Ampeg B2RE

Yeah, it's good.

 

Oh, I can't tell you if that one is good, based on condition and wear, but its a good head.

 

Yeah, they sound great, in my opinion. If you want some idea of what tone to expect, check out this YouTube vid by Mateusz Piotrowsky, which goes through a whole host of Ampeg rigs, one of which is the B2RE.

They all sound great to me but I think the B2RE is one of the best of the bunch on this particular video anyway.

 

Me, I love Ampeg but I think the B2RE is just OK. I wouldn't pay $300 for one when you can get an SVT 3 Pro used for only a little more.

 

D'ya know, personal preference and all but on that video particularly, I found the SVT3 Pro sounded exceptionally lifeless in comparision to absolutely every other model featured.

I guess if you want super clean, then a 3 Pro could be your bag. Saying that though, I'm sure I've heard grit from a 3 Pro elsewhere...

 

Just an opinion here, but most folks these days seem to be looking for a value for the dollar kind of thing. That is fine. One easy way to do that is to visit one of the more popular sites like GC, or Reverb. Do a general search under a general brand or model that you are looking for, and search price low to high. In other words, if you have x number of dollars to spend, what can you get for that amount of money. Most of the major companies especially Ampeg have PDF copies of their owners manuals available online for free. Just taking a few minutes to look at this stuff can give you overall power, features, size and weight. Also when buying used regardless of whether it is online or not keep ALL factors into the equation. Initial price, shipping, taxes, and ESPECIALLY whether you can return the item or not, if it turns out to be not what you are looking for. Pretty easy here to be “penny wise and pound foolish “. You usually get what you pay for in the long run. I have a whole room full of Ampeg heads and Cab’s. I usually chase the more obscure stuff, but that’s just me. If I had to live my life over again, which I do not, I would look at something like an SVT 3 Pro. Been around a fair number of years, proven track record etc. Leave yourself some “options “ on the Cab’s to be able to mix and match as needed. There are always some great deals out there on used gear, so have some patience, and do your homework. Do as you please, just some advice. Best of luck.

 

Well having spent much time playing through both, I can tell you that both can be set to your liking, but if that's what you got out of that vid, it's a pretty inaccurate representation. But no one amp is for everyone, and if the 3 Pro isn't to your liking, they have others. Or you can get the B2RE, too. I'm not saying don't get it. I'm just saying I wouldn't, and I wouldn't pay anywhere near $300 for one.

 

I had a B2R and it was OK, but there are better amps to spend $300 on.
It was solid sounding, but not as loud as a Gallien Krueger 8000RB with similar wattage rating, I know the B2RE has a bit more juice.
The fan always ran and was fairly noisy, the XLR had pre/post and -20dB switches but no ground lift.
Lived in a rack an never gave me any problems...but, I much preferred the Eden Traveler that replaced it.

 

What type of music do you like to play @Hendo2511 ?

 

The B2Re is a great U.S. made no-frills amp that is built solid and reliable. I'd say the sound is fairly neutral with the exception of having a fast solid-state response compared to other Ampeg tube and hybrid models. They take pedals fairly well and can get a grind distortion sound when pushed. In my opinion, these are great beginner amps for gigging musicians who want to feel the dynamics of a rig beyond a combo amp, at a price that won't break the bank.

If you're looking for a warmer tone, the graphic EQ is key to getting the most of out it. You can even cop a nice GK 400RB sound out of them if you coax the preamp enough. If the amp is clean and well taken care of, I'd happily pay $300 for it. The Ampeg SVT 3Pro is a great amp as well but, examples in that price range are typically well worn and high mileage.

It also has a power amp in/preamp out on the back to experiment with other preamps or vice versa. As I mentioned, it's a great amp if your new to rigs that aren't combo amps.

 

I have b2re head that i use with my swr goliath sr (610 cab) i like the sound and very versatile amp. The band i was in played progressive rock and metal music.
I gave 100 bucks for it and has been a great investment.
It is my 2nd b2re head but i never really used the first 1.
I have traveled with this setup and it has stood the road test for 4 years.
They sou d good in small clubs or bigger clubs, but you usually are mic'd up or line out to FOH

 

I own that head, but by a different name...the SVT-450H. Same exact amp but stuck into a vintage looking enclosure. As far as the Ampeg solid state versions go, it's not bad and I like mine alot. But I also got it in VG condition for around $200, which in my opinion is a more accurate value for that head. I run mine out of a SVT-410HLF and I really like the sound of it. Of course, every amp should be "test driven" to see if you like what it has to offer. That's my two cents.

 

I had the B2R, the first model with 100 watts less. Terrible head. Very cold sounding, did not sound warm and Ampeg-like at all. I would not recommend it. $300 is not too great for a B2RE. I just found the B2RE on Reverb for $200. Ampeg B2-RE 450-Watt Rackmount Bass Amp Head | Reverb