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AMPEG SVT 4 PRO vs. MESA BOOGIE 400+

#21
I've had both, I wouldn't really put them in the same category. I didn't really like the Ampeg, -I've got other Ampegs I do like (svp-pro, 66 b15n, 72 b15n, a couple of guitar amps). I thought it was a too muddy and hard to get away from a scooped sound, -but maybe that's just me. I know a guy who still uses that Ampeg, it sounds the same as mine did, lack of definition in the low end. I still have my 400+, it's big and clear/warm/defined all at the same time. I find it easy to get tones I like. Buy Andy Timmons 'live resolution' dvd for what the Mesa sounds like (and a cool live dvd). I recently retubed it; all 12 'matched' 5881 sovteks were $142 shipped, so while it's more maintenance than the Ampeg, I figure those tubes will last at least 5 years (or maybe 10?), about $30 a year?, -cheap, well worth it.
 
#25
the thing that people usually misses in the svt 4 is the tube drive, it growls but do not overdrive like all tube heads cause is not a all tube head it has the tubey sound but is cleaner, it sounds like a all tube ampeg in lower volumes, but not the overdrive sound. And is half of the weight and 3x the power, you can get all kinds of sounds timbres with it very flexible , but it is not a all tube head and people compare it with something that it is not. you have to try it out
 
#27
Gearhead17 said:
From Basson's site: http://www.bassonsound.com/b410b.htm

"""This cab is also a power hungry animal and will need an amp rated at 750+ watts at 8 Ohms"""

It's one of the first times I ever saw a bass company say such a thing. I am inclined to think it's all garbage, but I don't think it would be wise to go against it. There was a thread about this on TB, but it did not really get anything solved with this power issue. I would give them a call and find out what is really going on with required power ratings.
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I call BS on it. Otherwise, what happens when you have your bass plugged in but aren't playing anything? You run the risk of blowing the thing up?!?!

I think your original inclination was right :)


LedBelli Bass said:
My post specifically stated that when it came time to re-tube the Mesa it will be spendy. I was not speaking in generalized terms; I was speaking specifically of re-tubing. Show me a high-power tube amp that hasn't been retubed in "decades" and I'll kiss the Pope's turtleneck.

The Mesa 400+ has 12 ea. 6L6 tubes on the power side(compared to 6 tubes in the power side of an SVT-2 Pro). Regular maintenence on a tube amp is tube replacement on the power side. The harder you drive it, the more often you'll need to replace the power tubes. It's a fact of life.

I once had an SVT-2 Pro that came due for tubes. A quality set of 6 tubes came to over $250.00 NOT installed (I installed them). Do the math . . .

So, I'll stand by my contention that, all things being eqaual, the Mesa is going to cost more to maintain when it comes time to retube.
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What about when the transistors in the SVT-4 die out? You gotta remember that they have a lifetime aswell, and the harder you drive them, the quicker they die out.

I'm pretty sure they wouldn't be cheap to replace. Heck, maybe cheaper components, but I doubt they'll be as simple to replace (major tech time, probably a whole new board).

IIRC, most tubes have a lifetime of ~50,000 hours, so unless something goes wrong elsewhere in the amp (sadly I know that pain, something went on the circuit board and blew the tubes out with it), or the tubes are abused or used outside the operating parameters, things should be fine.

(I think a lot of the stigma is associated with the literature that most suppliers include stating to change the tubes every X years).

(A pair of 6L6s is generally cheaper than a single KT88/6550, so even though it is more tubes, it would be cheaper than retubing an SVT)
 
#28
I'm calling partial B.S. on the Basson wattage rating. Does it need the rated power to produce the rated specs? Probably. Does it require 1,500W to keep from blowing itself up? Hardly. If it does, do not even think about using your head at anything less than "10".

The trick to a growly Mesa is to run the input into a Y-splitter and dial in crunch & clarity from both inputs to taste. Oh, and turn it up!
 
#29
The SVT 4 Pro sucks, The 400+ rocks really hard but with your power needs I would say neither. If it was me I would get a good power amp and preamp and call it a day. The Aguilar DB 680 sounds alot like the 400+ and for the money you would spend on a new 400+ you could buy an amp and a pre Check out the Crest CC series I own a few and they cheap and work great.
 
#32
Mesa 400+ by a mile. That or a REAL SVT (tubes).
The SVT 4 is more in a class with GK and other transistor amps. Good but completely different from the tube amps.

jepETC said:
Ive checked out the svt 4 many times and i absolutely like this amp. Very versatile in tone control and overall performance.

BUT i've had my eye on a mesa boogie 400+ for awhile but havent had the chance to test one out.

Has anyone? pro's and cons?

Thanx
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#33
OP, if you have tried the svt 4 pro and you like it, i have a feeling you won't be into the mesa 400+. i purchased one sight unheard because the deal was too great to pass up and i thought that with it being a mesa it was going to be the end all be all amp. yeah, i think i had it for 2 years. 2 years of kidding myself.
 
#34
Get the SVT IV PRO--you like the sound, and the SVT IV PRO puts out plenty of power if you've got it hooked up right. I'd consider buying a used US-made one in good condition over one of the Vietnam-made ones new though. You'll pay less, and if it's in good condition and well-maintained, it'll get the job done. I've had both a IV Pro and a 400+--really liked the IV Pro and loved the 400+, but in your case, the IV Pro sounds the way to go.
 
#36
quickervicar said:
The trick to a growly Mesa is to run the input into a Y-splitter and dial in crunch & clarity from both inputs to taste. Oh, and turn it up!
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i hate to derail the thread like this, but this is really interesting. Are you talking about taking something like a Boss LS-2 and plugging into both inputs at the same time? If so, how does that work, and could you do it on an amp like an Ampeg V4B?
 
#39
I run and SVT 4 through a Basson 410 and there isnt a rig around that will touch it!!!! I am not putting down the Mesa at all I played one years ago and really liked it and almost bought it..BUT the dude wouldnt deal and the Music store down the street shot me a killer deal on my SVT 4 end of story!! I have had my SVT since 97 and its been at SLM(AMPEG) one time and it was just a bad conection at the jack...I was just beyond the warranty and they told me Nope your under warranty and cleaned and checked everything out for nuthing!! I got great service and the Amp is very Road worthy...Mono Bridge it with a speakon cable and you will be happy...I have a VERY Growling sound with some E Qing and dialing in ya can make it GROWL very well!! I also play a 5 stringer and the Basson holds the B very well..So I hope I have helped you...Everybody has their own taste but if you are going with a BASSON 410B The SVT 4 is your best bet in my Opinion.....ROCK ON BRUTHA!!:bassist:
 

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