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Ampeg pf-800 update: shut down!
- Thread starter versicolor
- Start date
I’ve got a Yamaha combo from 1976 that is still going strong.
OTOH - my PF500 has never quit either.
I bought one made by Gator that was pretty good. A little big back to front, but it protected it well.
Everything you can possibly buy he's a lottery where some work and some don't.
Hey Guys,
Bumping this. I got a heck of a trade offer on an old bass for a PF800 and a PF410-HLF. I was told he bought it earlier this year. I have done a bit of research and few folks are saying revisions D and on are fixed. Is this true, or are there still issues with the newer models?
Thanks,
Bumping this. I got a heck of a trade offer on an old bass for a PF800 and a PF410-HLF. I was told he bought it earlier this year. I have done a bit of research and few folks are saying revisions D and on are fixed. Is this true, or are there still issues with the newer models?
Thanks,
It's the early versions of the PF-500 that were notorious for cutting out or shutting off, and that was supposedly remedied by Ampeg in the newer versions.
This thread is the only one I'm aware of where someone has complained of the shut down issue with a PF-800. If you aren't in a situation where you'll need to push an 800 watt amp to it's literal limit, then you'll probably be fine.
Well I went ahead and made the trade. Much too warm/vintage sounding for me and pretty muddy with my A4. That said it sounded killer with the P I swapped it for. After getting a YBA100, I've got to say nothing compares to an all tube amp 
NBD I should be able to flip it for a decent profit vs what I was asking for the P. I jammed with it for about an hour last night at gigging volumes and no shutdowns/excessive heat.
NBD I should be able to flip it for a decent profit vs what I was asking for the P. I jammed with it for about an hour last night at gigging volumes and no shutdowns/excessive heat.
I just bought a Pf800 and two Pf115 cabs (Jan. 2021). Took it to jam, and it shut down right away (2/3 volume 1/3 gain). Came back on a minute later. Shut off a second time. Then no probs for the next hour and a half. Needed to get broken in??
I also noticed it fades in and out at low volumes at home.
IDK. Like others here, tone and portability are great. But that doesn’t matter if it’s going to shut down at a show.
What would be close to the Portaflex series with generally much better reviews on quality? Which Ampeg heads/cabs have the fewest complaints?
Regardless of whether or not some people (or most) have had no issues with these, there are still “loads” of similar complaints about shutting down — enough to make me want to look elsewhere :-(
I also noticed it fades in and out at low volumes at home.
IDK. Like others here, tone and portability are great. But that doesn’t matter if it’s going to shut down at a show.
What would be close to the Portaflex series with generally much better reviews on quality? Which Ampeg heads/cabs have the fewest complaints?
Regardless of whether or not some people (or most) have had no issues with these, there are still “loads” of similar complaints about shutting down — enough to make me want to look elsewhere :-(
Thanks! Checking that out now. Reviews seem much better. The XLR says “line in” though. Is that really a “line out”?
The XLR on a BB800 is a line out. Not sure where you saw line in, maybe the other bass amp they sell? Lots of love for the BB800 on TB, do a search for the club.
Ashdown are also ampeg-like, but my experience with them is limited. More reliable than Ampeg, tho.
Ashdown are also ampeg-like, but my experience with them is limited. More reliable than Ampeg, tho.
Ah. Sorry. It’s the 802 that has an xlr line in. Just saw a video of guys complaining about this. A special adapter is needed for the 802. Will have to check out the 800.
There are two amps I recommend without hesitation: The Quilter BB800 and the Mesa Subway D800+. Both solid state, both with a tube vibe, both crazy powerful, both crazy lightweight.
I'm sorry to say this because I like the history of Ampeg, but I wouldn't go near one now. That said from experience. The PF heads are unreliable, and the cabs are boomy. IMHO.
I'm sorry to say this because I like the history of Ampeg, but I wouldn't go near one now. That said from experience. The PF heads are unreliable, and the cabs are boomy. IMHO.
All good stuff. Thanks so much for the reply!
I’m talking with Sweetwater now about returns. They’ll take the head back for the cutting out issues. Not sure if they’ll take the two PF115 cabs “just because” they sound terrible at high volume. We’ll see.
I really like Ampeg tone, but it seems like they’re cutting corners here. Just so
many people complaining about cutting out.
I’m not sure how Ampeg-y I can get the Subway 800, but they seem to have far fewer quality issues than Ampeg’s stuff. Hopefully my Tech21 VT would get it close.
Thanks again!
