• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Ampeg SVT-8Pro vs. SVT-4Pro shoot out w/pics!!!

#23
As I said earlier, I've used an Ampeg SVT-4 Pro with an Eden 410XLT for all my shows with www.theincognitos.com since 1997. That works out to about 1200 gigs. Needless to say, I know this combination quite well. With the SVT-4 Pro at 42 pounds and the SVT-8 Pro at 23 pounds, the only criteria the SVT-8 Pro needed to make me happy was to sound as good or better than as my 4 Pro. Not having to haul an extra 20 pounds 2-3 times per week is reason enough to make a change. Your ears will tell you immediately that both amps are from the same family. If you're not an Ampeg guy, this is probably not the amp for you. The Power Reduction (speaker emulation circuitry) is awesome, and really allows you to get the 300 watt tube SVT sound that lots of us know and love. I think I've owned almost every high-end, high power head out there, and I can tell you this one sure looks like and sounds like a winner. I used an all tube SVT for about 3 years in the early eighties, (also owned an Aguilar DB359 and DB750) so my ears know what tubes sound like. This is by far the closest hybrid amp to sound like an all tube amplifier I've heard!!!

The real test will come this weekend as I have 3 gigs. I've come to find out that the only real proving ground for any gear is on stage at a gig. That being said, I will report more early next week.
 
#24
Well, I played a club show last night. 150 in the audience I would guess. Pretty decent size room. Had the Ampeg SVT-8 Pro at a medium volume, and it truly was awesome. Having owned a few all tube amps, I can tell you this amp sounds EXTREMELY close to an all tube amp. Trust me. This baby is a winner. Buttery smooth through the entire audio spectrum. Lows are very tight. Highs are so smooth. More to come.....
 
#26
Here is an e-mail from Dino at Ampeg Product Support regarding my inquiry about the SVT 8 PRO

Hey Kevin,

The first run of them came out of the US. We only did about 25 of them
and they are all back at R & D. Some went out to artists too.
Everything else that you see will be from Asia.

Thanks,
Dino


On May 8, 2007, at 10:12 AM, Glenn, Kevin wrote:

> Thanks for the information - My last question is:
> The SVT 8 PRO - made in the USA?
>
> Kevin Glenn
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ampeg Support [mailto:[email protected]]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 7:21 AM
> To: Glenn, Kevin
> Subject: Re: Ampeg Question - 8 PRO
>
>
> Hey Kevin,
>
> Unfortunately I don't have anything official on the 8PRO . However I
> can tell you the preamp is the same exact preamp as the SVP-CL which
> I've included.
> The power section is a class-D switching power supply. 2500
> watts@2ohms, 1300watts@4ohms and 800 watts@8ohms.
> 23 lbs
>
 
#27
Gearhead17 said:
Here is an e-mail from Dino at Ampeg Product Support regarding my inquiry about the SVT 8 PRO

Hey Kevin,

The first run of them came out of the US. We only did about 25 of them
and they are all back at R & D. Some went out to artists too.
Everything else that you see will be from Asia.

Thanks,
Dino


On May 8, 2007, at 10:12 AM, Glenn, Kevin wrote:

> Thanks for the information - My last question is:
> The SVT 8 PRO - made in the USA?
>
> Kevin Glenn
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Ampeg Support [mailto:[email protected]]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 7:21 AM
> To: Glenn, Kevin
> Subject: Re: Ampeg Question - 8 PRO
>
>
> Hey Kevin,
>
> Unfortunately I don't have anything official on the 8PRO . However I
> can tell you the preamp is the same exact preamp as the SVP-CL which
> I've included.
> The power section is a class-D switching power supply. 2500
> watts@2ohms, 1300watts@4ohms and 800 watts@8ohms.
> 23 lbs
>
Click to expand...

Sooooooooo its gonna be built in Vietnam.....
 
#28
Yeah, Vietnam..... I have to say that I am dissapointed. The amp looks like it was built in America though, but what parts are being modified by Ampeg? You know, what cheap Vietnam/Asia parts are being thrown in this amp? Makes me suspicious and a little uneasy about purchasing this item. Sure, it may sound great, but that American quality may just not be there. I hope I am wrong though.
 
#29
I thought the whole point of Asian production was to reduce costs. This amp is still seriously expensive. Maybe it's just me but I expect real tube power for that kind of money.

Still looking forward to hearing it, especially the tube power amp emulation. Can anyone provide an MP3?
 
#31
With mine and some other folks experience in trying to get Ampeg repair parts was difficult.... i prefer known technology...and i was a full Ampeg endorser for about 20 years and jumped ship last year.. I do think the Asian built stuff will be fine and with no problems.
It was just that the turnaround time for my part request was not going to mesh with what my needs are.... and partly ampeg leaving america was my other reason for not staying..
I’m sure the 8 pro sounds great though.... and theoretically will last forever as all that Ampeg stuff does.
 
#32
Edit: I have edited this post with respect to TB's view on political statements.

My $.02:

For the record, I mean no disrespect to those that already own an Asian-made Ampeg. In addition, I am a huge (USA) Ampeg advocate.

There is no way that I could justify that kind of money for an Ampeg, or any other amp, that is made in Asia. For that matter, I don't believe that an Ampeg can be an Ampeg if it's not made in America. The idea that Ampeg could make a less expensive product is one thing. It is another to charge the same price for the Asian product as they would the American product. :rollno: IMO, the Asian-made Ampegs, including the SVT 8 Pro, should not be considered, regardless of how good they sound. I'm very content with my American-made SVT 2 and 4 Pros.
 
#36
silky smoove said:
I'm an electrical dunce, so.... Does this mean the 8Pro could operate on US, UK, AUS, etc. voltages without any modifications? That's a handy feature! (if you're cool enough to be a world traveler... unlike myself, haha)
Click to expand...

Yes, all you need is the right plug for the wall outlet.

The point is that even the "export" models are good in the US, and the "US" models are good elsewhere with no changes.
 
#39
Ncognito said:
My new SVT-8Pro came yesterday. WOW!! Tons of power. Great tone. Did I say GREAT tone. I'll attach some pics. I've used a SVT-4Pro for about 10 years now along with an Eden 410XLT. I have both heads set up with 2 Eden cabs, so I'm ready to let the two go at it. I'll give the full report soon!
Click to expand...

Thank you for your excellent review. That was the final bit of information I needed. I just ordered the SVT-8PRO. I already have the SVP-CL preamp (exact preamp as the head), and I just love the sound on setting #4 (Ultra Low Classic), powered by a Crest CA9, being fed by my Stringray 5 HH, blasting through a Bergantino HT322.
Thanks again!:bassist:
 
#40
Jerrold Tiers said:
For what it is worth, there are about 100 USA 8PRO units.

Artist relations has a number of them, and some others are destined for export markets (although the 8PRO can use any line voltage or frequency with no changes).

So any 8PRO units now in the market are USA units.
Click to expand...

I bought one that a store had for about 6 to 8 weeks. I received it yesterday. It is marked "Made in the U.S.A." and has 2 "English-type" female names as "Inspected by" on the inside.

2 questions please, if you don't mind:

1. My SVT-8 PRO only has 3 preamp tubes. The Ampeg website says it has 4. I also have the SVP-CL preamp, and that has 4 preamp tubes. They are supposed to be the same. Ncognito's 2nd picture shows only 3 tubes as well. Is that an easy way to tell the U.S. model? Maybe it was redesigned prior to going overseas?

2. Even though it is marked "Made in the U.S.A", could it still be "assembled" in Asia?

I took this picture last night:
Link Removed

Thank you for your time.
Don
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back