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Ampeg pf 500 or pf 350

#21
I liked the simplicity, affordability and reliability of the PF-350. I read too many horror stories about the PF-500 and even if the problems have been addressed by Ampeg, the resale value on them is pretty much toast forever.

I use the 350 with a 1x15 Ampeg B200-R cabinet and it has that B-15-ish warm, full, round tone for days, with much more volume than you would expect. It's certainly worth your time to try one out. For $299, it's one of the best amp buys out there.

It's very easy to dial in your tone, Sometimes simple is better!
 
#23
I've owned both, and currently have a PF800. The PF350 is stone reliable and sounds somewhat like a B15. That is about all it does, though. The PF500 is more like an SVT, although it can cop the B15 vibe fairly well, too. I normally always go to the simpler solution (P Basses instead of Js, for instance), but in this case, the PF500 is still quite simple. Ampeg have solved the reliability issues, so I wouldn't hesitate to get one if I were going to keep it. However, if you are going to sell in a year or two, get the PF350, as it will hold its value better, never having had any reliability issues. If you can swing it, get the PF800 or a new (after Rev. C00) SVT-7Pro. Both have that SVT sound (especially the -7Pro, it sounds more like an all-tube SVT than any other SS or hybrid head that I've ever used or heard), both are reliable, both have more power than most people will ever need, and the PF800 has no history to overcome.
 
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#24
I also own a PF800, PF500's big brother.
For the extra features and extra headroom, I would choose the PF500 and would use it IMHO with a PF115HE or PF210HE. Because IMHO they are matched/designed for eachother.
I get compliments all the time from drummers AND guitarplayers.
It's a warm Ampeg sound you can tweak to your complete satisfaction.
For mounting a PF head on a PF cab, Ampeg has made a You Tube video, quite easy!
And all of that ofcourse IMHO and IME and listen to your own ears!
 
#30
That makes it a really good question as to whether it would be enough for you. Obviously, DIing into a PA takes a lot of pressure off you to be slammin' it, but if you find yourself slamming the Working Pro hard to get levels right, I wouldn't get the PF350. If not, then you'd likely be fine with it.
 
#31
High Camp said:
I also own a PF800, PF500's big brother.
For the extra features and extra headroom, I would choose the PF500 and would use it IMHO with a PF115HE or PF210HE. Because IMHO they are matched/designed for eachother.
I get compliments all the time from drummers AND guitarplayers.
It's a warm Ampeg sound you can tweak to your complete satisfaction.
For mounting a PF head on a PF cab, Ampeg has made a You Tube video, quite easy!
And all of that ofcourse IMHO and IME and listen to your own ears!
Click to expand...

I bought a PF-500 when they first came out, and I love it, but if I knew they were going to make the PF-800, I would have waited for it. I don't think the HE cabs, (even two of them) are adequate for the PF-800. I got a good deal on a PF-115LF, and it handles the 500 a lot better than the 115HE cab. If I was buying this stuff today, I would go with the PF-800, and two PF-410HLFs.
 

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