Ampeg PF500 Fault Light

[Govier966]

As I was setting up my PF500 for a potential buyer to try out tomorrow, I decided I should play it one last time. I powered it up and started playing. Shortly after powering up the amp started cutting in and out and then went into protection mode.

Does anyone have any advice on how to proceed in a situation like this? Mind you I was planning to sell the amp. It's better it failed the day before my friend bought it rather than the day after. However it's still very frustrating.

This is a 2014 which I bought refurbished from Ampeg Direct in late 2016. I've used it maybe 25 times at loud volumes and regularly at practice volume. I thought that this was worked out but apparently not.

 

[BogeyBass]

2 to 3 years sounds about right for a PF (Probably Fail) series amp

151 bucks for new board
And however many tech labor hours

 

[Govier966]

Any reason I can't swap the board myself? it seems to be just a few connectors linking it up to the preamp and output section.

 

[BogeyBass]

Might as well change it yourself, or if you can diagnose the part/parts that are putting up a fuss. And fix the board

 

[JimmyM]

Any reason I can't swap the board myself? it seems to be just a few connectors linking it up to the preamp and output section.

Basically that's what it is. If you can operate a screwdriver and remember where the connectors go, not a problem.

 

[Govier966]

New board has been ordered. I'm tech savvy enough to replace some connectors but probably not to diagnose the failing parts.

 

[Joeylaguna]

I bought a PF500 new last week. I just died the other day. I turned it on and I heard a pop. It’s still on but no sound. I tried unplugging everything, using a different amp, etc... the PF500 is DOA. The company I ought it from has a great return policy. I love the tone but damn... there seems to be a lot of chatter about these things failing.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Welcome to Talk Bass Joey.

If the company you bought it from has a good return policy I suggest you avail yourself of it.

What speaker cabinets did you have it plugged into and what were the Impedance(s). SpeakOn or 1/4” Phone plug?

 

[Joeylaguna]

Welcome to Talk Bass Joey.

If the company you bought it from has a good return policy I suggest you avail yourself of it.

What speaker cabinets did you have it plugged into and what were the Impedance(s). SpeakOn or 1/4” Phone plug?

The cab is an Ampeg HE115. 8 ohms. I am using the 1/4 input. I used Sweetwater. No hassle at all. They are sending me an advanced replacement which is really nice. We’ll see how it goes. They assured me that that will take care me. I just hope that there is not some sort of inherent quality issue with Ampeg. I love that sound.

 

[BassmanPaul]

Get yourself a SpeakOn cable. Phone plugs are only good up to a couple of hundred watts and then only marginally. It’s possible that a poorly inserted Phone plug speaker cable caused the amp to shut down.