Ampeg SVT-VR

[nysbob]

And maybe I could live with a couple of torroidal transformers instead of the ten pound units in the original.

Blasphemer!

 

[mikeyvr6]

I don't think it's gonna use the SVP-CL preamp, as that's what's in the current SVT-CL!!!

Not quite Ox:

Actually it is the old preamp, with a few added features.

There are more settings in the ultra-low, including off, low cut (classic) ultra-low(classic), sub cut filter, and ultra-low (modern).

There is a mute, a bright and a pad switch added, as well as a peak light.

However, comparing it to a 1972 schematic shows it to be virtually identical to channel 1 when the added features are off.

Quoted from this thread here.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I don't think it's gonna use the SVP-CL preamp, as that's what's in the current SVT-CL!!!

Someone beat me to it, but it isnt

 

[Mark Reccord]

Maybe they can put it in a replica case made out of carbon fiber. I'm sure the tolex and original hardware could be glued on there somehow. And maybe I could live with a couple of torroidal transformers instead of the ten pound units in the original. Just imagine a 1970 SVT that weighs 40 pounds. I'll take two!

Ten pounds?

You're underestimating that by a fair bit.....

The PT and OT in an SVT are about 20lbs each. If you made them toroidal, they'd be about half that, so it would be a significant weight savings. I'm a big fan of toroids. Our amp uses 6 of them.... 2 power and four output.

I'm very interested in these new Ampegs. Though I don't anticipate mine dying any time soon. Yours either, Bob...

 

[Detonation]

Well, I like the looks for sure to start with!

 

[gwx014]

I got the info about the preamp straight from the horses mouth. (I e-mailed Ampeg) And this is what they said:

I'm told that the SVT-VR has the same signal path as the 70s SVT. The
engineers here were able to duplicate the signal path by combining
12AX7s and 12AU7s. I still haven't had the chance to hear it yet.
Plus the big difference is the SVT-CL has a gain and a master volume.
Also the VR doesn't have any of the tube protection circuitry the CL has.
Hope this helps!!!!

Thanks for your support in Ampeg

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Like we said, SVP-CL with a 300 watt tube power section

The original 70's SVT used 12DW7 tubes, which are half a 12AX7 and half a 12AU7, so using a 12AX7 and a 12AU7 and only using half of each will give the same circuit as a 12DW7

And thats damn right, who needs a gain control or tube protection circuit!

 

[THB_bassman]

Subscribe!
Interesting stuff.

 

[nysbob]

That protective circuitry makes them sound different...that's why I don't like modern amps in general...they're more concerned with their own welfare then kicking ass.

 

[kringle77]

Is that really true about the protection circuitry or am i just really gullable all of the sudden?

 

[Psycho Bass Guy]

One thing that interests me greatly is the power section. Most of the SVT's signature tone is in its preamp, and the SVP CL nails that, but its power section, spefically the driver section is a major reason it can get so loud and not turn into a guitar amp. If the SVT VR uses the CL power section, I'm VERY interested in A/Bing it against my old warhorses and seeing how it does. I also hope that Ampeg may be fielding a better SVT 8X10 more like the old ones.

 

[smo]

Just as a side - spose this amp does live up to the hype - and it is as good as the 70's SVT's of old;
Anyone know if Ampeg is listed on the sharemarket?

 

[tplyons]

If this sounds as good as a vintage Ampeg, I may be a partial convert...

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I wonder why they dont just use 12DW7's again? (probably a good reason other than 12AX7's and 12AU7's being more previlant)

 

[THB_bassman]

I wonder how much different one could sound compared with the other.
Is it even within human hearing to detect?
How could you do an A/B test, really?

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

You talking about the tubes or the amp?

The difference between the types of tubes is all to do with the gain each of those tubes uses, i just dont see the point in using two tubes to replicate a single one when the single one could be used

 

[THB_bassman]

I'm talking about the tubes and how the amp sounds with them, so yes and yes. I agree it seems sorta silly to me, to use 2 tubes to make the sound of one, but because to me I doubt they really sound that much different anyway.

 

[robb.]

Just as a side - spose this amp does live up to the hype - and it is as good as the 70's SVT's of old;
Anyone know if Ampeg is listed on the sharemarket?

st. louis music, of which ampeg is a part, was bought by mackie (er, kind of loud technologies) for about $40M US, which is a small fraction (sub 10%) of the yearly grosses of the largest MI companies. view the paperwork here.

they are planning on listing on NASDAQ as LTLG.

robb.

 

[tadawson]

I wonder why they dont just use 12DW7's again? (probably a good reason other than 12AX7's and 12AU7's being more previlant)

The 12DW7 being out of production for at least 10 years might be a factor . . . Ampeg published a conversion procedure due to this back in the mid 90's, if not earlier . . . . and since, as others have said, the 12DW7 is 1/2 12AU7 and 1/2 12AX7, there is simply no point - the two configs are electrically identical.

- Tim

 

[Mark Reccord]

The 12DW7 being out of production for at least 10 years might be a factor . . . Ampeg published a conversion procedure due to this back in the mid 90's, if not earlier . . . . and since, as others have said, the 12DW7 is 1/2 12AU7 and 1/2 12AX7, there is simply no point - the two configs are electrically identical.

- Tim

The 12DW7 is back in production.