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Ampeg Heads

P

peasandpotatoes

Feb 7, 2005
316
2
36
Orlando, FL
#1
I'm kind of thinking about getting a new head. Currently I have a gallien Krueger 800RB on top of an Ampeg 8x10E. I was considering getting a svt3-pro, but i was wondering if u guys think i should bite the bullet, save up and get either a svt-cl, svt-ii, or a svt-2pro (essentially any all tube head). My question how does the gallien krueger compare to the svt-3pro, and whether it would be better to get the three pro or go ahead an save up for the all tube head. I play like screamo/ experimental stuff. (ROCK)

lata, conner
 
#2
The 3Pro has a pretty bad reputation for being underpowered. Its also a hybrid head, and while that warmer than the GK its not going to have the real juicy amepeg tone fo the all tube ones.

If that's the sound you're after then save your money for the real deal, the 3pro will probably be a disappointment on both levels.
 
#4
Tash said:
The 3Pro has a pretty bad reputation for being underpowered. Its also a hybrid head, and while that warmer than the GK its not going to have the real juicy amepeg tone fo the all tube ones.

If that's the sound you're after then save your money for the real deal, the 3pro will probably be a disappointment on both levels.
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Depends on the cab. I can blow the back wall down with my 3Pro and Schroeder 21012.

And the tone is among the best out there.

As always, YMMV.
 
#6
Tash said:
But its not the same as an all tube head, and it sounds like that is what he's really after.

And you could blow the back wall down with a Behringer ultrabass through that schroeder :)
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Frankly, I prefer the tone of the 3Pro to a number of the (non-Ampeg) all-tube heads I've owned in the past. Having snapped it up used for $350, it is one of my best finds.

But it's safe to say that he needs to audition all the heads he's considering, and determine which he likes best.

Like I said, YMMV. One player's trash is another player's treasure.
 
#8
i just got a 3-pro and run it through an eden 212xlt. the head is plenty loud and i don't have everything turned up all the way. i think the thing with this head is you have to tweak it a bit to get the volume you're looking for. one thing i can say after playing lots of different amps, the tone is phenomenal. btw, i play in a loud punk/hardrock band and cut through fine.
 
#9
jambassist said:
i think the thing with this head is you have to tweak it a bit to get the volume you're looking for.
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Yep. Most specifically, that master vol slider over by the graphic EQ section.

But I think it is safe to say that, if someone likes the tones this head can give, they MUST pair it with a highly sensitive, and preferably 4-ohm, cab, or the headroom can be disappointing. I've farted around with mine, connecting it to other cabs, and I do understand the complaints about lack of headroom.

But when it's tied to my Schroeder, your Eden or some other cab that does a lot with fewer watts..... better bring the ear plugs..... ;)
 
#11
Ive got the SVT II (old one, non-pro, late 80's), i like it but think it needs new/better pre tubes, either way with the graphic EQ on its sweet as hell, only gripe is i wish it had a pre gain so i could get a nice tubey overdrive when practicing in the house, where not many people appreciate you turning it all the way up to get some power section OD, mwahahahaha . . . aaaaanyways, basically what these guys have been saying, 3 Pro is too quiet, i'd personally say got for either an older SVT II or the SVT II Pro (avoid the older types of SVT II Pro, some of them have faulty tube protection circuits that mean they cut out alot for no reason), both are rackmountable aswell so that makes them better :smug:

If you could get a few blue lights in one aswell, then, well, need i even say it?
 
#13
the volume of either head is about the same, imo the gk is a little louder, but the svt3 has good tone if that's the tone you're looking for. it is fairly versatile, but it always sounds a little bit ampegish to me. (imagine that) i would probably stick with your current head if it's doing the job. the gk is a very simple layout and requires minimal tweaking, but the svt3 has so many tonal options that it's easy to screw up your sound. good for some people but dialing in a room will take some time till you get used to it. it has a fair amount of power but when you slide those bass freqs up it runs out of steam fast. (any amp will do this to some degree) try the svt3 out with your rig (preferably with a band) and see what you think.
 
#14
I run an SVT3 with my 6x10 with no adjustment on the graphic volume. I boost 80hz and drop33hz tot eh ground to give mroe head room...barely and cabs produce 33hz anyway. master volume at 3/4 with a compressor and Im killing to guitairsts and a drummer onstage and at ractice in any room. but now I jsut got the Classic and another 8x10 cab...everyones about to go deaf.
 
#16
The 3 pro is a pretty loud amp. I used one for years in a loud three piece thrash band and never had volume problems. In my experience it just takes a little time to dial it in for the best tone/volume ratio. Most people just push in the ultra low button and crank it up which will make everything fart out before you can reach a decent volume level. I used mine with an SVT 410HE + SVT 15E.

Have you considered an SVPCL preamp + poweramp combination? To me the SVPCL sounds better than all of the Ampeg pro series amps (I have not heard the 6 pro yet) & closer to the classic/vintage sound than any of the pro series. If you pair an SVPCL up with a QSC or the like, the total cost will be about the price of a 3 pro.
 
#17
8mmOD said:
Have you considered an SVPCL preamp + poweramp combination? To me the SVPCL sounds better than all of the Ampeg pro series amps (I have not heard the 6 pro yet) & closer to the classic/vintage sound than any of the pro series. If you pair an SVPCL up with a QSC or the like, the total cost will be about the price of a 3 pro.
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That is definately a viable option.

also.... you say you play "experimental" music... so why not do some experimenting with amps? Go out and find a place that carries the SVT 6Pro and give it a test run. It seems like it was constructed in response to the common theory that the 3Pro is too quiet. If it turns out to be perfect for you, maybe you should invest... but the only downside is that you wouldnt be able to find one used.

If you opt to go all tube, make sure you know what your going for. I'd avoid the 2Pro and look for an older SVT-II. If you feel like you wish to try the Cl, then give it a test run and see if you can dial in something in the ballpark of what you want your tone to be, just to be a little on the safe side.
 

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