SVT3 vs SVT7

dereksilloway · #1 06-16-2011, 11:49 PM

Hope there isnt a similar thread (did some searching and didnt see it)

So im going be purchasing a new Ampeg amp. I have a choice between the 3 and the 7.

Ive heard great things about the svt3 ibut im slightly worried about the power rating. Id be playing it primarily through a 8ohm cab meaning itd be putting 275watts out. Now for the price id be paying im slightly apprehensive about that. I mean is that going to be enough for downtuned death/heavy metal?
This is where the 7 comes in. Im way more comfortable with 600 watts.

Im coming off of using a Mesa M2000 head for like 6 years so ive been kind of used to lots of power so I guess basically, are my worries unfounded? Will svt3 be able to meet my power demands (and be able to handle another 4x10 I will be adding) or should I go with the 8?

Thanks guys!

rodl2005 · #2 06-16-2011, 11:59 PM

Go for the higher powered one. 7 Pro. I've heard many good reports about that amp.
The 3 Pro is a great amp, but I'd be worried re headroom, running it at 8 ohms.
If adding another 8 ohm cab, then the 3 Pro would be fine. But having plenty of power on tap is comforting. & u can always add another cab with the 7 Pro, so that gives you a lotta options & power capability

JimmyM · #3 06-17-2011, 12:16 AM

The 7 Pro is the best sounding hybrid I've ever heard, so that one would be a no-brainer for me. I used to have a 3 Pro, and it's a very good sounding amp, but I think these new micro designs are better and sound much closer to the all-tube ideal (well, ideal for me). I don't much care about wattage, but I do care about tone, and the 7 Pro has the tone I like whereas the traditional iron transformer amps don't quite get it for my tastes. If I was made of money and wasn't so satisfied by my vintage tube amps and my Micro VR, I'd buy a 7 Pro.

dereksilloway · #4 06-17-2011, 12:27 AM

Jimmy, its interesting you say that. Part of my aprehension is that I just bought a PF500 for much less then the 3 and with more power. This is kind of what started this whole thing really.

And the two responses so far seem to reinforce my idea of wanting the power. I feel better financially taking that route anyway!

JimmyM · #5 06-17-2011, 12:51 AM

Ya, in your case, downtuning and playing metal, watts would be a good thing as long as you have a cab rig that can handle it.

jlt5x · #6 06-17-2011, 07:45 AM

I had the 3 and liked the tone but it was a
Tad underpowered. I have the 7 now and
Really like it. Great ampeggy tone and enough
Headroom

Livewire · #7 06-17-2011, 07:58 AM

I've heard a few stories on TB about the SVT 7 failing after a few months... Any thoughts?

JP Morin · #8 06-17-2011, 08:11 AM

I had an svt3 for many years and switch it for an svt4 because I wanted to plug two 4 ohms cabs and needed more power...(I play metal down tuned to C) The svt3 had a better sound than the 4 because of the tube drive stage (another tube stage after the preamp before the power) which I like, just a little more gritty... but I'll go for the 7 for the power...

**BullHorn** · #9 06-17-2011, 08:17 AM

I was interested in the SVT7 as well but was worried that no cab actually fits it... Part of the Ampeg sound is the Ampeg cabinet. What did you guys do with this issue?

JimmyM · #10 06-17-2011, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Livewire

I've heard a few stories on TB about the SVT 7 failing after a few months... Any thoughts?

Seems to be limited to the very first batch of 7 Pros.

JimmyM · #11 06-17-2011, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BullHorn

I was interested in the SVT7 as well but was worried that no cab actually fits it... Part of the Ampeg sound is the Ampeg cabinet. What did you guys do with this issue?

You turn the amp down to a point where it's safe for the cab.

tombowlus · #12 06-17-2011, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Livewire

I've heard a few stories on TB about the SVT 7 failing after a few months... Any thoughts?

These were likely all "Rev A" units. Ampeg is now on "Rev C" for the 7Pro, and I have played both the A and C versions. I am relatively confident that the Rev C 7Pros won't see these same type of issues.

In general, I'm a big fan of the 7Pro. It has a lot to offer, seems to be fairly rated (power-wise), offers a great feature set, and manages to be both relatively light and extremely durable. In all honesty, I'd probably say the tougher question is 7Pro versus PF500. That PF500 isn't quite as meaty or rich, but it gets quite close, is almost as loud, costs a lot less, and is both more compact and more lightweight.

Tom.

**cheezewiz** · #13 06-17-2011, 12:57 PM

I see no reason to buy a 3 over a 7. The 7 is cheaper, more powerful, sounds better (to my ears), and is lighter.

dereksilloway · #14 06-17-2011, 03:12 PM

I agree with everyone! Today I ordered my SVT7! I appreciate everyones words and you made my purchase easy and confident.

And Tom, good thing I have both huh?!

tombowlus · #15 06-19-2011, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dereksilloway

And Tom, good thing I have both huh?!

Absolutely! And yeah! Someone finally gets me!

rodl2005 · #16 06-19-2011, 08:47 PM

Ha ha ! :-)
Dunno whether anyone will ever get that carpet tho ;-p