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Ampeg SVT pro 2 or Ampeg V4B

#2
Either. They're both excellent amps, and while the knobs may not match up exactly to each other, you can get the same sounds out of each, although the extra drive circuit of the 2 Pro does give it a tiny bit more versatility if you enjoy overdrive.
 
#5
I had both. I kept the 2 Pro. As JimmyM said, it can do more stuff than the V4B. And it's 300W versus 100... Has a DI. Has a graphic EQ with a level boost (that you can bypass).

I'd do the same again (take the 2 Pro) - unless you just want to play at medium-to-medium-loud volume with a bunch of power tube grit in your sound, in which case, the V4B would be better for that. But, between the Master/Gain setup on the 2 Pro and the Drive knob, you can get a lot of grit without a lot of volume.

To me, the biggest problem, if you're looking for that certain power tube crunchy sound, is that there's more or less one volume on the V4B where you'll get it. If that's too loud for the room you're in, you'll have to turn down and lose that sound. If it's not loud enough for the room you're in, you have nowhere to go.
 
#6
I've been around the SVT - V4 wheel a few times. I had an SVT-CL, bought a V4. Liked the lower power drive tone and overall vintage vs new production tone so I sold the CL. Traded my V4 for a vintage SVT to get that nice loud/warm sound with plenty of clean headroom since I usually use pedals for my dirt anyhow. Recently picked up another V4. I do like having options. If you don't need to be super loud or have a large enough cab then the V4 is a great amp for that classic ampeg tube sound. If you can deal with the weight and impedance requirements, it's really hard to beat the feel and sound of an SVT at your back.
 
#7
StuartV said:
I had both. I kept the 2 Pro. As JimmyM said, it can do more stuff than the V4B. And it's 300W versus 100... Has a DI. Has a graphic EQ with a level boost (that you can bypass).

I'd do the same again (take the 2 Pro) - unless you just want to play at medium-to-medium-loud volume with a bunch of power tube grit in your sound, in which case, the V4B would be better for that. But, between the Master/Gain setup on the 2 Pro and the Drive knob, you can get a lot of grit without a lot of volume.

To me, the biggest problem, if you're looking for that certain power tube crunchy sound, is that there's more or less one volume on the V4B where you'll get it. If that's too loud for the room you're in, you'll have to turn down and lose that sound. If it's not loud enough for the room you're in, you have nowhere to go.
Click to expand...

what he said.
 
#9
I'm not getting rid of either, either, but as much as I love my SVT's, the V4B's really all I need. Don't mind the 44 lb. weight reduction from the SVT of the new V4B, either. But I do love the SVT for when I want to make a statement ;)
 
#10
I don't hate them at all but im not an ampeg guy. Sorry to all who are. I have played both though in practice and in live situations and just sound wise the v4b would take it but the SVT 2 says something special on its own. Also, I play a much louder style of music and the v4 just didn't have enough head room. I'm going to say the age old bull and tell you to try them both out if you can. If not im going to vote for the 2 pro since its more versatile and you can almost get the same tone as the v4. Don't just limit yourself to ampeg.... Though i will say if you never own one you will always wonder what it's like.
 

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