Ampeg PF350/500 Part V

[shredhead68]

I started out with just a PF210HE when I bought my PF500 but recently added a PF115HE and I love it ! Plenty of power, no problem hearing myself in the mix (playing with 2 guitarists - each with half-stacks and an INSANELY loud drummer) and it's performed flawlessly. Never even a hiccup. I like the 210 on top with the 115 underneath it. I can't say enough how pleased I am with this rig! PLus, I scored the whole setup for less than $900 total. Smokin' deal IMO.

 

[TheOnlyJuan]

Nothing wrong with buying used the cabinets look really nice and clean! Saving money is a good thing!

If you would have told me that years ago, I would have called you crazy but I do agree with you. I finally pulled the trigger on the 115 and I am glad that I did. Thanks!!

 

[wyattharris]

+1 Greg,
This, and the audio in (MP3) jack might be my two favorite features on this amp. I unplug the cab, run my Ipod into the audio in jack, plug in headphones and rock at volume without disturbing anyone. I live in a tiny third floor apartment, so my neighbors probably really appreciate this feature as well.
My bass instuctor sends me home with audio files for homework every lesson and this has simplified my practice sessions greatly.
An added note, my first PF500 arrived damaged in transit (looked like a forklift had punctured the carton). One of the rack ear-type guards on the face had been snapped clean off and the whole front/top right side corner was bashed in so badly that the headphone jack was now pointing up and out to the side diagonally instead of straight on. It was delivered on the Friday of a holiday weekend so I couldn't return it for a few days, but even with the massive damage it had incurred, it still played like a champ! I sent it back of course, but I was impressed that, even after taking a shot like that, it still performed flawlessly.
I agree that more of us with success stories should speak up here on TB. I think these amps have got a bad rap, and I think it's unfortunate and maybe undeserved. Yes, there have been some problems, but that's to be expected from any new product on the market, espcially electronic components. From what I understand, literally hundreds, if not THOUSANDS of units sold here in the States alone, and while there seems to be a prevalence of users voicing complaints here on TB, I'd bet if someone were to sift through all 5 parts of this thread and count them up, the actual number of users reporting failures would likely be pretty low in reality. (a dozen or so ?)
Not to minimize the frustration of those who have encountered a lemon, but let me say from my own experience - this is a FANTASTIC little amp. Monster tone for a solid state head, plenty of tonal options, cool features like the ones I mentioned above plus loads more, sturdy construction, really good looking design, relatively lightweight and compact, great price. The two cabs essentially make a modular half-stack if more volume is needed than the single cab can provide, and at 40-some pounds, sure beats shlepping a 410 around; plus, raises the top cab off the ground and closer to ear level where it's much easier to hear than if you're beaming your sound at your knees like a 410 on the floor would.
I love mine and couldn't be happier! If you're considering buying one, don't let a few genuinely dissatisfied users scare you off. Most of the negative comments are probably just haters anyhow (imagine that, here on the Internet). Haters are gonna hate but I'd recommend playing one and if you dig it like I do - get it. You'll quickly discover why it was the top selling bass amp of the year right out of the gate and if you should be unlucky enough to get one with issues, Ampeg's cutomer service has been stellar in taking care of folks with problems and I have no doubt they'll contine to do so.
Much love for the PF Series from this TBer.

Now, forgive my ignorance, but isin't it bad to run the amp without the cab plugged in?

 

[60bass]

Now, forgive my ignorance, but isin't it bad to run the amp without the cab plugged in?

Usually not with solid state amps. Don't ever try it with a tube amp unless you like smoke and fire!

 

[JimmyM]

Nope. SS amps are almost all fine without it. The only one on the market these days that isn't is the Warwick Hellborg power amp because it has an output transformer. Tube amps have an output transformer that requires being hooked up to a speaker load or they will blow if you put sound through them for too long. SS amps, except for the Hellborg power amp and a small handful of esoteric 60/70's designs, have no output transformer, so no problem using them without a cab.

 

[wyattharris]

Nope. SS amps are almost all fine without it. The only one on the market these days that isn't is the Warwick Hellborg power amp because it has an output transformer. Tube amps have an output transformer that requires being hooked up to a speaker load or they will blow if you put sound through them for too long. SS amps, except for the Hellborg power amp and a small handful of esoteric 60/70's designs, have no output transformer, so no problem using them without a cab.

This is why i love talkbass. I learned something new today, thanks!

 

[wyattharris]

And wow, that headphone output really does clip nicely with my jazz bass.

 

[Dymond-]

I know that this thread is devoted to the Ampeg PF350/500 and I hate bringing in another brand but this is an update to my earlier post regarding my acquisition of a GK 115MBX to go atop my GHK 410MBX. I had asked several questions pertaining to my 500 and how it would push my GK stack. Well, I just got the 115 today and I practiced for about an hour (my neighbor is a teacher and she gets home early from summer school.
Anyway, I tried the amp with the 115 alone and then paired with the 410. I heard no discernable "strain" coming from the 115 (I also only had the volume at 11:00 position so that may explain things). I rather like the extra surface area of the 115 as it gives me a deeper sound so overall things are kind of great. If anything changes or I have any problems, I will be sure to ask you guys (of course I am referring to the amp head and not the cab).
P.S. - Check out the rig!

Nice! I can't even imagine having to practice around your neighbors schedule though

 

[Spectrum]

Now, forgive my ignorance, but isin't it bad to run the amp without the cab plugged in?

The user's manual for the pf500 specifically states that running it with no speaker load is okay.

 

[TheOnlyJuan]

Nice! I can't even imagine having to practice around your neighbors schedule though

It's not that bad especially since I am not working right now. It allows me to play as loud as I want without bothering anyone (besides, she is the landlord's sister and I don't need any drama). However, when I DO start work, I have a small practice amp for the weekdays and will still be able to light it up on the weekends. I also have headphones so I can pretty much practice when I want. It's just the rig that I have to schedule. I think I have all the basses covered. Did I miss anything?

 

[Jeff_K]

I run two PF115HE cabs and a PF500. Had no problem at all with cutting out.

Well, I hope this is the case when I get my PF115LF.

Speaking of which, I am getting seriously annoyed at GC (what else is new, right?)! I ordered my PF115LF on Friday evening (I say "ordered" because God forbid they stock in the store anything worth owning), and so far all I've gotten is a tracking number that says the UPS label was printed.

 

[JimmyM]

Speaking of cutouts...I went store hopping today...cranked the PF500 insane for a minute or two...did not cut out. Tried a few other micro amps as well...including a couple from a very well respected brand. The 500w model worked great. The 350w model worked great through the 410 cabinet made by the same company and distorted and kept going into protection mode even at low volumes when using a 112 neo also made by the same company. The 112 worked fine with their 500w amp, but went back to distorting and cutting out with the 350w amp. This amp also cost nearly twice as much as the PF350 and they're made in the US.

What's my point? My point is that manufacturing defects can happen to any amp no matter who makes them or where they're made. I would no sooner fault this company for having a faulty design than I would Ampeg. Stuff happens.

 

[GRAHAM SG1]

I would like to mention that my PF500 is still going strong, not one sign of a cut-out
Great little amp and a very worthy little brother to my Streamliner 900

 

[BIG97BEN]

I am right there with you. My PF500 is still rocking out like it's supposed to.

 

[roskuski]

I just went past one year with my PF500/PF210. No cutouts at all.

 

[pgk]

+1 I had a rattle on the PF cab that I ported, and found I had to tighten down the allen bolts holding the grill. After that it was fine.

Recently just did two nights in a row with my PF stack - and had no issues. Kept the comp at 9:00, gain around 11:00, and never had the master above noon. The second ported cab gave me more than enough extra umpff to not need to push the amp hard at all.

stiles, how did you port the cabs? any pics?

 

[dbd1963]

I wonder if someone can answer two questions for me:

1. How many watts does the PF-500 push at 8 ohms? Can't find that info.
2. Would there be a big difference between using an ampeg 115 PF cab and, say, and older Avatar 115 I have?

I like the sound I'm getting, but man the PF cabs look sweet.. I think it would upgrade the stage a bit, but I worry there's a downside I don't know about.

 

[Jeff_K]

I wonder if someone can answer two questions for me:

1. How many watts does the PF-500 push at 8 ohms? Can't find that info.
2. Would there be a big difference between using an ampeg 115 PF cab and, say, and older Avatar 115 I have?

I like the sound I'm getting, but man the PF cabs look sweet.. I think it would upgrade the stage a bit, but I worry there's a downside I don't know about.

The PF-500 is 300 watts at 8 ohms, and 500 watts at 4 ohms (it's in the manual).

I don't know what your old Avatar cabinet is rated at for wattage, but the PF-115HE is rated for 450 watts at 8 ohms, and the PF-115LF is rated for 400 watts at 8 ohms.

As far as sound, I'm sure it'll be similar, but having the matching cabinet(s) for the head sure looks sweet!

 

[SkiFor3]

stiles, how did you port the cabs? any pics?

He has a seperate thread on the mods he did. I would link but am on my phone. Search for PF115HE mods. He goes into good detail with pics.

 

[dbd1963]

The PF-500 is 300 watts at 8 ohms, and 500 watts at 4 ohms (it's in the manual).

I don't know what your old Avatar cabinet is rated at for wattage, but the PF-115HE is rated for 450 watts at 8 ohms, and the PF-115LF is rated for 400 watts at 8 ohms.

As far as sound, I'm sure it'll be similar, but having the matching cabinet(s) for the head sure looks sweet!

Thanks for the quick reply. I looked in the manual yesterday and didn't see it, so I went back to look in other places and bam, there it was in the rear panel illustration. In my defense, I couldn't find my glasses and the words are small..

One more question, because I don't understand a thing about matching heads to cabs -- how close to the cabs rating do you want to get to get the most out of the amp for that cab?

The Avatar has an Eminence Kappa in it, and it must be at least 10 years old. It doesn't say what it's rated, but if it's the 15A (and I think it is) it would be 450 watts, which makes me think the amp is underpowering it with only 300 watts. But I feel certain that's not the right way to look at it.

And yes, I do pine for the look of the PF line. It's pretty wicked sweet.