Ampeg heads, which one?

[sidd_laroy]

i was looking around and found 4 different ampeg heads that were used that caught my eye. However, most of them are way too far away for me to go and try out, so i was hoping to get some help. any details about them would be greatly appreciated.

B5R
SVT 450
B2R
Svt-400t

all of the heads are around the same price.

 

[JimmyM]

None of them. Sorry, but all-solid state is not what Ampeg is best at. But if you decide to get one anyway, the B2R and SVT 450 are the same amp...the 450 just looks nicer.

 

[tom once dead]

save some more and get a 3 Pro if you want to go ampeg. Or get one used, they usually go for around $500 I think.

 

[WildTrkey]

None of them. Sorry, but all-solid state is not what Ampeg is best at. But if you decide to get one anyway, the B2R and SVT 450 are the same amp...the 450 just looks nicer.

They aren't even good at tube anymore. To the OP though, I would look into used SWR, new Hartke or St. Louis Era Ampeg SVT PRO's.

 

[svtscruggs]

i had a SVT 400T...it was a very versatile amp...biamp-able and plenty loud with a nice tube-ish sound and feel...its not a real SVT by any means but it will for sure get the job done...you can find them cheap too!

 

[cubby6708]

I would go Aguilar DB750...honestly!

 

[ricksy]

I would go Aguilar DB750...honestly!

+1

 

[Bongolation]

None of them. Sorry, but all-solid state is not what Ampeg is best at.

I'll remember you said that next time you start praising the B-100R!

the B2R and SVT 450 are the same amp

No, that's the SVT-350H = B-2R.

 

[rodl2005]

yeah B2RE = SVT450H in SVT-CL clothes not great. Look at either a 3PRO or a 2nd hand all tube Ampeg- V4 V4b/H or SVT-CL
outta the ones U mention B5R if U have to.

 

[emesen]

Been on the fence with Ampeg for awhile... Do I? Do I keep my GK? I wouldn't waste my time with anything less than a CL. Our rehearsal space has it... it's no hi-fi amp and I can get more range out of my GK, yet it is loud and for the most part clean and it'll drown out my prima donna guitar players at about half volume. All those Hybrid and solid state ones are a waste of time and money. Our space also has at B2-RE and it's not worth anything. CL or nothing. +1 to the dude that mentioned the Aguilar or SWR. I do love my GK 1001-RB II as well

 

[waleross]

The B5R is discont. , I already have the B2r, 450 and a used 400T(has a problem but got from Ebay at 349.00)it is a solid unit and I'm keeping it as a back up once its cleaned up. the other comments are correct about ampeg solid state vs tubes. I tried a B-stock SvT-Cl ($950)a true monster but the fan was "too loud for me" and the whole unit was in need of TLC, so I sent it back. If you want a dependable back-up "solid state unit" then the svt-450 is the one. I recently got the Svt4-pro(Hybrid) and ($1300) it is very quiet at start up(not like the CL which sounded like a Honda Generator) and runs my 810 and 410hl..no problem. Now I'm not playing these hard or gigging with them but what i'd do is follow the other suggestions , save your money and look around at the other makes ..try them out if possible....

 

[Bongolation]

The noise from the Ampeg 24V fan is indeed impressive.

 

[sidd_laroy]

thanks for the help everyone, but the likelihood of me being able to afford anything more than any of those heads is unlikely. none of the heads i listed are going cost me more than 300 used, and because i'm a college student, i can't really afford much more than that.

 

[JimmyM]

I'll remember you said that next time you start praising the B-100R!

No, that's the SVT-350H = B-2R.

Oops on the second one, but the B100R overcomes its solid stateness somehow. I think it's the cab mostly, but it's been a while so it might have a better head than those others.

 

[Rick_no7]

There are so many better options at 300 IMO.

Be patient and look beyond just a single popular brand name. Good Trace Elliots can be found at that price, and 250 Trace watts will blow away most things that are twice that wattage.

On the new end, you aren't terribly far from affording a good Carvin amp. That BX500 is nice lookin, light weight, and tons of tone options.

 

[Rickett Customs]

They aren't even good at tube anymore.

And right there, I disagree with you sir, especially after owning a VR...........

 

[stiles72]

Oops on the second one, but the B100R overcomes its solid stateness somehow. I think it's the cab mostly, but it's been a while so it might have a better head than those others.

Jimmy's actually right - the SVT-450 is the same as the B2RE. The B2RE was upgraded to 450 watts from 350 at the same time the SVT-350 got bumped up.

http://www.ampeg.com/products/b/b2re/index.html

 

[AmpegNut]

Ok, what's the sweetest ampeg amp for these two cabs..svt-210he & svt-15e. I want to stay in the 600-700 price range. ideas? I basically was going the svt-450h way due to the fact that they look nice together and the wattage was ample. And yes, as you can tell, I'm learning here Jeff

 

[EricF]

I would go Aguilar DB750...honestly!

+1

Although I agree with both of you, I think the DB750 is just a bit outside the OP's price range.

 

[Phalex]

I played through and Ampeg rig last night. I didn't like it. It was really weak. I couldn't hear myself over the singers monitor and the drums. (Maybe it has more to do with the singers monitor and the drums?)