SVT-CL vs. SVT-CL Heritage Series

LowDown Hal · #1 06-11-2010, 11:13 AM

$1699.99 vs. $2399.99

Looking for some thoughts. Anyone actually A/B the two of them?

THANKS,

RickenBoogie · #2 06-11-2010, 05:19 PM

Made in USA with premium parts, much closer to a vintage model, no contest.

kranahan · #3 06-11-2010, 06:35 PM

only difference is tubes. buy a used one (USA) off craigslist for around $1000 sometimes even cheaper. then put the jj preamp tubes and winged-c power tubes in it and there you go. a much cheaper method.

Spencer! · #4 06-11-2010, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kranahan

only difference is tubes.

Not true. The heritage amp uses a different circuit board, different components, different tubes and different tolex. It sounds noticeably better than the the regular CL.

kranahan · #5 06-11-2010, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spencer!

Not true. The heritage amp uses a different circuit board, different components, different tubes and different tolex. It sounds noticeably better than the the regular CL.

now that's debatable...

thobbinghotrod · #6 06-11-2010, 07:05 PM

$700 dollar difference!?! In the long run you might be better off with the USA model because of re-sale.

Spencer! · #7 06-11-2010, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kranahan

now that's debatable...

Well I confirmed the above information with Ampeg employees, and I could hear the difference in an A/B test.

JimmyM · #8 06-11-2010, 07:27 PM

man, i'm dying to try one out. bass player mag said the head sounds the same as the old stuff, though. from what i've heard, the real difference is in the cab. and the styling...it really is prettier than the old ones by a long shot. the old ones are a little too much with the black. a little contrast is nice, you know? and some sparkly grill cloth.

Spencer! · #9 06-11-2010, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyM

man, i'm dying to try one out. bass player mag said the head sounds the same as the old stuff, though. from what i've heard, the real difference is in the cab. and the styling...it really is prettier than the old ones by a long shot. the old ones are a little too much with the black. a little contrast is nice, you know? and some sparkly grill cloth.

Maybe the cab is the larger factor. I A/B'd the heritage stack with a regular CL stack, and I preferred the heritage stack by quite a bit. Plus, the new grill cloth and tolex is nice. I think the best combo would be the heritage 810 with an SVT-VR on top.

ducknturtle · #10 06-11-2010, 07:36 PM

every new version of this amp the comes out promises to be a fathfull re-production of the original.

rodl2005 · #11 06-11-2010, 07:40 PM

thats the truth!! Ha ha!

The VR has been my fave so far. Followed by my own SVT2(non-pro) But I've not tried or even SEEN the Heritage series in person yet.

Buster Brown · #12 06-11-2010, 08:55 PM

Frankly, I have heard the Heritage CL with both the "regular" 8X10 and the Heritage cab (I own one), and it IS true....although I don't understand it. IMO the Heritage cab seems to make the difference. I could tell a discernable difference between the CL and the regular 8X10 as compared to the Heritage cab....but then again, it might just be my bias....I am truly in love with my Heritage cab (#44).

LowDown Hal · #13 06-11-2010, 09:18 PM

I already own a newer 810E
So I'm looking for a head to top it.

Are you saying that on the newer cabs the CL vs. CL Heritage isn't a big difference?

JimmyM · #14 06-11-2010, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LowDown Hal

I already own a newer 810E
So I'm looking for a head to top it.

Are you saying that on the newer cabs the CL vs. CL Heritage isn't a big difference?

whatever cab you use is immaterial to the performance of the head.

Noseferatu · #15 06-11-2010, 09:35 PM

A nice demo for you all to enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4E79pKZXXM

fourstringburn · #16 06-11-2010, 09:54 PM

Only a blindfold test with at least 5 players just might actually prove it, what do you think?

LowDown Hal · #17 06-12-2010, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fourstringburn

Only a blindfold test with at least 5 players just might actually prove it, what do you think?

Wouldn't that just get us six opinions ;-)

coreyfyfe · #18 06-12-2010, 10:10 AM

From what I've heard, the upgraded components, while likely lending themselves to better long term reliability and such, aren't likely to make a big difference in overall tone. The bigger difference is the heritage cab which has different speakers than the standard 810E. So, if you already have an 810E, I'd say just go with the standard SVT-CL. It's a great amp and will serve you well. You can certainly upgrade the tubes on your own for less than the $700 difference you'd pay for the Heritage model. That and if you're definitely going to get one, you could probably get a used model and save yourself some serious money.

LowDown Hal · #19 06-12-2010, 05:39 PM

What are the differences in the speakers of the 810E vs. the Heritage 810E ?