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Amp Choices

dpaulb

dpaulb

Sep 10, 2014
294
206
56
Springfield, Missouri, USA
#1
I have several used amp heads in mind to purchase.
Ampeg SVT-3 Pro.
Eden WT 400.
Eden WT 550.
Eden WT 500.
Euphonic Audio iAmp 600.
SWR Bass 350.
SWR SM 400.

As for speaker cabinets:
Ampeg SVT 410HE for the SVT 3 Pro.
Eden D210XST for the Edens.
Not sure for the Euphonic Audio and SWRs.
Possibly a Bag End S15 if Eden, Euphonic Audio or SWR.

I want tight non-muddy low end, non-harsh high end.
 
#7
I have an SVT-3PRO and I like it a lot, the all-tube preamp is great. Two things to keep in mind when you check one out:
  • Turn up the gain knob until you get the LED labeled "PEAK" to flash. That doesn't mean clipping, it means the signal level is adequate to make the tube preamp sound sweet. Your active bass may be able to light this even with the gain turned down, there's a tube stage and signal level sensor before the gain control.
  • Play through it at a fairly low level on the master, and listen for a faint buzzy distortion that's always present. It's a sign the power amp bias needs to be adjusted (tech work unless you really have relevant skills, very easy to blow it up). If the bias is low, not only do you get that distortion but it may lose a little bit of low-end meat. Mine definitely sounded better after proper adjustment.
 
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#8
First, I think the Ampeg solutions might be closest to your goals based on my experience, and Ampeg + Fender is just a classic match-up that works very well. I agree with BassmanPaul that the SWR stuff will require access to a very capable tech who can work around parts availability issues. If you go that route, the SM400 really benefits from teh use of a HPF to prevent "too much low end" from robbing headroom and muddying up the sound. Finally, Eden cabs always worked well with my SM400S.
 
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#9
Al Kraft said:
First, I think the Ampeg solutions might be closest to your goals based on my experience, and Ampeg + Fender is just a classic match-up that works very well. I agree with BassmanPaul that the SWR stuff will require access to a very capable tech who can work around parts availability issues. If you go that route, the SM400 really benefits from teh use of a HPF to prevent "too much low end" from robbing headroom and muddying up the sound. Finally, Eden cabs always worked well with my SM400S.
Click to expand...

Harder to find parts for SWR than the others?
 
#11
dpaulb said:
Harder to find parts for SWR than the others?
Click to expand...
Difficult to say...that SWR head has been out of production since the 1990's I think and the company has been gone for years. Good original schematics are available on line and a capable tech should be able to make intelligent substitutions. I think the real trick is finding a good tech who is competent working in creative territory.
 
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#14
dpaulb said:
I am well aware. I have done my research. Bassists never buy used amps? Guitarists do it.
Click to expand...
I still have my SM400S, but if it died and was beyond repair, well let's just say for a "daily driver" it's like owning Packard automobile - super cool, but finding parts and getting repairs isn't going to be as easy as getting a used Honda Accord or Toyota Camry serviced. I think buying used is a great option, I'd just go for something where the company is still in business and finding parts and competent service doesn't require a herculean feat or phenomenal luck.
 
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#16
mmbongo said:
Why not a modern amp?
Click to expand...
...or if vintage just appeals to you, how about something like a GK RB series series head? I've been a bass player since the 1970's and can assure you that some of the newer gear is everything the old stuff was (and in many cases much more) with less weight and size.
 
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#17
I have a Euphonic Audio and even after 4 years, it impresses me more and more. The 4-band fully parametric EQ plus the contour switches for each band gives you unmatched flexibility for dialing in sounds. The amp is tight and punchy.

I tried several other brands before I bought it and it was hands down better. Leland Sklar is right -Euphonic Audio is phenomenal.
 
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#18
dpaulb said:
I have several used amp heads in mind to purchase.
Ampeg SVT-3 Pro.
Eden WT 400.
Eden WT 550.
Eden WT 500.
Euphonic Audio iAmp 600.
SWR Bass 350.
SWR SM 400.

As for speaker cabinets:
Ampeg SVT 410HE for the SVT 3 Pro.
Eden D210XST for the Edens.
Not sure for the Euphonic Audio and SWRs.
Possibly a Bag End S15 if Eden, Euphonic Audio or SWR.

I want tight non-muddy low end, non-harsh high end.
Click to expand...

Try each one out and see what you like
 
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#19
Al Kraft said:
I still have my SM400S, but if it died and was beyond repair, well let's just say for a "daily driver" it's like owning Packard automobile - super cool, but finding parts and getting repairs isn't going to be as easy as getting a used Honda Accord or Toyota Camry serviced. I think buying used is a great option, I'd just go for something where the company is still in business and finding parts and competent service doesn't require a herculean feat or phenomenal luck.
Click to expand...
I understand.
 

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