Switching SVT's...

[Fullmetal]

Ok so I bought my first Ampeg (SVT 350 with a 4x10 cabinet) and I was impressed with the sound. After taking it to practice, it seemed to hold up ok but when taking it to a gig it didn't stand a chance. It just doesn't have the output I need, it's not pushing out the 350 watts promised.

So I was looking to trade and upgrade, and I do like the Ampeg sound but I need more output (and more grit, which the 350 doesn't provide, but I can still get an ok tone). Within my price range at the moment is the SVT-3 Pro and the SVT-7 Pro. I could probably push for an SVT-6 Pro. I'm just looking for suggestions as to which to go for. I'm looking for a beefy low end with some middy punch, and high output.

Some reviews would be nice / anyone with experience with any of the above mentioned amps.

I'm currently using a Fender MIM Deluxe Jazz if that means anything :P

Many thanks.

[Dubista]

Why not try one of the classic series heads? Svt cl or av

[eyeballkid]

the 3 is pretty solid and Ive used it in some LOUD projects.. the 6 blew up on me.. and others!..

[Fullmetal]

Originally Posted by Dubista

Why not try one of the classic series heads? Svt cl or av

The classic heads are waaaaaaaay out of my price range. Plus, they are heavy as sin. The SVT Pros are a bit more lightweight and back friendly.

Although the SVT CL does sound incredible, it's just not in my price range.

[Dubista]

Fair enough. Have you considered having more speakers? Ie another cab?

[Fullmetal]

Originally Posted by Dubista

Fair enough. Have you considered having more speakers? Ie another cab?

The cab I have is 1000 Watt capacity (I think). If I'm trying to push out 350 watts, surely another cabinet would just be splitting the output (which is already too low). And for what it's worth, if my cabinet can take 1000 watts, surely I should be giving it more of a push?

[kranahan]

Try running a 4 ohm load. Will be much louder.

[KramerBassFan]

More speakers = more volume.

Plain and simple.

I bet those 350w would be just fine if you doubled your speaker area.

[EricF]

Originally Posted by Fullmetal

The cab I have is 1000 Watt capacity (I think). If I'm trying to push out 350 watts, surely another cabinet would just be splitting the output (which is already too low). And for what it's worth, if my cabinet can take 1000 watts, surely I should be giving it more of a push?

What is the ohm rating of the cab? If it's an 8 ohm cab, you're not getting at all close to the full potential out of your amp. The handling capacity (watts) is nearly meaningless in this instance.

EDIT: The wattage rating on the cab has NOTHING to do with how loud it will be. It's only an approximation of how many watts it will take before the speakers start to have issues. Give us some more specifics about the cab - brand, model, configuration.

[Fullmetal]

Originally Posted by EricF

What is the ohm rating of the cab? If it's an 8 ohm cab, you're not getting at all close to the full potential out of your amp. The handling capacity (watts) is nearly meaningless in this instance.

EDIT: The wattage rating on the cab has NOTHING to do with how loud it will be. It's only an approximation of how many watts it will take before the speakers start to have issues.

I've just checked, the ohm rating is 8ohms, so I'm not quite getting full power.

However, looking at the SVT-7 Pro, it has 600 watts into 8ohms. Plus youtube videos show that it has the more gritty sound that the SVT-350 can't provide. So which would be the better option? Upgraded head or upgraded cabinet?

[JimmyM]

Originally Posted by Fullmetal

However, looking at the SVT-7 Pro, it has 600 watts into 8ohms. Plus youtube videos show that it has the more gritty sound that the SVT-350 can't provide. So which would be the better option? Upgraded head or upgraded cabinet?

cab. cheap head + great cab = great sound. great head + cheap cab = crap sound.

[Fullmetal]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

cab. cheap head + great cab = great sound. great head + cheap cab = crap sound.

I always thought it would've been the other way around :S Well I'll look into it.

[EricF]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

cab. cheap head + great cab = great sound. great head + cheap cab = crap sound.

^ This. Cab, for sure.

Although the SVT-350 is not one of Ampeg's best amps, through a decent cab, they can sound pretty...well...decent. Connect that amp to a 4 ohm load (1-4 ohm cab, or 2-8ohm cabs) with more speaker area, and you'll get a LOT more out of it. If you want more grit, try adding a pedal like the SansAmp VT Bass to your setup.

[DERECOLA]

Get the svt-6 pro, I love mine.

[waleross]

You don't have to buy a fridge 810E but and Ampeg 410hLF would do the trick.............I bought a used SvT400t and it soulnded great through an HLF...............