Ampeg SVT-III (nonpro)

[Nate Plays Bass]

I have an opportunity to get an Ampeg SVT 3 (nonpro) from a local music store for $299. they say it works good and is very clean. I play a Spector and i want a nice clean sound. I think this has a tube preamp but I'm not totally sure. If anybody has one of there or has any info please let me know how it is and sounds and some specs. Thanks

 

[Alex1984]

I believe it does have a tube pre-amp. If it's anything like my II non-pro, I'd snatch it up without a thought.

 

[Dave W]

I believe it does have a tube pre-amp. If it's anything like my II non-pro, I'd snatch it up without a thought.

It is not.

SVT II = Tube
SVT III = SS (tube pre)

 

[Nate Plays Bass]

It is not.

SVT II = Tube
SVT III = SS (tube pre)

Is a SS power amp a bad thing? I'm pretty sure that it uses 3 12ax7 tubes

 

[Dave W]

Is a SS power amp a bad thing? I'm pretty sure that it uses 3 12ax7 tubes

No, of course not. But it really doesn't have much in common with an SVT II (pro or non pro) with is a rackmount SVT tube amp.

The vast majority of amps made today are either completely SS or have a SS power section.

I would suggest trying it out and see if it sounds good to you. There are a lot of people that complain about the SVT III series in general, so you might want to do some searching around and get informed.

 

[Alex1984]

I was referring strictly to the pre-amp section, because I thought their pre-amps are quite similar, if not identical.

 

[Dave W]

I was referring strictly to the pre-amp section, because I thought their pre-amps are quite similar, if not identical.

I don't now. All I am trying to say is that people rave about SVT II's and hate on SVT 3's.

 

[Alex1984]

Yeah. I was unimpressed with the 3-Pro myself. But after witnessing the different between the master and non-master volume versions, I figured a 3 non-pro just might be worth it. I've been tempted to buy them on many occasions.

 

[Teenage Brain]

It's the same preamp as the SVT-II non-pro and SVT-IIP. I still have one I bought new in the early 90s. It sounds really good; very Ampeggy despite the solid state power. Not a lot of juice at 350 watts, but if that's adequate power for you $299 is certainly a good, fair price.

 

[svtb15]

That is WRONG.

The SVT3 (non pro) has a TUBE Preamp.. It has 3 - 12ax7 tube in that preamp with SS BiPolar power

The SVT3 Pro has 5 tubes.. 4 - 12ax7 and 1 - 12au7 as a tube driver with SS MOSFET power

Yet the SVT 2 is all tube pre and power as stated

The SVT non pro is not as loud as the Pro version of that amp.. But IMO. it sounds way nicer... I sold my SVT3 pro but still have the Non pro version as well as my non pro version of my SVT2... Teh Non pro version sounds way closer to an actual SVT head than the pro versions do as far as how the EQ section interacts with either power section.

It is not.

SVT II = Tube
SVT III = SS (tube pre)

 

[Dave W]

^^^ Why are you quoting me and saying it's WRONG, but then agree with everything I said?

It's the same preamp as the SVT-II non-pro and SVT-IIP.

The SVT II Pro and non pro are two different preamps

 

[Alex1984]

SVT-IIP was a the preamp section of the SVT-II non-pro.

 

[Dave W]

My mistake! I keep thinking IIP = II Pro, when it does not. Sorry!

 

[Nate Plays Bass]

I'm looking for a very clean, clear and punchy tone, so would this amp be that one?

 

[Alex1984]

I found the preamp to be slightly aggressive, but it can be dialed out with EQ.

 

[Nate Plays Bass]

Does it sound muddy?

 

[Alex1984]

Out of everything I've tried thus far, Ampeg SVTs have more clarity in the high end than anything, a lot of it does have to do with your cab though. Assuming the pre-amp is similar, this amp should be good.

It isn't as clean as some of the other stuff out there though, and non-master volume might be a pain for some.

 

[Jerrold Tiers]

I would suggest trying it out and see if it sounds good to you. There are a lot of people that complain about the SVT III series in general, so you might want to do some searching around and get informed.

the III and 3PRO have very different power sections, and there is nothing really in common between them as far as problems...... So those "people" who complain about ALL the III & 3PRO units don't know what they are talking about....... if they exist.

The III is an SS power amp of the traditional poweramp type.

the 3 pro is a "hybrid" power amp, with tubes driving the mosfet outputs. it is not at all like a traditional SS poweramp

The preamps are very similar, but have detail differences.

You surely should play it and figure out if you like it before buying, I have no idea how to "write about" sound in a meaningful way, and I doubt anyone else does either.