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Ampeg PF-350 or 500 for my cab?

Mas Fuego

Mas Fuego

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May 31, 2013
105
8
carlthomas.net
#1
I have an Ampeg PR-410HLF. I was using a Crown amp with pre but have to use that for something it is actually better suited for.

Now I am shopping for a new head. I don't have four figures to drop on a SVT-Pro head and was looking at the Portaflex series. I use my setup as a monitor on stage more than anything. Though I use it as house in a really small venue.

Is the PF350 grossly underpowered for this cab? Do I need the 500? Would you strongly recommend something else?

Thanks for the help.
 
#2
I think it depends on the volume level that you need. If you like the Ampeg tone, the PF series is a great choice, IMO. I have the PF350 and really like it. Plenty of power for what I do (especially when you run it through 2-15s), simple effective EQ, great Ampeg tone, and inexpensive cost wise. The PF500 gives you more EQ options and a bit more clean headroom.
Just for the record, what pre are you using Mas?
 
#4
There is no such thing as underpowering a cab. Now you might end up feeling an amp is underpowered for what you want to do, but underpowering cabs just doesn't happen.

All the PF heads are great sounding IMHO. I have a PF350 and feel no need to upgrade because it gives me plenty of volume for my needs. YMMV.
 
#9
JimmyM said:
Ya, headroom with most micros is quite welcome. Frankly, I could be talked into trying the PF800 with that cab.
Click to expand...

+1

I'd say with that cab go for more headroom. That cab has a lot of lowend and will use up a lot of the power froma 350 or 500 to push the lows. Go with th 800 you will be much happier.

They also don't have any reliability issues so far. Well at least that anyone has reported. For the record I had no issues my my PF-500 either. But I now own the 800 and couldn't be happier.

They can be had with a coupon for a little over 500 bucks. Just get the 800 and call it a day.
 
#10
Jheake said:
+1

I'd say with that cab go for more headroom. That cab has a lot of lowend and will use up a lot of the power froma 350 or 500 to push the lows. Go with th 800 you will be much happier.

They also don't have any reliability issues so far. Well at least that anyone has reported. For the record I had no issues my my PF-500 either. But I now own the 800 and couldn't be happier.

They can be had with a coupon for a little over 500 bucks. Just get the 800 and call it a day.
Click to expand...


I am running a Crown XLS 1500 which sends 1550 watts bridged. Thats at $350. The PF 500 is $399 and you can get the $50 mail in rebate on the ampeg site. The 800 is $599. If I really need the 800 I might just go with another crown.
 
#12
Nice! You'll be glad you did, I believe. Same preamp and sound as the PF500 but with more smackety due to the increased headroom. It's the reason I often use my PF350 instead of my Micro VR. They have the same preamp and same sound but there's a bit more smackety with the PF350.
 
#13
JimmyM said:
Nice! You'll be glad you did, I believe. Same preamp and sound as the PF500 but with more smackety due to the increased headroom. It's the reason I often use my PF350 instead of my Micro VR. They have the same preamp and same sound but there's a bit more smackety with the PF350.
Click to expand...

I estimate my PF 500 is rated at 1s.

What is the smackety rating of the PF-800?
 
#17
I've got the PF500 and have been very impressed by it. I believe it has a few more "bells and whistles" control wise (I'm sure Jimmy can explain the differences), but if you tend to rely more on pedals for tone sculpting I'd recommend the 350 (as its cheaper). That said, the built in compression is pretty good on the 500.
 
#19
Lank Thompson said:
I've got the PF500 and have been very impressed by it. I believe it has a few more "bells and whistles" control wise (I'm sure Jimmy can explain the differences), but if you tend to rely more on pedals for tone sculpting I'd recommend the 350 (as its cheaper). That said, the built in compression is pretty good on the 500.
Click to expand...
Glad you asked ;)

On the PF500 and 800, midrange circuit is more versatile, DI is better and more fully featured, and it's got an actual compressor instead of a one-button limiter circuit. But I never use the DI or limiter/comp, and I get the sounds I like out of the PF350, so I never bothered upgrading and saved my scratch for their tube amps. That said, I think most people would be more satisfied with the 500 or 800.
 

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