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AMPEG SVT CL Vs SVT VR

drums1977

drums1977

Mar 31, 2008
739
719
Malaga
#1
I'm considering going for the all-tube way, but I cannot decide between the two Ampeg models (I want Ampeg, that is decided). Specifications wise, I cannot see many differences apart from the two channels of the VR and a couple of valves more in the preamp, although the price difference is HUGE. At the same time, I keep reading reviews of the VR saying that they had some problems with it....
I play basically stoner rock and I look for a thick/distorted 70s sound, and I reckon I can get that sound from both models.

Has any of you had the chance to play both and is able to advice about them?

BTW, I know many of you will suggest getting a used 70s SVT, which I'd love to do, but I live in Spain and those are almost impossible to find here!

Thanks!
 
#2
I have played the CL for about 30 hours and the VR for only 5 or 6 hours.

I think they are very similar. I would go the CL route.

_____ now to ad my opinion :)

The only problem I think you might find in getting a fat distorted sound is that you have to push the amp hard to do so. If you have an 810, thats going to be VERY LOUD and you may want to be able to turn down and get the same sound.
Best of luck though.
 
#3
this may not be a popular response with some "purists" here but, I can get the VR tone dead on with a CL by simply putting a small MXR eq in the loop.
 
#6
If you want a distorted sound I would opt for the CL since it has a gain control and a master control as opposed to the VR that just has a Volume knob.

I have the SVT-CL and, in my oppinion the best way to get a nice overdriven sound is to put an overdrive pedal in front of it, this way you have even more gain.
 
#8
The best thing is to try it, I have the ebs and I'm very satisfied with it. I however never have tried it with an hybrid head. If you are looking for a tube overdrive sound you won't get it with just a pedal. If you just want an overdriven tone you might be happy with just the pedal.

I would suggest to try it, if it's not enough for you and you have the cash then, go for an all tube head.
 
#9
I bought a VR after playing both the CL & VR side by side.
IMHO there is no comp. I've been playing 20+ years and have played for a living for half of those. I use the Ampeg for all my blues & rock gigs. My 2 cents....

p.s.
I think the VR is going to hold its value over the CL also.

Peace.
J
 
#10
JustOpenYourMind said:
If you are looking for a tube overdrive sound you won't get it with just a pedal. If you just want an overdriven tone you might be happy with just the pedal.

I would suggest to try it, if it's not enough for you and you have the cash then, go for an all tube head.
Click to expand...

I think that "tube overdrive" is overrated when talking of power tube overdrive. For example, when overdriving an SVT (vintage or VR) there are like 2 "Overdrive Stages". First growl is achieved between Volume 11:00 - 11:30. This is the classic SVT tone. Full deep and "rumbling" but yet warm and harmonic sounding it is touch sensitive and not too compressed yet. This is THE trademark of the SVT. And it is indeed diode clipping. :D - Caused by a unique feature that the SVT has. It is diodes that are there for protecting the power stage from overdriving.

The power stage is NOT overdriving yet.

Than further on turning the Volume up there come some "brizzly" overtones added to the "SVT-growl". This is the "second stage" . it is when the power stage starts to "knock on the door". The power stage is not fully saturated yet resulting in further increase of volume.

At 2:30 max Volume is reached but not full tube distortion. Still a fullbodied yet not too "unfriendly" sound.

Volume turned all to the right the tone gets really on the angry side. Volume is not louder but seems to be a little louder due to more compression and overtones. Some may call it a little harsh. I love it! THATS finally the typical power tube overdrive, gentlemen. :smug:

And then even when Volume is up all the way, there is the active midrange that can even add some more juice.

I play a passive Precision and keep the amp flat except boosting the mids a little and diming the treble. Ch.1 normal - all ultra-something knobs off. I dont like them.

I have a 400 Watt Hiwatt clone, too. This is a PURE 100% all tube amp. PTP hand-soldered (the SVT is NOT an all tube amp when you mind that diodes. ;) ) - This amp stays clean, articulate and a punchy for a long. (no diode clipping there) But when pushed hard the HIWATT gets nasty. Some may like it, but I prefer the "smoother" OD of the SVT.

BTW - The SVT with the fulltone OD Pedal sounds very equal to the sound of the unit when cranked to 3 o clock. So at least for me the PEDAL does it ALL. (at manageable volume)
 
#12
VR.

I actually bought both and took both to my gig and played A-B on them. The CL promptly went back.

The VR, IMO, really does sound like a vintage SVT (I played through several in my 25 years of playing). It's all in the mids, and lo-mids. The CL sounded tame compared to the VR.

I got a USA made one, and I also think it will hold its value better in the long haul.

-M
 
#13
They're both great amps with a different pre-amp, so the tone is a bit different. I own an early 80's SVT but it seems that a lot of shows I've been to the bassist is using a CL and sounds great in the mix. Very popular amp. Either way "fat 70's tone" or possibly the "Ampeg growl" comes from distorted power tubes like Mr. Hoss explained.
 
#14
Surly said:
Either way "fat 70's tone" or possibly the "Ampeg growl" comes from distorted power tubes like Mr. Hoss explained.
Click to expand...

:D - Thats exactly what I have NOT explained, but nevermind - we agree that it is the typical "growl" that 70s ampegs are famous for.

drums1977: I have never tried the "multidrive", but the "Valve Drive" from EBS. It sounded very bass-heavy and a little too muddy for my taste - probably perfect for fattening up a very clean and boring sounding amp. For the Ampeg, the fulltone cuts it much better IMHO. Apart from that, this unit is built so sturdy - you got the feeling you can throw it agains the wall and it would still work perfectly. :p
 
#15
Hoss said:
:D - Thats exactly what I have NOT explained, but nevermind - we agree that it is the typical "growl" that 70s ampegs are famous for.
Click to expand...

You're right, but yeah that's basically what I meant.

I can't really play with full tube distortion, like volume on 10, in my house since it shakes the walls too much. Volume on 10, but the volume on the bass down a bit is the nice warm sound, similiar to regular volume around 4, or 11 o'clock 11:30
 

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