Ampeg PF500/PF350 Pt II.5

[coreyfyfe]

Since I alraeady have the Micro VR and the PF350's a Micro VR with 350w, I have a feeling I'll like it

The voicing is pretty different IMO, at least with the PF-500 vs micro-VR. The PF seems much smoother, more low-mid voiced. It gets barky like the micro-VR when you bring it up, but I think the PF (again, at least the 500) is a much rounder/smoother sounding head than the micro-VR. I only had them congruently for a few days, and these are certainly my subjective opinions, but I definitely didn't get the same vibe from the two.

 

[JimmyM]

The voicing is pretty different IMO, at least with the PF-500 vs micro-VR. The PF seems much smoother, more low-mid voiced. It gets barky like the micro-VR when you bring it up, but I think the PF (again, at least the 500) is a much rounder/smoother sounding head than the micro-VR. I only had them congruently for a few days, and these are certainly my subjective opinions, but I definitely didn't get the same vibe from the two.

Really? At the store it didn't seem much different to me. But I guess we'll see in a day or two

 

[tombowlus]

The voicing is pretty different IMO, at least with the PF-500 vs micro-VR. The PF seems much smoother, more low-mid voiced. It gets barky like the micro-VR when you bring it up, but I think the PF (again, at least the 500) is a much rounder/smoother sounding head than the micro-VR. I only had them congruently for a few days, and these are certainly my subjective opinions, but I definitely didn't get the same vibe from the two.

While my experience is limited to the Ampeg room at Winter NAMM, it did seem to be that the PF-350 sounded more like the Micro-VR than did the PF-500.

 

[carl h.]

When I gave up my hard earned money, I thought what the 500 brought to the table for an additional $100 was a bargain and didn't think twice about it.

It was going to be a head for small to midsized gigs running an SVT15E, but now it gets all the gigs except the smallest. It does a nice job powering a pair of SVT410e cabs, and looks good perched on top of them too. I've got more power available, but I haven't needed it, and the PF is so much easier to haul around.

 

[guillermohands]

Hello guys , I'm new here , I'm from Venezuela (latin america) , i have like 2 weeks reading your comments about the different amps who are kicking asses right now on the market xD because I'm going to get a new set up ,i used to play an SWR workingman's but i really don't like how it sounds then i had an Ampeg ba115 and i really love that sound , but i really need something louder and better , i'v been listening different amps by youtube because here in venezuela we don't have samash , GC or big music stores xD so i can't try all the amps i wish .

i play a lot of funk - hip hop, latin funk, pop-rock also reggae with a band and with other band some Merengue , salsa , cumbia ,bachata ,and latin music in general. so i need something very versatile .

I'm going to U.S.A in 2 weeks and i have on first option this PF500 but i really don't know if i should buy a Portaflex cab or something like the B410hlf or a 410 classic for midsize gigs. i need a very clear solid tone and punchy at the same time , i guess Ampeg can offer me that versability i need ...

I'm open to all of your opinions and sugerences

Sorry about my english

 

[SkiFor3]

Hey my very first post! Here is my PF story:

So I have had an SVT-400T and a SVT115 cab for a while and my head had been shorting out on me so I decided it was time for something new. I went to the local GC to check out what they had. I saw the PF-500 and PF-210HE right a way and started checking it out. I checked out the PF-300, SVT7RPO and a MarkBass (the sales people were pushing the markbass) head as well. I loved the SVT7PRO but thought I got more bang for my buck with the PF-500. So I took the plunge on it.

I already had my 115 cab so I wasn't planning on getting a new cab but with it on sale and the rebate I decided to go with the PF-210 as well. They didn't have a PF-115 so didn't even get to check it out.

My impressions so far:
After lugging around that damn SVT400T for ages (2power amps in that thing); I am very happy to have the PF. I liked the versatility the built in EQ on the SVT gave me but the PF is overall a better sounding head. In comparing the PF-210 to my SVT115; the 210 is a fuller, warmer tone. Especially the low end which I couldn't believe.

I haven't daisy chained my cabs together yet but want to try this out and see how it sounds. It sounds like the consensus believes it is better to have 2 of the same cabinets. Eventually I will probably sell my 115 cab and buy another PF-210 cab.

 

[Nuno A.]

Do you need to change the fuse to change voltage or you need only to switch on the amp back knob? i need a head for touring and i was considering this one..
thanks in advance.

 

[JimmyM]

I'm going to U.S.A in 2 weeks and i have on first option this PF500 but i really don't know if i should buy a Portaflex cab or something like the B410hlf or a 410 classic for midsize gigs. i need a very clear solid tone and punchy at the same time , i guess Ampeg can offer me that versability i need ...

You will be able to make a 410 go a good amount louder than a 115 or 210. The Portaflex cabs can go pretty doggone loud if you need them to, and one of them might be plenty for you, but there's no way of knowing for sure until you try one out. A 410 is a pretty sure thing that it will cover what you need, though.

And I also believe that Ampegs are very versatile. I use my Ampeg stuff on a number of different types of music...oldies, R&B, swing and rockabilly, hard rock, light jazz...always sounds great to me and the folks I work with.

 

[76Dub]

Played a PF350 and PF500 through a PF210 yesterday and both sounded great. I'm amazed how good the low end projection was with the 210. What a great little cab

 

[coreyfyfe]

While my experience is limited to the Ampeg room at Winter NAMM, it did seem to be that the PF-350 sounded more like the Micro-VR than did the PF-500.

Well then, there we have it.

 

[johnnyvon]

Had practice last night through the pf500 and 2 x 210pf. Ended up turning the compressor off and had the gain at 1 o'clock bass 11 mid 1 and treble 1. Sounded good. I am going to experiment a bit more though. Overall pretty happy sounded a lot fuller than what I had going on before.

 

[Tmonsterdog]

Hi guys! Ordered my PF500 from ZZounds yesterday! Should be here friday!

 

[60bass]

Hi guys! Ordered my PF500 from ZZounds yesterday! Should be here friday!

Congrats you will love it! I love mine it nails that sweet tone through my two Hartke HX-115 HyDrive 15's.

 

[f.c.geil]

Hi guys! Ordered my PF500 from ZZounds yesterday! Should be here friday!

Been going around and around with the decision on a new amp, and finally pulled the trigger on a PF500 from Zzounds about ten minutes ago. I got the last one, too, so everyone else just has to suffer.

 

[silentmike]

Do you need to change the fuse to change voltage or you need only to switch on the amp back knob? i need a head for touring and i was considering this one..
thanks in advance.

I'm also interested in this. I couldn't find any info in the manual about fuses, so I'd guess you just need to slide the switch over. But if anyone has any more info, I'd like to hear it. Not that I have any immediate plans to take mine abroad...

 

[AmpegUSA]

I'm also interested in this. I couldn't find any info in the manual about fuses, so I'd guess you just need to slide the switch over. But if anyone has any more info, I'd like to hear it. Not that I have any immediate plans to take mine abroad...

You just need to slide the switch. No fuse changing needed.

 

[rodl2005]

Hello guys , I'm new here , I'm from Venezuela (latin america) , i have like 2 weeks reading your comments about the different amps who are kicking asses right now on the market xD because I'm going to get a new set up ,i used to play an SWR workingman's but i really don't like how it sounds then i had an Ampeg ba115 and i really love that sound , but i really need something louder and better , i'v been listening different amps by youtube because here in venezuela we don't have samash , GC or big music stores xD so i can't try all the amps i wish .

i play a lot of funk - hip hop, latin funk, pop-rock also reggae with a band and with other band some Merengue , salsa , cumbia ,bachata ,and latin music in general. so i need something very versatile .

I'm going to U.S.A in 2 weeks and i have on first option this PF500 but i really don't know if i should buy a Portaflex cab or something like the B410hlf or a 410 classic for midsize gigs. i need a very clear solid tone and punchy at the same time , i guess Ampeg can offer me that versability i need ...

I'm open to all of your opinions and sugerences

Sorry about my english

Welcome to you and Ski43

& your English seems better than many who speak it as their only language
I totally agree with Jimmy, Ampeg are as versatile as you can get with any well made, quality bass amp.
I play everything from country, to rock, funk & jazz & every Ampeg I've ever owned has worked fine.
I recently got a 7 pro & am loving it.
Sure a 410 will go louder than either a 115 or a 210, but imo & if possible, think about getting both the PF210 & PF115. Gives you lots of options as well as volume.
Whether both these cabs would be as loud as a 410...... Well IMO, they would easily get either louder or as loud. + I love 15"s.

 

[markorbit]

I decided that I miss a 15 and the PF-115HE was just too sexy to ignore for the price. It arrived this morning, haven't gigged it yet and only messed with a Micro VR head on top in the home so far.

I'm quite amazed at how well put together it seems, the black-checked Tolex is gorgeous, the flip-brackets are cool and black, the dampening material inside fits well and having read early reports on the castors I was expecting a weak point. Well, these just slot right in to caps on the inside of the cabinet so it appears that Ampeg listened to field reports and fixed them. I'm well impressed.

All in all this is one lovely looking cabinet and won't look out of place in the home or at the gig.

As soon as it passed my inspection I decided to order the PF-500 head. I'm not sure what to expect from the head as whilst Ampeg have managed to put out the cabinets at a great price point I'm not sure if the heads are really going to cut it as first choice amps. The Micro VR is great for the money but more money can buy better tone.

Let me say though that I have a vague plan to sit the Jule Monique on top and maybe use the power amp in on the PF-500 so I'll have the tube goodness going in. The PF-115 looks FANTASTIC just with a Jule Monique sat on top for a modern authentic B15 vibe. I may even look for a tiny class D power amp that I can possibly even hang round the back or something, out of the way. Had a quick look and BOSE do one called the Packlite which is designed for bass but it's only 250w.

Top marks to Ampeg on the cab though. It's a beauty.

 

[suddenlysane]

I currently have a Hartke HyDrive 5210c (LH500 head) sitting atop an HX115. I'm dying to try a Micro VR, PF350 or PF500........or even an SVT7PRO (big stretch, i know). Anyone have any idea or thoughts on what any of those would sound like through my 2x10"/1x15" HyDrive setup? I haven't had time to go to the local Sam Ash (closest thing to me) and try it myself.

Might the Micro VR sound good through either the 2x10s or the 1x15? Or try the PF series instead?

I don't NEED any of them. I'd just like to give Ampeg amps a try here at the house. And seeing JimmyM's status now I'm more inclined to buy something Ampeg.

 

[f.c.geil]

I tried a PF500 through a 2x10 HyDrive today, and was amazed. That setup really sounded great. Had I not just bought a SWR Goliath III 4x10, I'd have thought long and hard about going that route. JimmyM's right, Ampeg rock.