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Ampeg SVT Classic Cab Selection

MN_Bass

MN_Bass

Sep 21, 2008
1,747
207
Minnesota
#1
Hey Everybody,
I need some advice :)

Have a ampeg svt classic, great sounding amp, can deal with it's ridiculous weight..

Have a Ampeg 8x10, love the tone, but the transporting and weight ,can't do it anymore.


Has anyone used a Classic with the following cabs

Avatar 2x12
Avatar 4x10
Any other suggestions lets say $600 and under....

I play a P and a Ric, loud rock and roll, don't really turn up past half way at rehearsals, probably 9-10 o'clock at gigs, run it flat with with bass rolled back a bit.

Thought about getting rid of the Classic and getting a LM2 and a VT Bass pedal, but the tone is soooo good.

:bassist:

Will these cabs hold up and not sound farty.
 
#2
Don't be a wuss ;)

J/K, but only a little. I went through a period of downsizing, but I just couldn't do it, and I'm now back on the SVT/810. You can run any 4 ohm cab into it and it'll be fine, but my advice is don't sell it right away. Instead, get a smaller rig for when you don't want to carry it.
 
#5
I'll go wayy out on a limb and say that I've never loved the sound of a 4x10 with an SVT. I do like 2x15's but my EV cab is also a monster to move (more concerned about size than weight).
I am now content with a Berg 322 (no longer made put there is usualy one for sale here every month or so). 1-12 and 2x10 with a horn (that I have almost turned off.

It's something like 75 lbs but I can move it myself and it fits in a Nissan Maxima.
I'm assuming that the low bass and punchy mids are due to quality drivers (as well as design); 4 ohms / 800 watts. I'm learning that the high end cabs really do offer way more than the some of the "regular" cabs from the day.

I would try a used higer end cab before you buy an Avatar.
.02
 
#7
Berg is the only one I've spent extensive time with and believe that there are another half dozen or so that represent more advanced design / thinking

Would be interested to hear back after you've demo'd some boxes.
 
#8
Ya Know, do you want to be called MN_BASS or MINIMUM_BASS?

I have a better idea, INVENT a better way to transport your cab. You know we are locked into this tilt back BS since AMPEG invented it. They originally had flat backed cabs with regular strap handles.

While I hate regular strap handles with a passion, I ALWAYS used a dolly to move my cabs (For many years a skateboard) We've run into many door problems with pushing the cab the wide way everywhere.

Maybe its time to REINVENT the flat backed cab and figure out a better way to move the thing... My big 3 - 15 cab from 1969 was easily as big as an SVT and I moved it just fine. But it always moved end wise. BOB
 
#9
The Bergantino NV610 is a Piece of cake to transport/move- at 98lb & wheels!!! & as it's a sealed 6x10" has ALL THE VIBE & more of the Ampeg 810. Apparently was built to be a modern version of the orig. straight back Ampeg 810. whatever.... it's a real winner!!! Otherwise I'd try the SVT410HE(but it's probly as heavy & harder to shift than the Berg.) or other sealed cabs. Sadowsky410 is s'posed to be a beauty...$$$$???:hmm:
 
#10
First I'll say that I don't own the svt classic anymore but I did for 12 years or so, so I know it well. Great amp.

I just got a berg nv412, a month ago which I use with my db750. This is one amazing cab, and I would imagin that it goes really well with the svt.
Not exactly lightweight, but not a 8x10 either.

Certainly blows my aggie gs210 + gs410 out of the water. Offcourse with the sealed design it's more vintage sounding, but that would probably suit you fine when you come from the 8x10.
 
#11
Interesting weekend for me....caught Robin Trower in St Louis. The warm-up band (actually pretty good) used a SVT4Pro with an 8X10 - killer sound, but as noted - heavy as hell!

The Player for Robin Trower was using a MarkBass set up. I couldn't make out his amp rig - but he was going through a 6X10 MB cab (standard 106 HF - now discontunued) and it "seemed" to hold it's own in comparison with the Ampeg cab.

IMO - for the weight trade-off - it might be something to consider............
 
#12
JimmyM said:
Don't be a wuss ;)

J/K, but only a little. I went through a period of downsizing, but I just couldn't do it, and I'm now back on the SVT/810. You can run any 4 ohm cab into it and it'll be fine, but my advice is don't sell it right away. Instead, get a smaller rig for when you don't want to carry it.
Click to expand...

Jimmy, I couldn't agree more.....obviously, for guys our age, weight is a consideration. That's why I grabbed the MB CMD121P...grab it and go for rehersals and it performs like a champ. However, I have found that from MY perspective, the bigger cabs just seem to do it for me.....I mean, DAMN! my back...but I can complain for eternity when I'm dead....but for now, nothing feels quite as good as a big-assed cab behind me..:D
 
#13
Ya, I can certainly sympathize with people who have to downsize for health reasons. And hey, I own a Markbass head and will probably use it today on my outdoor gig where it's going to rain most of the time. But yeah, I greatly prefer to lug the 810. Easy for me to say since I have no injuries to my back, though.
 
#16
I run a SVT II non pro with an Avatar 2-12 and 4-10. I think they sound great, individually or together. The vented Avatars are going to be voiced very different than a sealed 8-10. You mention that you roll off some lows already, so it might be too much of a good thing. You won’t have the punch in the chest, but to my ear they do go lower.
 
#17
MN_Bass said:
Thanks for the advice everyone, still looking to find if anyone has used it with the avatars with any good results...
Click to expand...

I use an svt classic with a sealed gk 810 and it sounds great but when i use it with my avatar neo 410 i find it too loose sounding and when i pump any volume into it seemed like it starts to do funny things like motorboating. I love the avatar for my other heads, the v4b sounds great through it and every other head i have tried but i just dont like the svt through it. The avatar sounded killer with my old svp pre amp and a high powered power amp but just doesnt like my svt.
 

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