Ampeg SVT-7 PRO: no sound comes out!!!

[Andy74889]

Since you just received this amp today I would look to the seller to make it right. If it's a REV B, that amp was introduced a while ago and I would guess out of warranty. But it can't hurt to contact Ampeg first.

No warranty anymore. Bought on ebay. Seller hasn't replied yet. I'm sure he will tell me the amp was OK when he shipped it...

Will never buy second hand again!!!

 

[B-string]

You can (if no joy with the seller) open the amp up and make sure all cables are seated on the PC Boards. A shot in the dark but worth a try.

You can get good deals used but there have been a good bit of trouble with that model. Research is your friend buying used.

 

[Dave W]

Will never buy second hand again!!!

Just make sure you buy from someone you know or trust, and make sure you can test it first.

 

[BassmanPaul]

You'll find that most of the sellers on EBay will back up their items. There are some, however, who are scoundrels. Those with good feedback scores will often bend over backwards to make things right to avoid negative feedback.

 

[B-string]

Increased negative feedback increases the seller fees from Ebay.

 

[bobcruz]

Also there are dispute channels with Ebay, Paypal and your credit card company if you used a credit card, so if the seller doesn't respond you have some help on your side.

 

[Andy74889]

If i only had used eBay instead of eBay Classifieds... :scowl:

Can't leave any feedback, won't have any support from eBay and doubt that PayPal will help me...

 

[Jim C]

B01

Ampeg is now up to RevF but I couldn't find a new one in stock.
Since many sellers still have RevC as the current model I bought a used one.

That time delay from when you push the switch to when led's light up is unnerving .

 

[Projectile]

You can definitely file a dispute with Paypal. If the amp arrived not working you should be able to return the amp and get your money back. Paypal usually sides with buyers in these types of disputes.

 

[scottbass]

My SVT-7 has now crapped out on me twice in the past three gigs. I bought it used, so I don't think Ampeg will be doing anything to help me out.

I need my amp to be two rack spaces (rules out the SVT-4) and 500+ watts @ 8 ohms (rules out the SVT-3). I am a completely-devoted fan of the Ampeg sound. It seems my options are:

(1) Buy another newer, later-revision SVT-7 and take my chances.

(2) Buy a PF-800 and take my chances. I have read that its brother, the PF-500, has similar reliability problems. Also, it has somewhat less power than the SVT-7. Also, I have played through one and it seemed to be less "Ampeg-y" than the SVT's with tube preamps. This could be just my imagination, but I doubt it.

(3) Go with a non-Ampeg solution and try to EQ it to sound right. Is this even possible? Does anyone have a good story to tell about their experience with a Carvin BX1500?

 

[4-string]

To my ear a VT bass is more than close enough, but to a devoted fan I'd recommend 1 or 2.

Nothing like the real deal if an ampeg is what you really want.

 

[scottbass]

To my ear a VT bass is more than close enough, but to a devoted fan I'd recommend 1 or 2.

Nothing like the real deal if an ampeg is what you really want.

Thanks for the VT bass suggestion! I might try one of those direct into a power amp. One of my former rigs was an RBI and a power amp and I thought it sounded OK.

 

[smeet]

My SVT-7 has now crapped out on me twice in the past three gigs. I bought it used, so I don't think Ampeg will be doing anything to help me out.

I need my amp to be two rack spaces (rules out the SVT-4) and 500+ watts @ 8 ohms (rules out the SVT-3). I am a completely-devoted fan of the Ampeg sound. It seems my options are:

(1) Buy another newer, later-revision SVT-7 and take my chances.

(2) Buy a PF-800 and take my chances. I have read that its brother, the PF-500, has similar reliability problems. Also, it has somewhat less power than the SVT-7. Also, I have played through one and it seemed to be less "Ampeg-y" than the SVT's with tube preamps. This could be just my imagination, but I doubt it.

(3) Go with a non-Ampeg solution and try to EQ it to sound right. Is this even possible? Does anyone have a good story to tell about their experience with a Carvin BX1500?

I had a brand-new SVT-7Pro (Rev C or D, I can't remember). It crapped out at low volume several times on the first gig. Meaning, it stopped making sound until I power-cycled it. In the middle of the set. So I returned it and got a ShuttleMax 9.2.

I'm very happy with the SM9.2, it has just about the most flexible eq out there. I can get a passable Ampeg sound out of it. I A/B'd the SVT-7 and SM9.2 a lot, and it could get pretty close. I can't quite get that "dark but cutting" sound out of the midrange, but it sounds really good to my ear, and in the mix it's wonderful. Plus it can get a bunch of sounds that the 7Pro could never do.

I also have a Carvin B1500, which does NOT do ampeg... Of course it doesn't have the eq of the BX1500.

 

[slade]

bummer people have had issues with the 7pro. Mine just keeps kicking major tail- been pushing it hard for a year now. Rev C Good luck getting it sorted out. To my ear the SVT7pro is about as good as you can get in a smallish package- I'd try a new one if it were me!!

 

[Rushing]

I just got mine back from repair. I have had it about a year. Rev B. Crapped out on me after about a month but it was the pre amp tube then a few weeks ago before practice it got tipped over while in a 2 space rack while setting up. I plugged it in and was sounding a little static and we played our first song and it sounded awesome then it just shut off and wouldnt turn back on. I just got it back today. They said they had to replace the main board. Wont get a chance to play through it til next practice but it most likely just ging up for sale or a back up now that I picked up a Orange Terror bass.

 

[Biggbass]

My 2nd hand REV C SVT7 PRO has performed flawlessly.
BTW; the start up delay is by design. If you've tried everything and cannot get sound from it, contact the seller and request a refund/return or have him pay for repair.

 

[greengoblin]

Double Che k that you are plugged into the input jack and not the phones jack.. Also, do you have a volume knob on your bass and is it turned up all the way?
Sorry, stupid questions but need to think of anything to test.

I wonder if the 12ax7 came loose during shipping? May want to pull the cover and just do a visual inspection....

 

[Jheake]

Hi I owned 2 SVT 7 pros, a RevA and a RevC. I had problems with the RevA but the C worked flawlessly while I owned it.

I've also owned the PF500, and I am currently using the PF800.

The PF800 isn't quite as loud as the 7Pro but its very close. It has also been perfect as well. Doesn't cut out or anything else. Don't count it out if you are still looking for the Ampeg sound. The PF800 delivers.

 

[Sergi]

Hi I owned 2 SVT 7 pros, a RevA and a RevC. I had problems with the RevA but the C worked flawlessly while I owned it.

I've also owned the PF500, and I am currently using the PF800.

The PF800 isn't quite as loud as the 7Pro but its very close. It has also been perfect as well. Doesn't cut out or anything else. Don't count it out if you are still looking for the Ampeg sound. The PF800 delivers.

Hi! Why did you change the svt-7 Pro for the Pf-800? Do you like it better?

 

[kimokeo]

Had the exact issue with mine. Bought a new monster speaker cable and it's been smooth sailing ever since.