SVT Classic VS SVT 2PRO

whitespike · #1 10-31-2011, 01:06 PM

I haven't used a classic in a while, but after discovering that my V4 is no longer enough power for the crowds we play I started using my guitar player's SVT2PRO. At first I was bummed bc these things IMO are freaking ugly (prefer the look of vintage or reissue). But I think I like the sound better, because of the graphic EQ perhaps. Thoughts?

Gearhead17 · #2 10-31-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whitespike

I haven't used a classic in a while, but after discovering that my V4 is no longer enough power for the crowds we play I started using my guitar player's SVT2PRO. At first I was bummed bc these things IMO are freaking ugly (prefer the look of vintage or reissue). But I think I like the sound better, because of the graphic EQ perhaps. Thoughts?

What cab are you currently using?

The 2 PRO and the Classic are nearly the same thing. The 2 PRO has more versatility in the tone department and both can get the Ampeg tube growl. The 2 PRO however, can get tube growl at lower volumes along with getting even more growly at higher volumes.

When I owned the 2 PRO, I was able to run out of headroom quite fast since I always boosted the low end below 150hz. I highly suggest you do not increase the low end at all and leave the EQ sliders and the bass knob at the "neutral setting". This will allow you to get more headroom out of the head.

Bassoballs · #3 10-31-2011, 01:57 PM

I personally think the 2-pro is the better of the two.

pan1k · #4 10-31-2011, 02:09 PM

whats a reasonable price to pay on a used SVT 2 Pro?

Gearhead17 · #5 10-31-2011, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan1k

whats a reasonable price to pay on a used SVT 2 Pro?

$800 to $1200 depending on the condition. PLAY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT. It's a heavy head and very easy to drop or have one of the 14 tubes get destroyed.

NKBassman · #6 10-31-2011, 05:07 PM

I played a 2PRO and a CL side by side at practice a few months ago, and IMO they sounded almost identical.

meatwad · #7 10-31-2011, 05:13 PM

The tubes that happen to be in any all-tube Ampeg makes the greatest difference over the type of head it is, IME. I have a CL, and love it over any other SVT of any type and era that I have owned or used.

That said, generally speaking and with the right tubes, I would probably take a 2-PRO over a CL. I like the graphic eq they have, and would prefer to have everything all in one rack, if possible.

JGR · #8 10-31-2011, 05:21 PM

They share the same power section, but their preamps are totally different designs. I prefer the more stripped down nature of the CL; the II pro has a lot of extra crap going on in the preamp which seems to make the tone more murky and compressed, not to mention added noise. That said, I'm certain there are some great tones to be had with either.

Tadsworld · #9 10-31-2011, 06:49 PM

I have an SVT Classic (first generation: 1994) that I used on the road for 15 years. It has been a work horse and completely indestructible. I don't have any experience with the Pro so I guess I have nothing to add as far a comparative knowledge but I will say this: Whenever I have had to use a back line with the CL they were very consistent in the tone. These things are well built and quality control is excellent. If you have a strong back or someone else moving your gear (god bless 'em) I would choose the classic.

flyingfinbar · #10 10-31-2011, 09:18 PM

Love my IIpro!

There is a "drive" knob that isn't present on the CL. I zero it out completely and let the tubes break up more naturally when playing at high volume. Lower volumes? Dial in some drive!!

JimmyM · #11 11-01-2011, 12:12 AM

I'd get the CL because it's a little cheaper

And I really don't need a 10 band.

whitespike · #12 11-01-2011, 03:17 PM

SO, I've played around with it a bit more. Seems like the tone I have really liked includes disabling the Graphic EQ. And I already have this head BTW just dont have a classic to AB with it. Eventually I will either buy it from my bandmate or get a Classic. Just wondering what ya'll prefer.

I have left the drive at 12 oclock so far (half way up?). Will try moving that around at different volumes....

whitespike · #13 11-01-2011, 03:19 PM

Gearhead, I am using an early 70s 4x12 AMpeg V4 cab.

packhowitzer · #14 11-01-2011, 03:26 PM

My 2pro is my flagship head. I love it like a child. I do find my self gigging more often these days with my 4pro+sansamp RBI as a lighter alternative. The last time I gigged a CL was in 1995 or 96. I don't remember liking it nearly as much as I like the 2pro. However, I was much greener then and may not have been using it to its fullest potential. It was a borrowed head and I had never used a tube amp before. I don't remember how i set it, I just remember not being wowed. Nowadays, i'd be thrilled to own a CL, but not if it meant losing my 2pro!

pan1k · #15 11-01-2011, 04:14 PM

im scared. i have an svt 8x10e right now with a Sovtek 100watt tube head. I'm trying to decide if i should man up and get a svt2 next year or wise up and get a smaller cab / one of these mini heads. Transportation being an issue (i drive a jetta) And I'm not currently gigging much.

dukeorock · #16 11-01-2011, 04:19 PM

The 2 Pro is one of my all time, if not my all time favorite bass head...if you don't need the eq, don't use it and you have a CL, but, if you do, it's there

AWESOME amps...sure not quite as 'cool' in the vintage sense to look at...that's still the one I'd get if I were going down that road.

Alex1984 · #17 11-01-2011, 04:26 PM

Between the 2 Pro and the CL, I'd take the CL for the simplistic front end and the form factor. The 2 Pro will probably be a bit more versatile, but I don't like screwing around with the EQ too much, and the CL has enough tones for me.

But I'd take the 2 non-pro over either anyday.

dukeorock · #18 11-01-2011, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex1984

Between the 2 Pro and the CL, I'd take the CL for the simplistic front end and the form factor. The 2 Pro will probabl be a bit more versatile, but I don't like screwing around with the EQ too much, and the CL has enough tones for me.

But I'd take the 2 non-pro over either anyday.

YES!!! That's actually what I meant in the first place...I've only owned a couple SVT's...one was good, one sucked, but I've used hundreds in festival backline situations. I have no desire to lift anything any heavier than I need to these days apart from all my cabs, which I still can't find a workaround for...If I were thinking of getting an Ampeg, I'd just tell JimmyM what my application is, then buy the one he tells me to get...dude knows his stuff when it comes to Ampeg

JimmyM · #19 11-01-2011, 07:48 PM

Thx for the vote of confidence, Duke...I think the OP is on the right track with the CL, though. Sounds like that's what he wants. The EQ of the 2 Pro is nice to have but not really necessary for me.

dukeorock · #20 11-01-2011, 07:50 PM

There it is...do that!