Although, I'd love to try a VB-3. Peavey do make good gear.
Reliability:- never had ONE prob with my SVT, not one. & Peavey are known for their reliability also.

Immigrant · #9 08-02-2011, 08:47 PM

So, I picked up an SVT-CL today. I played it in the store (not GC, but nothing against 'em) through a used 410HLF, and was happy enough I ordered a second cab and took it home.

I hook it all up, plug my passive Schecter- identical to the one I played in the store- and it sounds great, on to step two. I turn it off, run my pedals into the -15 padded input, plug my bass into the pedals (a Sansamp & Big Muff which wasn't on), turn the amp back on and after warm up, hit the standby. It sounded like bacon frying.

Just a little at first, then enough for me to turn off the amp. I plugged straight into the -0 input with the bass, and nothing. No bacon, but no sound. The tubes were lit. I had slight hum through the cab, enough to tell me there was some kind of signal.

I called the store, and of course, no problem, warranty, blah blah. Any ideas?

I thought these were made in Viet Nam, and this says Made in Korea on the back. Is it old? I have the box it came in, so it couldn't have been on the floor that long. I hope.

Rockmusician · #10 08-02-2011, 08:51 PM

I have never liked Peavey but have had great luck with Ampeg. The only down side is that the SVT CL weighs 95 pounds. Kind of heavy if you always have to move it alone.

Dethrats · #11 08-02-2011, 08:55 PM

is the 1/4" output boost switch active on the sansamp?

Immigrant · #12 08-02-2011, 09:23 PM

Yes. I've had it hooked up this way with my other amp, an Acoustic B600H, for over a year. I seem to remember reading somewhere that pedals that go between bass and amp plug into the active input, so that's the way I did it with the SVT too.

I'm not a pro, but not a beginner either. It's really bugging me thinking I fried something, but I can't imagine what. And I can't figure the SVT is less reliable than my $500 SS head.

I know I'll get my issue resolved. But I didn't anticipate only spending 5 minutes with my new SVT powered up. The short time it worked, it was heavenly.

JimmyM · #13 08-02-2011, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Immigrant

So, I picked up an SVT-CL today. I played it in the store (not GC, but nothing against 'em) through a used 410HLF, and was happy enough I ordered a second cab and took it home.

I hook it all up, plug my passive Schecter- identical to the one I played in the store- and it sounds great, on to step two. I turn it off, run my pedals into the -15 padded input, plug my bass into the pedals (a Sansamp & Big Muff which wasn't on), turn the amp back on and after warm up, hit the standby. It sounded like bacon frying.

Just a little at first, then enough for me to turn off the amp. I plugged straight into the -0 input with the bass, and nothing. No bacon, but no sound. The tubes were lit. I had slight hum through the cab, enough to tell me there was some kind of signal.

I called the store, and of course, no problem, warranty, blah blah. Any ideas?

I thought these were made in Viet Nam, and this says Made in Korea on the back. Is it old? I have the box it came in, so it couldn't have been on the floor that long. I hope.

They were made in Vietnam between 2007-2008, and the Korean heads are newer as that's where they are made now. No idea what's wrong, but it's covered by warranty so I'd let them handle it. Could be as simple as a bad preamp tube, but since it's under warranty, no reason for you to get your hands dirty.

BTW, thanks for making me look bad

Just kidding...they're usually pretty reliable but occasionally you'll get one that goes wonky. But they have a good warranty and great CS, so I wouldn't worry too much about it...slight hiccup on the road to bliss.

JimmyM · #14 08-02-2011, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Immigrant

Yes. I've had it hooked up this way with my other amp, an Acoustic B600H, for over a year. I seem to remember reading somewhere that pedals that go between bass and amp plug into the active input, so that's the way I did it with the SVT too.

Not necessarily true...this would only be true if your pedals were grossly boosting your input signal. Otherwise plug into the +0db input.

**B-string** · #15 08-02-2011, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

They were made in Vietnam between 2007-2008, and the Korean heads are newer as that's where they are made now. No idea what's wrong, but it's covered by warranty so I'd let them handle it. Could be as simple as a bad preamp tube, but since it's under warranty, no reason for you to get your hands dirty.

BTW, thanks for making me look bad Just kidding...they're usually pretty reliable but occasionally you'll get one that goes wonky. But they have a good warranty and great CS, so I wouldn't worry too much about it...slight hiccup on the road to bliss.

hehehehehe.......I not saying a word

Immigrant · #16 08-02-2011, 10:15 PM

Yes, I'm sure I'll be taken care of. And I'm sure when all is resolved, I'll be completely happy. The 20 minutes I spent with it at the store was orgasmic. I can only imagine what the thunder will be like when the other 410HLF completes the package.

You guys were correct. The SVT has a unique signature sound; felt as well as heard. Sonic. While it worked, I found a bunch of household rattles the Acoustic never tickled.

**cheezewiz** · #17 08-02-2011, 10:58 PM

Even with the problem you initially encountered, you still made the right choice.

hrgiger · #18 08-02-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Immigrant

You guys were correct. The SVT has a unique signature sound;

sorta like hickory smoked bacon or thick sliced maple peppered?

just kidding

Immigrant · #19 08-03-2011, 06:55 AM

LOL.
If I didn't have a sense of humor, or wasn't so old, I wouldn't find any humor in this.

I saw a weapon show on the History Channel once- a gun was in development that sent a sound wave that looked like an invisible smoke ring at the target (a man) who would suffer intestinal distress and fill his diaper.

That's the same sonic signature as this amp.

craig.p · #20 08-03-2011, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Immigrant

I saw a weapon show on the History Channel once- a gun was in development that sent a sound wave that looked like an invisible smoke ring at the target (a man) who would suffer intestinal distress and fill his diaper.

I read something 20 or 30 years ago about this huge mother horn the French police have for crowd control. They run it at 6 Hz which apparently is the resonant frequency of the human gastrointestinal system.

Bill F, don't be gettin' any ideas about a Titan 96 or anything.