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Ampeg SVT-6 Pro or SVT-7 Pro?

open.eadg

open.eadg

Jun 13, 2010
67
7
Hungary
#1
Hi TB'ers,

I'm considering an upgrade from my Ampeg PF-500, and for some time I thought it's the 7 Pro that I might want to try. Not too heavy, lots of power and cool features. Recently I found a 6 Pro for sale (used, obviously) for the price just a bit lower than a 7 Pro costs new.
So, which one should I get? The 6 Pro is a bit far away from my hometown, so trying it out would be a trouble, and the fact that there's literally 2 videos on the www of this amp is no help either.
Personally I'd go with the lighter 7 Pro, but the 6 Pro also has some interesting things (more tubes in the preamp, tube voltage control, and the 4 band semi-parametric EQ). The amps are in the same ballpark regarding power, the only difference is the power supply/output stage (switching vs. mosfet if I understand it right).
Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
OE
 
#5
I have not played it, but folks who have tell me the 6 Pro is a very nice amp and one of their favorite Ampeg hybrids. However, it's been discontinued for 5-6 years at this point, and I can't imagine parts for it getting easier to find over the years should it take a dump.
 
#8
I had a 6 and really liked it. (I tend to get bored quickly so I sold it, but had no issues with it whatsoever). It is a little big (wide and deep) but it is worth the haul. Big huge sound and very versatile. The voltage control knob (if you really take the time to learn how to use it) can completely transform that amp from a tubey grindy monster to a clean as a whistle solid state power house. Of all the hybrid Ampegs I have owned (and I think I have had pretty much all of them) it was my favorite. I never got along with the 3 or 4 at all.
 
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#10
open.eadg said:
Hi TB'ers,

I'm considering an upgrade from my Ampeg PF-500, and for some time I thought it's the 7 Pro that I might want to try. Not too heavy, lots of power and cool features. Recently I found a 6 Pro for sale (used, obviously) for the price just a bit lower than a 7 Pro costs new.
So, which one should I get? The 6 Pro is a bit far away from my hometown, so trying it out would be a trouble, and the fact that there's literally 2 videos on the www of this amp is no help either.
Personally I'd go with the lighter 7 Pro, but the 6 Pro also has some interesting things (more tubes in the preamp, tube voltage control, and the 4 band semi-parametric EQ). The amps are in the same ballpark regarding power, the only difference is the power supply/output stage (switching vs. mosfet if I understand it right).
Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,
OE
Click to expand...

If you can afford the 7Pro new, I would go for it, with the caveat that there have been reliability issues for some users. I got one new, and it had immediate problems so I returned it. I recently got another one *used* (so no warranty protection), and I've played one gig with it, where it sounded great. But then again I have it in a rack with my ShuttleMax 9.2, so if it goes down I can switch amps in less than 20 seconds.
 
#12
I use a PF500 (with 0 problems). I gigged for years with a GK1001RB and never bonded with it. GK and Ampeg are miles apart in tone. I recently did a gig with a Pro7 and I could have swapped out my PF500 and would have sounded the same. Very familiar tone with more volume (if needed...I didn't.)

My thing with Ampegs I believe is the inductor based midrange which is the "soul" of Ampegs. There is an organic "uncleaness" that is compelling to me, not that they can't be loud and clean. GK to me was dry and unyielding and I didn't like the character of the bass control. (Using a Sansamp gave me the low end I was looking for...moving toward Ampeg tone.)

The Baxandall bass and treble, and the inductor based midrange is what sounds best to me. My amp is now an instrument to me, instead of just a tool.
 
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#13
The one that failed on me was Revision C, wherein the issues were supposedly fixed. I liked the sound enough that when I found a good deal I traded for a used 7Pro. I don't really trust it, but maybe if I go a couple of years without any issues...

I had a GK400RB in the early 80's when that was THE gigging amp to have, and I liked it fine. I've recently used a few GK's and the sound didn't thrill me. Too scooped, too much ear-piercing glassiness, and the eq knobs don't seem to do much. It has a lot of low-mid grunt, and if you like that sound, it's great. But you can't dial that sound out. Reminds me of the Eden 210XLT cabinet I used to have.

The Ampeg has a much nicer sound to me, to me almost a bit mysterious in its complexity. In addition to the appealing dirtiness of the sound, It's dark but still has sweet and present high end.
 
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#14
majortoby said:
For the record, I think the 7PRO is the best overall amplifier I know of. Flame me if you like, but I trust revisions and warranties more than the combined hatred of the TB community.
Click to expand...

I wanted that classic SVT sound without all of the weight. JimmyM suggested the 7 pro and I love it. I play in a stupid LOUD classic rock band. I even got a second one for a back up and have never needed it. They are both Rev C, super reliable and sound amazing. Just my 2 cents worth......:hiding:
 
#15
I'm one of those that Jimmy mentioned as thinking the 6Pro was the best of all the pro series amps, including the 7Pro. The 6Pro is essentially two 3Pro's in one box. 1100 honest watts of very tubey hybrid Ampeg tone. It's one of only a small number of amps I wish I had held on to.
 
#17
B-string said:
The 6 certainly has a better reliability record?
Click to expand...

Well, that bar is set pretty low, hahaha!!!

worxforme said:
Anythings more reliable than what he has.
Click to expand...

I dunno - the 7 Pro's track record isn't that great, either...

JimmyM said:
Plenty of folks out there using PF500's with zero problems. He didn't mention having any problems, either.
Click to expand...


Yeah, and plenty here that can't say that - just sayin'...


- georgestrings
 
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#19
JimmyM said:
And plenty here can't say that about a lot of amps. What's your point?
Click to expand...

I guess the main point(s) would be not to buy either the PH 500 or SVT 7 Pro used, because:

- Both have been known to have reliablility issues, despite your excuses and/or denials...

- Ampeg won't warranty them if you've bought them used, regardless of their actual age...

Lastly - according to Ampeg's own words, if the user keeps the knobs below 12 o'clock, they *might* be OK - although *I* wouldn't gig an amp that needed a backup as much as either of those apparantly do...


- georgestrings
 
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