Ampeg SVT-350H or Ampeg V-4BH

if i remember corredt the 350h is a solid state mosfet head. the v4b is an all tube head. i'd go with the V4B

 

Yeah, the 350 is just the B-2r head in an SVT-style case.

 

can you try them both out? If you like the sound of tubes get the V4BH If you prefer the sound of SS (like I do) get the 350H But check out the B2R it's the same head but it's lighter and about $70 less expensive.

 

Look for a '70s V-4B. Better than both of the above options IMO. And loud.

 

They're two totally different beasts.

Both are about as loud as each other, so it's really the sound character that you'd have to decide - Solid-State sounds way different to tube in this case.

Obviously the V4BH you'd have to take care of more (being tubes an' all).

If you're keen on SS, go for the B2R - as said, it's EXACTLY the same amp in a lighter, cheaper 2U rack-stylee.

And yeah, a vintage V4 or V4B would kick the crap out of the new V4BH (IMO)...but they're somewhat heavier (but can handle 2Ohm loads, which the V4BH cannot).

 

If I'm not mistaken, the V-4BH is only 150W, where the SVT-350H is 350. So, If you need the volume get the former, if you want tone, get the latter. The v-4BH is good for recording. And yes, the vintage one will sound better than the new stuff.

 

The vintage V4, V4B and the reissue V4BH all produce 100w @ 2/4/8 ohms (no 2 ohm tap on the V4BH)...although most people find that the vintage units, with good tubes, will crank out on average 120w...

The SVT350H will only give you "350w" if you're using a 4-ohm total speaker load, otherwise it's "200w". I quote the ratings here 'cause they are (IMO) over-inflated by Ampeg.

The V4BH will compete nicely with the SVT350H volume-wise, with a nicer tone...it's that whole tube ~vs~ solid-state arguement that is not worth repeating.

I've owned the B2R (rack version of the SVT350H) and the output rating of 350w/4 ohms is a bit of a joke...something like a GK800 (or even a 400) will usually kick it's arse.
I also currently use a vintage V4, and even in it's current state (only producing about 80w) it's damn loud and can compete easily with the B2R...

Dunno about the new V4BH, but the V4 and V4B's tone controls kick those of the B2R/SVT350H - those solid-staters cannot get the ballsy "real Ampeg" sound that these'uns can...

 

if u want a clean sound with lots of low end u should go with the 350. but if u like distortion go for the v4. and yes those 350 watts doesn´t sound louder than for ex. a 200w swr or trace-elliot.

 

if you're looking for the 'classic SVT' head look the go with the 350 but its the same as the B2r. With the B2r ya save space and protect the sliders and knobs. I have the B2r and my friend went from his 350 to a B2r after seeing mine. Now if ya want the tube warmth go with the V4.

 

I just wanted to point out that if you're playing in a loud band, you'll find both amps to be lacking the necessary oomph. Save your $ and get a full blown all-tube SVT -- you won't regret it.

 

the 350 or B2r i think has plenty of oomph. I play in a band with a drummer that bangs on the skins and a guitarist who's got a Marshal 1/2 stack. Most of the places i've played at mikes my cab or uses my SansAmp.

 

I'm going to have to disagree. I had a 350 for just over a week. In that time I found that it couldn't even come close to competing with my guitar players' Fender "Evil Twin".

It also sounded quite crappy when driven to its limits. I sold that and bought a used SVT which was everything I wanted at the time...

I was using the 350 with classic series 410 and 115 cabs.

 

What kind of cab are you going to play the head on?

I have the 350h and got it new for a few bucks cheaper than the B2R. I'll take it's looks over the rack crap anyday . I don't want to bother with racks and what not.

If you want to bother with tubes, then get the tube head...

I guess next I'll upgrade to a classic 300 all tube, or an SVT4...

But as I stated before, what cab you play out of can make a world of difference.

 

V4=lovely tubey goodness
SVT-350H=overpriced, underpowered boat anchor