Ampeg PF-350 vs SVT Micro VR

[High Camp]

Everything but that fan.



100%. It’s gonna break my heart to send it back, but I’ve ordered a PF-350 for comparison. Hope you’re right about them sounding the same, because the Micro VR makes a godlike thunder in my little studio!

You won't be disappointed!

 

[Gary Bratton]

You won't be disappointed!

Well, the pf-350 is here, and I am a little disappointed. But just a little...I’m pretty sure it’s staying.

I just prefer everything about the Micro VR, except for the fan noise. The pf-350 is not completely silent, but it’s quiet and easy to ignore. Also, it sounds fantastic on its own, when I’m not going back and forth between the two. The VR just seems to have a little more girth to the sound. I guess it’s the power section.

They both sound like an Ampeg, and with a p-bass both deliver that perfect rock and roll growl. So, I’m pretty happy with it. I’ll compare them a little longer, but the VR is definitely going back.

Thanks,

Gary

 

[Jim C]

Thanks for these reviews. I had the micro CL which sounded good but I didn't realize it wasn't as powerful as the VR when I bought it plus I didn't care for the cabinet.
I never see the PF500 and 800 compared to the micro VR presumably because of the pre amp design being different. Sounds like class D sounds exactly like MOSFET in this case.

So here's a loaded question. I never thought that the 3 or 7 Pro sounded all that much like my SVT-CL.
Does the PF350 or Micro VR get closer?

 

[Gary Bratton]

Sounds like class D sounds exactly like MOSFET in this case...Does the PF350 or Micro VR get closer?

I definitely wouldn’t say that. Apparently the preamp of the pf-350 and the micro VR are the same, so it must be the power amp that I prefer in the micro VR. It has more grit, and definitely sounds much more pleasing overdriven IMHO. I’ve seen it mentioned elsewhere that MOSFET does very effective tube emulation (but is also apparently the reason the micro VR needs such a powerful fan, so it’s a blessing and a curse...)

I’m not qualified to address the other questions, but when it comes to the mini SVT’s, the VR seems to almost always get better reviews than the CL.

My experience is limited, but I would say if you’re able to play loud enough that the fan doesn’t get in the way (or it just doesn’t bother you) but the power is sufficient, I would highly recommend the micro VR. And apparently it gets even better with two cabs.

Gary

 

[Jim C]

Just a shot in the dark but anyone have any experience comparing the VR to a GB Streamliner?

 

[Gary Bratton]

One last thing from me, here:

Has anyone successfully replaced the fan in the micro VR with something significantly quieter? That’s my last ditch effort to try to keep the amp I want instead of compromising, even if the compromise is just fine.

Anyway, I’m in the middle of combing through all the threads here about it. I’ve seen people mention it in passing, but not yet found any success stories. So I thought I’d throw this out there, just in case...

Thanks,

Gary

 

[Sparky Mark]

One last thing from me, here:

Has anyone successfully replaced the fan in the micro VR with something significantly quieter? That’s my last ditch effort to try to keep the amp I want instead of compromising, even if the compromise is just fine.

Anyway, I’m in the middle of combing through all the threads here about it. I’ve seen people mention it in passing, but not yet found any success stories. So I thought I’d throw this out there, just in case...

Thanks,

Gary

The fan on the VR is bolted directly to the upper rear panel. If you can put rubber washers on the four fan mounting screws either side of the rear panel it might reduce the noise caused by the fan vibrations. Basically see if you can add a damper between the fan and whatever it is mounted to; it might reduce the fan noise and is a simple cheap thing to try.

 

[Gary Bratton]

So I have decided to just do the obvious thing and send the Micro VR back and keep the pf-350. I’m a little bummed, but I’ll get over it.

The differences seemed less significant last time I compared them. Who knows how much of this is psychological? Using the DI they were almost identical...I guess that’s just the preamp.

I did, by the way, find one specific mention of switching out the fan for something quieter:

Ampeg svt-vr---fan too loud???! - Music Electronics Forum

Looks promising. I was pretty tempted to try it , but I wasn’t able to quickly and easily track down the fan mentioned and don’t really know enough to try to track down something comparable.

Just not worth it when the pf-350 sounds close enough.

Thanks y’all,

Gary

 

[jeff7bass]

Well, the pf-350 is here, and I am a little disappointed. But just a little...I’m pretty sure it’s staying.

I just prefer everything about the Micro VR, except for the fan noise. The pf-350 is not completely silent, but it’s quiet and easy to ignore. Also, it sounds fantastic on its own, when I’m not going back and forth between the two. The VR just seems to have a little more girth to the sound. I guess it’s the power section.

They both sound like an Ampeg, and with a p-bass both deliver that perfect rock and roll growl. So, I’m pretty happy with it. I’ll compare them a little longer, but the VR is definitely going back.

Thanks,

Gary

So even though you prefer almost everything about the VR, you sent it back and kept the 350? I really didn't notice the fan much when I played it. The 350 didn't have the same attack, like the compressor was always working even when disengaged. The VR had more magic.

 

[Gary Bratton]

So even though you prefer almost everything about the VR, you sent it back and kept the 350? I really didn't notice the fan much when I played it. The 350 didn't have the same attack, like the compressor was always working even when disengaged. The VR had more magic.

No compressor on the 350, but I totally agree that the VR has the magic. I love the way that little thing sounds, but the fan drove me crazy. I have a small semi-soundproofed “studio” in my basement, and it’s very quiet. I would eventually get used to it, but then whenever I turned it off, it was like “ahhhhhhh...” I just couldn’t deal with it. Sadly...

 

[jeff7bass]

No compressor on the 350, but I totally agree that the VR has the magic. I love the way that little thing sounds, but the fan drove me crazy. I have a small semi-soundproofed “studio” in my basement, and it’s very quiet. I would eventually get used to it, but then whenever I turned it off, it was like “ahhhhhhh...” I just couldn’t deal with it. Sadly...

I has a limiter. That's what I meant. I see what you mean about the studio. I used my 350 for a couple of rehearsals but it just couldn't keep up without the limiter squashing the signal. When I tried the VR at GC I cranked it up good and there was no squashing. Since I was at GC and there was other noise, I didn't notice the fan.

 

[Gary Bratton]

I has a limiter. That's what I meant. I see what you mean about the studio. I used my 350 for a couple of rehearsals but it just couldn't keep up without the limiter squashing the signal. When I tried the VR at GC I cranked it up good and there was no squashing. Since I was at GC and there's was other noise, I didn't notice the fan.

Well dammit, thanks for making me question my decision! I do still have it, it’s not too late...

 

[jeff7bass]

Well dammit, thanks for making me question my decision! I do still have it, it’s not too late...

it’s not too late to WHIP IT!

 

[DaveDeVille]

... i had the PF-350 , sold it and bought the Micro VR .
the fan is a little noisy in a quiet room , but with the band ,
it make no difference , IMO .
i also use my Tech21 VT Bass pedal , just to juice it up a bit .
for me , it's the better amp , no question ...

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

So I'm looking to get the SVT-210AV cabinet and I see that the SVT Micro VR head is available as a package deal with the cabinet, but looking at the PF-350 head it appears to be the same price with more wattage.

My question is, what is the difference (other than watts and form factor) with the two heads? Does one have different sound than the other? I've never owned an Ampeg product so I can't really compare it to anything I have.

It would seem to me that the additional wattage in the PF-350 would be beneficial if I add another 210 cabinet in the future.

The difference is power and tone. I far prefer the micro. It's pretty real. The pf us a good low power solid amp though. But, it sounds more sterile. It will get louder though. And the micro doesn't like 4ohm loads, where the pf doesn't care. Either or is a good choice.

 

[DaveDeVille]

... And the micro doesn't like 4ohm loads, where the pf doesn't care. Either or is a good choice.

really ??
my Micro runs great under a 4 ohm load ...

 

[Gary Bratton]

I hate all you people!



Gary

 

[JimmyM]

Gun to my head, I really can't tell a difference in sound between the Micro VR and PF350.

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

really ??
my Micro runs great under a 4 ohm load ...

Well, you got very lucky then. They peak out, and run hot. I've had two of them. My old one did it, my new one does it. But, you can crank it to any volume with zero problems at all with an 8ohm load.

 

[Gary Bratton]

Boy, you guys have really got me questioning my decision again...

It seems silly to keep the PF when I prefer the VR.

It seems silly to keep the VR when the fan drives me crazy.

It seems silly to be so indecisive.

I know if I get rid of the VR I will always miss it and the PF will seem like a second choice that doesn’t quite fit. Maybe I can deal with the fan. Maybe I can find a replacement that is quieter. Then again...maybe not. Sigh.

(Yes, I drive myself crazy...)