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Ampeg svt 3pro vs 7pro with my cabs

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by angelopbass, Jul 13, 2013.

  1. Jul 13, 2013 #1
    angelopbass

    angelopbass Supporting Member

    May 18, 2011
    struthers, ohio
    So I'm currently running my svt7 pro with my ampeg 1528 cab (1x15, 2x8s and a horn) which is rated for 400 watts @4ohms. I also have an ampeg bse115 (1x15, 200 watts at 8ohms) for smaller shows. I am picking up a USA 3pro as a backup or possibly as a main amp. Had one before, loved it, and i like that it has a 5 tube preamp. My question is am I better off using the 3 pro based on the fact that it pushes 450watts/275watts? I know they say overpowering the speakers is better than underpowering them, but the 3pro seems to be almost the exact wattage that the cabs are are rated for. I am particularly concerned about damaging the bse115 by pushing the 600 watts that the 7pro puts out. And as much as I'm not as concerned about damaging the 1528 cab, I do worry a little bit the 8s.
    Overall what's your opinions on these heads with lower wattage cabs?:help:
     
  2. Jul 13, 2013 #2
    angelopbass

    angelopbass Supporting Member

    May 18, 2011
    struthers, ohio
    Any opinions?
     
  3. Jul 14, 2013 #3
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    If you watch your volume and don't do anything dumb with the knobs, you can use a 7 Pro just fine with the 115. If you have blown speakers in the past and haven't learned from it, though, might want to use the 3 Pro.
     
  4. Jul 14, 2013 #4
    angelopbass

    angelopbass Supporting Member

    May 18, 2011
    struthers, ohio
    I haven't really blown speakers in years, but I'm just trying to be cautious. Plus people on here seem to say that the speakers determine most of the volume (reviews on the ba300 and ba600 combos say that the 600 really isn't any louder and that the speaker farts out with 600 watts) So am I better off just using a 3pro with a 15?
     
  5. Jul 14, 2013 #5
    Bass_Pounder

    Bass_Pounder

    Jan 19, 2002
    Palm Coast, Florida
    I don't know who the "they" are that you are referring to, but don't listen to them anymore.

    There is no such thing as underpowering.

    Use your ears, and you will be fine.
     
  6. Jul 20, 2013 #6
    angelopbass

    angelopbass Supporting Member

    May 18, 2011
    struthers, ohio
    Just posting for anyone that cares. Always loved the 3pro. But the 7pro just rocks. Way more power and growl. Atleast side by side. Ampeg just did it right with the 7pro.
     
  7. Jul 20, 2013 #7
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    The thing I like about the 7 Pro is it has a sound and feel that's reminiscent of a tube amp being turned up to the point where a tiny little bit of saturation starts. It's not dirty, but it sounds like it's getting a little sag.

    But I'll tell you...I'll go to the stores and plug into the 3 or 4 Pro, and I'll find myself wishing I hadn't sold my 3 Pro a few years ago. They've got a sound. To me they're tighter and more solid-statey than the 7 Pro, but it's a sound you can't get out of the 7 Pro. Would get another but I know I'll never use it. If I lug something heavy, it's going to be a tube amp, and my PF350, Micro VR and BA110 take care of all my smaller needs.
     
  8. Jul 20, 2013 #8
    ledyard

    ledyard

    Jan 31, 2010
    Upstate NY
    I personally cant stand the 3 pro. But that's just my .02. To me, other than a SVT II, SVT II pro or straight up SVT nothing compares to the 7pro. I actually use my 7pro over my guitarist's early 70's SVT. Its that good.
    I know your not talking rigs with that kind of power but tone wise the 7 pro is the way to go. You could run it with the DB cut engaged too.
     
  9. Aug 1, 2013 #9
    angelopbass

    angelopbass Supporting Member

    May 18, 2011
    struthers, ohio
    Well I compared em side by side. The 7pro just kills it. Ended up trading in my 1528 cab at guitar center and threw in another 75bux and got a used bxt410hl4. WOW!!! This head with this cab is absolutely amazing. I've heard people say that the bxt isn't ideal for rock???
    !!! It sounds KILLER
     
  10. Aug 1, 2013 #10
    JimmyM

    JimmyM Supporting Member

    Apr 11, 2005
    Apopka, FL
    Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
    If you get a good cab and you can't make it sound good for whatever music you play, don't blame the cab!

    Speaking in the royal "you," not you personally, Angelo. You get it ;)
     
  11. Aug 1, 2013 #11
    slade

    slade

    Apr 5, 2001
    7 pro rules. you won't blow anything up if you listen to your rig while you're pushing it.