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Ampeg SVT 7 Pro Club

I bought my first SVT7 Pro over 2 years ago based on JimmyM's recommendation. It was my fault for listening only to him and not doing my homework to learn of the high failure rate of these amps. I don't think there is any other amp discussed on Talkbass that has frustrated so many owners. Sure, many of the SVT7 Pros are still working great, but you have to admit it has an unusually high failure rate compared to similar amps from other manufacturers. Go to the Aguilar Tonehammer threads to see how many users have problems. You'll won't find very many.


" I just want other forum members who are considering buying a SVT7 Pro to know the true history of these amps. By the way, when I had my first power board failure, it took Ampeg nine weeks to send a new board to the tech at my Ampeg repair facility. Some of you guys might have the cash to have backup gear, but I had only this amp to depend on.
 
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i want the 7 pro to be well.. i gig between 200 and 300 shows a year..if i do a session then its more... from real gigs to Bar gigs... but i dont use my amp on a recording gig... my other brand amp works every day... im waiting to hear the 7 pro is that steady.. then ill get one.. maybe ill wait till the svt 9 comes out
 
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Relax, Jimmy. Take a deep breath. We're only discussing a design flaw in a power board. It's not like we just learned that Obama has been given permission to run for a third term.


No; it's not "like we're just discussing design flaws."
You've made some very personal accusations.
Don't do that again.
Jimmy is an endorser; he's disclosed it, and his "cheerleading" is well within bounds, from what I see.
 
I documented my initial trials with this amp - some pages back - I had an AX7 tube DOA.
Once I replaced that, it has been flawless since, and I have done 30+ gigs (indoor/outdoor) with it.
Love it.. but as with any amp, I carry a backup.. ya never know..
 
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That's my rig there in the middle. I racked an svt7 in a 4u case with a 2u drawer from gator. LOVE the svt 7. Absolutely badass killer sound. I play punk/metal and this sucker rips. My bass is present in the mix. Gain and master at about 1:00. I play a ric 4003 and a sterling. Never will buy another piece of equipment. I think the svt 7 is a smart choice because it has all the main features of the svt 4 for about half the price and it sounds AMAZING.
 
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Hey everyone. I've been lurking here for quite some time following the developments on the Svt 7 Pro. Here's my story: My wife bought one for me from eBay back in 2012 and it was everything I was looking for in an amp. Practiced with it a few times and everything was great. However, the first show I played with it, the amp switched off and would not come back on. The fuse was good and the tube was good. Took the cover off and found this...
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Then I started doing some research and found this thread. Mine is a Rev C00 and the board is a Rev A (if my memory is correct) Since it was a gift, I don't mind spending a little money to get it fixed. I found a replacement power board on fullcompass.com that is Rev H01 and has the ICE2A265. Should be here any day now. I'll post my results for anyone that is interested once it comes in and I get it reassembled.
 
Anyone have output (direct level) challenges with their SVT7Pro?

I go DI to board via Tube Direct Out.. without a pad (our X32 doesn't have them) the -40dB pad on the amp is too much cut. Turning up the channel gain to compensate (with amp pad engaged) introduces noise into the system.

So... been using the -15dB pad on front of amp instead. It works, but I'm cutting the input gain to the pre-amp and not the direct out signal level, so gain staging the system is not great..
Thinking about adding a -20db in-line XLR PAD, or something like Radial's JDX 48.
The JDX goes between amp and speakers and DI's from there, but is rated for 100/300w only.
Amp is 600/1000w at 8/4-Ohms.

Thoughts, suggestions, recommendations?
 
color me disappointed.

thought i would beat the odds, picked up a new unit from Sweetwater.

2nd rehearsal, began acting up in the typical fashion described on this thread.

re-boxed and ready to ship back. i didn't bother pulling the case and checking the board.

shame on Ampeg for producing this expensive pile of garbage.

didn't last 48 hours in my possession.

inexcusable.
 
my friend just bought a new one and it sounds great on his gig.. .
Man.. Thats it for me. I wanted to get one next month too. I was hoping hoping hoping.. If it cant be together by now it never will be....I cant afford to have an amp that works 'sometimes".. Id make way too many people mad
So sad

color me disappointed.

thought i would beat the odds, picked up a new unit from Sweetwater.

2nd rehearsal, began acting up in the typical fashion described on this thread.

re-boxed and ready to ship back. i didn't bother pulling the case and checking the board.

shame on Ampeg for producing this expensive pile of garbage.

didn't last 48 hours in my possession.

inexcusable.
 
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color me disappointed.

thought i would beat the odds, picked up a new unit from Sweetwater.

2nd rehearsal, began acting up in the typical fashion described on this thread.

re-boxed and ready to ship back. i didn't bother pulling the case and checking the board.

shame on Ampeg for producing this expensive pile of garbage.

didn't last 48 hours in my possession.

inexcusable.

Sorry to hear about your SVT 7Pro. Too bad you didn't get a chance to check the power board, but I can certainly understand your frustration.

No confirmed REV H failures, yet. Time will tell.
 
color me disappointed.

thought i would beat the odds, picked up a new unit from Sweetwater.

2nd rehearsal, began acting up in the typical fashion described on this thread.

re-boxed and ready to ship back. i didn't bother pulling the case and checking the board.

shame on Ampeg for producing this expensive pile of garbage.

didn't last 48 hours in my possession.

inexcusable.

Sorry to hear - that sucks. Its crazy this is still happening.
Like you I took a chance on one
I figured its hard to go wrong with a 5 year warranty so I am in for the long haul