Ampeg SVT.... VR or CL?

[Hammr]

I want to get an all tube SVT. I've looked all over the place to try and find a VR in my area to demo with no luck. Is there a big tone difference between the two? Gain vs. No gain?

 

[RickenBoogie]

The biggest difference is the lack of a gain knob on the VR. To get that amp all growly, you need to crank it. The CL has a gain knob, so you can get the growl at lower volumes. Many say the VR is more like a real 70's SVT, but the tonal differences are really minor to me. If it were me, I'd go with the CL, but wouldn't turn down a VR either.

 

[JimmyM]

+1, except I slightly favor the VR over the CL. Both are fantastic amps, though.

 

[Baird6869]

+1, except I slightly favor the VR over the CL. Both are fantastic amps, though.

+1. I feel exactly the same way. Both are world class heads.

I love my SVT-CL and was actually going to buy a VR instead as I liked the tone on the VR a tiny bit more. Ultimately I decided on a used SVT-CL as there is generally a fairly substantial price difference (VR is more $$$) that I couldn't justify.

 

[alfredpunkjazz]

To be honest I decided based on price, and contrary to the last coment I spend less buying a VR than a CL, but that was a rare excepcion. Now, I think I like more the VR sound, but sometimes I do miss having a gain control. Of course, you can add some effects and stuff like that. It is a hard decission, I know it, he he he.

 

[jmcy2k]

I think I'm going to pull the trigger and order a VR. I've been digging for a USA 8PRO and think it's time to go in a different direction, so I'm going with the all-tube beast that started it all.

 

[Williamsburgjim]

...in addition to the gain, the cl has two more (total 5) mid range freq's vs. just 3 on the vr. Maybe too, you could look at it from a 'tube-tone flexibilty' standpoint given the most flexible first: svt II, cl, vr.

Jimbob

 

[johnk_10]

this question has been asked quite a few times before. while the CL is a very nice amp, to me, it doesn't sound like what i'm used to when i think of an SVT, so it depends on what you're going for. IMO, the VR does sound like a standard issue SVT .

 

[Hammr]

Thanks for the replies! I have been leaning towards the VR, as everyone i've spoken to says the VR sounds a little better, just a little worried about not having a gain control. Roughly, how far does the VR need to be pushed to get the tubes growling?

 

[johnk_10]

IMO, if you go with the VR, once you hear the magnitude of its tone, you're not going to miss having a gain control at all.

 

[JimmyM]

Thanks for the replies! I have been leaning towards the VR, as everyone i've spoken to says the VR sounds a little better, just a little worried about not having a gain control. Roughly, how far does the VR need to be pushed to get the tubes growling?

Roughly...past the 300w mark If tube growl at low volumes is important to you, you may want to consider the CL. Or a VT Bass pedal. The VR stays clean until you go past its RMS wattage.

 

[64jb]

i think if you do alot of studio recording and love the sound of the 70's then go with VR. but for live gigs surely go for cl. cuz you gonna want that gain control to push those speakers. otherwise they both great amps!

 

[rodl2005]

Roughly...past the 300w mark If tube growl at low volumes is important to you, you may want to consider the CL. Or a VT Bass pedal. The VR stays clean until you go past its RMS wattage.

Which is about 12 oclock on the vol. dial. The VR as w/ my SVTII starts to get 'dirty' about 12 o'clock & get's 'crankier' as U turn up... thats what I found anyway. & thats LOUD!!!! AS JimmyM says either the CL or get a VT-bass pedal for 'that' sound at a lower volume. BUT IMO the VR as w/ my SVTII -both have NO gain control- The sound alone -U just 4get all about THAT gain knob.

 

[rbonner]

Roughly...past the 300w mark If tube growl at low volumes is important to you, you may want to consider the CL. Or a VT Bass pedal. The VR stays clean until you go past its RMS wattage.

Well and you know here too Jimmy, the speakers really start humping and add a lot to the tone of the thing. Thats where a guy has to decide what he's really doing.

If you need the speakers whomping at lower volume then you might need to do what John did and start swapping out Eminence for Jensen's to lower the power rating of the cab.

Thats the cool thing about us bass guys. If it doesn't do what you need it too, buy 6 tubes of speaker cream and make it sound right...

BOB

PS, I have 8 totally wore out 100 watt eminence units. They sound absolutely fantastic; until I start turning up the crank and they then fart with an electric arc sound that is huge... Anybody wanna trade me 8 new in the box ones?

 

[akaTRENT]

Roughly...past the 300w mark If tube growl at low volumes is important to you, you may want to consider the CL. Or a VT Bass pedal. The VR stays clean until you go past its RMS wattage.

+1 on this. Many gigs i play dont let me "crank" and without the gain control i wouldnt get the overdrive i need. But i would take either amp either way.

 

[Jim C]

The only intelligent decision is to have one of each.

 

[Spedracer]

The only intelligent decision is to have one of each.

Now you're thinking with your dipstick!

I've A/B'd the cl verses the vr. The VR is slightly more pleasant to my ear for what its worth. Less modern sounding.

The difference is very minimal. But theres just a little more sauce on the VR. IMO.