Ampeg pf 500 or pf 800?

[squire65]

Hi, I have a pf 500 which i like very much... But at the shop i could get a very convenient deal for a 800 returning the 500. Is it worth the change? Consider i don't play in large outdoor gigs... But i wonder if the 800 could fit well in a medium loud rock band...or will it be AN overkill, being it paired with pf210+pf115 cabs

 

[JimmyM]

Both sound the same, but I tried both side by side in the same cab, and I give a slight edge to the PF800. Seems to be just a little tighter and has a little more "oomph," even at lower volumes. However, it's a pretty subtle difference, I'll admit. And you're right that you won't be able to get much louder than you can with the 500 in those cabs. But it will be cleaner and much less compressed sounding when it gets to the volume point in the 800 where the 500 tops out. Some people dig that edginess to the sound of the 500, though, and have told me that's why they didn't get the 800. You could make a case either way.

 

[Just George]

Both sound the same, but I tried both side by side in the same cab, and I give a slight edge to the PF800. Seems to be just a little tighter and has a little more "oomph," even at lower volumes. However, it's a pretty subtle difference, I'll admit. And you're right that you won't be able to get much louder than you can with the 500 in those cabs. But it will be cleaner and much less compressed sounding when it gets to the volume point in the 800 where the 500 tops out. Some people dig that edginess to the sound of the 500, though, and have told me that's why they didn't get the 800. You could make a case either way.

+1....I liked the 500 a lot but I love the PF-800's Headroom, I can get a full sound with nice lows at a lower volume than I can with the PF-500. I'm using the PF-800 with my single Vertically oriented SVT-112Av and it also serves as a back up to my V4-B when I use my two Horizontally oriented SVT-112AV's.

 

[shaginwagin]

I've thought about "upgrading" my pf500 for the big brother but I never have to run her wide open and I want a new jazz bass, sooo....

But if I had the extra dough, why not???

 

[rocksmoot]

I've not played the 500 but imho the 800 is definitely all that. I've had mine for three years or so now. I'm in a medium loud four piece band and it is not overkill. Besides, when the guitar player gets cocky a twist of the knob nips that crap in the bud.

 

[mapleglo]

Another vote for the PF-800.

 

[beans-on-toast]

The extra headroom that the PF-800 affords would go well with your Rickenbacker. If you trade in the 500, you want to ensure that you are getting a full warranty on the new amp.

 

[The Chuck]

My brother has the 500 and I have the 800. We've done side by side tests and the 800 has the edge.

The sound is identical for all intents and purposes. The 800 just gives you more of what you need IMO.

 

[Conor&Bass]

I am thinking of getting one of these to pair with a pf410. I am playing a musicman stingray in a band that usually just puts vocals in the pa so need to match guitar and drums volumes. I have heard varying reports, some suggesting that the pf500 gets a bit thin if it is pushed. Any opinions or recommendations from those with experience of the pf500/800 would be good

 

[Lync]

I owned a 500 and now own an 800. Truthfully I thought the 500 sounded a little better (maybe hitting the sweet spot at playing volume?). It is nice to have the extra headroom though.