Ampeg SVT-II appreciation thread

[baxter_x]

I have only used SVT-II's with provided SVT810 cabs at various festivals and outdoor concerts.
Blissfull Bell like 3D power that was the best sound and Feel at my back.....EVER

Damn....
Those comments make me want to try mine as soon as I can. But it's not for tomorrow unfortunately.....

 

[murphy]

My svt 2 sits in this 5U rack. I'd like to use a 4U as it's more convenient.
But I am a bit worried about the amp overheating. Would it be safe use a 4U rack
View attachment 7176414

I would keep it in that perfect 5 space...More air never hurts.....Plus room for other preamp fun in the future

 

[baxter_x]

I would keep it in that perfect 5 space...More air never hurts.....Plus room for other preamp fun in the future

I will NOT add anything else into that rack. It's already heavy enough!
However you're are right, more air never hurts. But less space is also nice. I'll see when I'm back on stages.

 

[rodl2005]

I had a SVT 11 NP in a 4 space rack, and never had any problems

 

[baxter_x]

I had a SVT 11 NP in a 4 space rack, and never had any problems

Good to know. For how long have you gigged the amp in it's rack?

 

[rodl2005]

Good to know. For how long have you gigged the amp in it's rack?

I haven't got it any more, sold it about 10 yrs ago.
I gigged it for about 3 yrs. Sounded great but, it's just on the limit of my heaving capabilities.
The Super Bassman I currently own isn't such a boat anchor or it's form factor suits me more, with its handles on both ends.

 

[baxter_x]

The Super Bassman I currently own isn't such a boat anchor or it's form factor suits me more, with its handles on both ends.

It's pretty much the same weight as the SVT so I guess it's the form factor that makes the difference.
Between the two which one you like the most?

 

[rodl2005]

It's pretty much the same weight as the SVT so I guess it's the form factor that makes the difference.
Between the two which one you like the most?

With the 4 space rack case it was/seemed a fair bit heavier.

As far as tone goes, I like em both about the same, but as the SB has the 8 ohm option, has the 2 channels, and the form of it is just easier for me to schlep.... the Super Bassman is my pick, or the one I've kept.

 

[baxter_x]

I have to say I miss the 8 omhs option on the SVT. I do have it on my Sadowsky SA200 though. Which I use the most.

 

[anderbass]

Back of the rack:

Does your rack case have a full inch of side-clearance on the fan inlet side, or less?

 

[murphy]

I have to say I miss the 8 omhs option on the SVT. I do have it on my Sadowsky SA200 though. Which I use the most.

I wish I had bought one (SA200) when my dealer, Club Bass was selling them.
I did buy the matching 410 cab...but really wasn't a good match for my amp rack....plus the cab fell forward flat on its' face.

Casters were set too far back

 

[baxter_x]

I wish I had bought one (SA200) when my dealer, Club Bass was selling them.
I did buy the matching 410 cab...but really wasn't a good match for my amp rack....plus the cab fell forward flat on its' face.

Casters were set too far back

It's a great amp. Its tone for sure but also the fact it's very lightweight for a tube amp that makes it pratcical for almost any situation.

 

[baxter_x]

Does your rack case have a full inch of side-clearance on the fan inlet side, or less?

I would say less. Max half of an inch.

 

[baxter_x]

 

[anderbass]

I would say less. Max half of an inch.

With a rack like yours having that narrow of a side clearance, you probably do need it to be a 5-space without any other rack unit located above that would cause a further fan restriction. Although I remember some guys used to cut a breather hole in the side of their rack and install a louvered vent cover for the fan inlet.

Here's a pic of my SVT-II (non pro) in my Ampeg SVT-RC4 headcase, that was designed & sold specifically for this amp. Ampeg could have designed it narrower, but they chose to give it a full 2 inches of side clearance for the fan, and only gave it like a 1/4 inch clearance above...

 

[anderbass]

Here's the front view of my Ampeg SVR-RC4 headcase showing they could have designed it narrower:

 

[baxter_x]

Interesting, thanks for those information

 

[rodl2005]

One could install a tiny fan. I put a li'l PC fan on a tube amp once, pulled air outta there

 

[map34157]

I recently picked up the Berg to go with my SVT II NP. Wow this combo really sounds good together. Perfect. I wish I’d done this years ago.

 

[jmpiwonka]

Only turned up to 2?