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Ampeg SVT-CL vs Ampeg SVT Pro-2

Ampeg SVT-CL vs SVT 2-Pro

  • SVT-CL

    Votes: 15 46.9%

  • SVT 2-Pro

    Votes: 17 53.1%
  • Total voters
    32
  • Poll closed .
FIREpunkMEDIC

FIREpunkMEDIC

Jun 2, 2017
149
170
#1
Hey all! Know that the two are pretty similar, but the Pro-2 having a graphic EQ. Any things I should know of between one or the other? There's a used Pro-2 near me in great condition for $800. I love my V4B Reissue through my 212av but wondering if sometimes a bit more gut punch wouldn't be amazing. Anyway...thoughts?!
 
#2
At one time or another I've owned and gigged with CL, 2 and 2-pro. My favorite is the 2-pro. I find the eq very useful for tweeking for the room (usually to tighten up the bottom end). I also don't subscribe to the 2 over 2-pro thing. Just crank the master and dial up the gain accordingly. It sounds fantastic. Really though, you can't go wrong with any of them.
 
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#5
Stylee Mousse said:
I ran an SVT-cl for years and enjoyed it. I ultimately sold it to get a vintage V-4B which I liked both the sound a bit more and that it would crunch better when played hard.

I really never could open the SVT as much as I wanted at club gigs.

Years before I preferred my Gk 400RB to the 800 for the same reason.
Click to expand...
I find the 8 ohm setting on my Super Bassman is what I use most.
300 all tube watts into a robust 8 ohm cab (115 Bassman in my case) , let's me crank the amp nicely.
It's one reason I went with it over an Ampeg
All super amps imo
 
#6
I would love the 2 Pro and one of these...
1734940566478.png
 
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#7
FIREpunkMEDIC said:
Hey all! Know that the two are pretty similar, but the Pro-2 having a graphic EQ. Any things I should know of between one or the other? There's a used Pro-2 near me in great condition for $800. I love my V4B Reissue through my 212av but wondering if sometimes a bit more gut punch wouldn't be amazing. Anyway...thoughts?!
Click to expand...
Get it.

FWIW, I've owned and gigged SVT-II, SVT-VR & V4. The SVT-II (non-pro) is my fave by a large margin.
3 reasons- the graphic EQ can be controlled by footswitch. Want to overdrive the input for an OD sound? Want a boost? Want a scooped reggae tone?
Secondly, the SVT-II being smaller makes it easier to gig with, given you can effectively move it up narrow stairs & doorways or a crowd easier.
I have mine in a Gator plastic case. Just be mindful, the SVT2's draw air in from the side, so drill a heap of holes in your rackmount case on that side to let it breathe.
Thirdly. THUMP. The SVT-2 is gonna make the V4 sound wimpy.

One thing to bear in mind - the graphic EQ can be a little noisy when on. Grounding the circuit, and shielding the wiring loom connecting to the graphic EQ circuit (which is not a standard) needed to be done to my SVT-II. Now it's whisper quiet with the graphic engaged.

Good Luck
 
#8
I’ve had them all. My opinion doesn’t matter because my taste in tone always seems to be the opposite of what most people want but I personally prefer the CL. The 2 was just way to colored for me. The 2 pro was alright. I actually play an AV which is just a CL in different clothing. For what it’s worth I’m a huge V4b and 3 pro fan. I haven’t had great luck with quality and Ampeg over the years.
 
#11
I've had and used both. Currently only have a 2 PRO. I find the differences to be subtle at best. Keep in mind the types/brand of power tubes you use makes a difference too. Eight bills for a 2 PRO is a decent price. However ask about the tubes and make sure it's been serviced
 
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#12
murphy said:
Me...Not really...well. not at all in my experience.
But maybe there is a way to use the 3Pro settings? (not as I used them?)
Click to expand...
I wouldn’t say that. It’s similar territory. I always run the volume turned up to 3/4 on my 3 pro and use the gain as volume. That’s a trick people have been doing for years though. My SVT 2 non pro just sounded like I had a blanket over it all the time. I had it looked at one point and the tech said there was nothing wrong so I sold it and never looked back. Some people really like that color though. The 3 pro has a rad slam that’s really good for rock and roll. That being said my idea of good tone is dated.
 
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#13
steveinohio said:
I thought I heard that the Pro II sounds more like the original SVT than the CL. For that kind of money you really can’t go wrong regardless. The V4B is no slouch either.
Click to expand...

The II (non-pro) is closest in circuit design to the first channel of the original. It uses the 12AX7 preamp design instead of 12DW7 and 6C4 tubes in the vintage amps, but adds the graphic eq. There’s a cathode follower off the first gain stage before the volume control. They use three dual triodes (plus the 6C4 mixer on the vintage amps).



The 2 pro has more added features, the drive channel, etc, while also maintaining similar circuit path to the vintage amps. The gain control comes off the first stage, there’s also a drive stage, the preamp uses five 12AX7s.


The CL simplifies the design somewhat, combining functions across various tube stages. There’s only two preamp tubes, the midrange driven from the cathode of the tonestack driver, etc.


All that said, I think they’re more similar than not. I’ve had an SVT-CL, have a vintage now. They CL was a little more mellow, but that could also be comparisons a non-master versus MV design, bring played through different cabs with different basses and in different bands, etc.
 
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#14
I chose CL. I think the GEQ was an attempt to compete with the Mesa 400/400+ amd it was not executed well. Also weren't the SVT IIs from the SLM era pf Ampeg ownership. Many Ampeg products from that era had reliability issues. I think that is why you do not see them in backline. My backline friend also told me the same thing about them and he has removed them from his rental fleet

I had a CL - loved the ease of getting useable tones from it and it seems to have a workable tone wherever your dials are set.
 
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#15
logdrum said:
I chose CL. I think the GEQ was an attempt to compete with the Mesa 400/400+ amd it was not executed well. Also weren't the SVT IIs from the SLM era pf Ampeg ownership. Many Ampeg products from that era had reliability issues. I think that is why you do not see them in backline. My backline friend also told me the same thing about them and he has removed them from his rental fleet

I had a CL - loved the ease of getting useable tones from it and it seems to have a workable tone wherever your dials are set.
Click to expand...

SLM owned the brand 1986-2005ish, so yes they introduced the SVT II and later 2 pro, as well as the SVT-CL and VR. These were all still in production while Loud owned the brand until around the time that Yamaha bought it. Not sure if Loud cancelled the 2 pro or Yamaha did, but Yamaha canned the VR when the 50th anniversary came out.
 
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#16
I used a 2Pro for a long time (15yrs?) and loved it, excepting the schlepp. 8 bills isn't bad if the tubes are all in good shape. (I sold mine local for 5 and they were still the originals.)

Never used the eq, only sometimes shifted the mids and always engaged the 'lo' switch. Master dimed and used gain to control volume. Everything I ever wanted with plenty of headroom. Be sure to give it a cab that can move some air.
 

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