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Ampeg SVT vs Orange AD200B

Travelrock

Travelrock

Guest
Apr 24, 2014
24
6
#1
I've been playing Solid-state amps for all my life but are now about to go for a tube amp, and consider which one is the best possible.
I've been reading up on the web and Ampeg SVT and Orange AD200B pops-up often and both get the most amazing reviews and comments.

I'm interested in hearing what those of you who tried both think - which one do you prefer and why?

Thanks!
 
#3
carbonfold said:
You would see tons of opposing opinions. Both do well in their own reich. It is like truly comparing Ampegs to Oranges! But do some searching on the forums. Tons of information on both amps.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your comment! I do understand it's a bit like Mac vs PC, Fender vs Gibson, Apples vs Oranges etc etc but never the less... I've read quite a lot of those tons of info you mentioned already, but find that quite often people have not really played both and are bias to what they own and use. I would love to get some more comments/opinions from people that really tried both and would like to share their take on these.
 
#4
It depends on what characteristics you want.

The Orange has a good amount of power and is more inclined to break up (distort). Some guys LOVE that.

The SVT has more power and more clean headroom, perhaps a little darker sonically.

There both have sold enough units that it shouldn't be too hard for you locate either one and try for yourself. We don't know what you want.
 
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#5
Well, most bassist have played on some form of Ampeg. Ampeg does well... the Ampeg thing. Orange will have a bit of hair on it and a bit more "hairy" toned versus Ampeg will have more of a growl with a tad bit more mid definition. Both sound great depending on what you prefer. AD200B is considered slightly mid scooped (but not in the "metal" way).

Ampeg SVT Classic as a Baxandall eq vs the Ampeg will be a roll-off type of EQ. As in 10 is set as zero and everything below that is a cut on the AD200B

The best suggestion I can give is that a lot of music stores will have an Ampeg SVT system and may an Orange Terror. Try them both to give you an idea if the Orange tone is your thing. The Terror can be dialed in to be a close to the AD200B but not 100%. Or if you were located in DFW, I would just say try out my AD200B and two OBC115 rig.

I've personally have had the SVT Classic (with several different Ampeg cabs) and now on my 3rd AD200B rig. I personally prefer the Orange because I like the tone over the Ampeg.

The best suggestion is to try them both out in the end. Reading or just listening to youtube will not do either amp justice. In all honestly, you could pick either one and both will work well in any circumstance.
 
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#6
Both are great amps. I have an Ad200b and I love it. It does maybe 1 1/2 different tones. While that may sound limiting, if its a tone you like, nothing can really match it. Not that its better than an SVT, just different. I like it more than the SVT tone(s), but I do love the Ampeg sound as well. The Orange weighs about half of what the SVT weighs, which was one reason I went with it over an SVT. I really think you can't make a bad choice here.
 
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#9
Mr. Foxen said:
Bear in mind AD200b benches about 165w clean. Which is why the dirt thing. Pretty sure all SVTs make their rated power. I'd look into a Matamp GT200 over the AD200b, don't think they work out much more, and its like getting a Fender instead of a Squier.
Click to expand...
Having played both, definitely try and find a Matamp if you want the "OrMat" sound. A GT200 absolutely slays an AD200 in power and overall girth. That said I still really want one of each because the AD200 would be an awesome bass vi/baritone head.
 
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#12
I looked for a MatAmp and they are almost non-existent in the States. Same with old Hiwatts. I went with the Orange for its tone, and its been rock solid. No real issues with volume. When I need loud and clean and no FOH is available I use a solid state amp (Thunderfunk).

FYI, The Orange also sounds nice as a guitar amp.

That being said, the SVT is killer and as much power as you will ever need.
 
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#15
No. I run both KT88s and 6550s in mine. Though the KT88 makes the bottom slightly tighter and the top slightly brighter, the 6550s sound more natural in this amp. But.... it is subjective. To each their own.

I actually find the Tungsol 6550 Reissues sound nice with this amp. KT88, to my ears, the amp sound slightly "hollow" and a bit sterile. Again, just IMO

TMARK said:
Mr. Foxen, would you know if KT88s in an AD200 would up the clean output?
Click to expand...
 
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#16
carbonfold said:
No. I run both KT88s and 6550s in mine. Though the KT88 makes the bottom slightly tighter and the top slightly brighter, the 6550s sound more natural in this amp. But.... it is subjective. To each their own.

I actually find the Tungsol 6550 Reissues sound nice with this amp. KT88, to my ears, the amp sound slightly "hollow" and a bit sterile. Again, just IMO
Click to expand...

I run the Tungsol's in my Orange too. I love the tone.
 
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#17
TMARK said:
Mr. Foxen, would you know if KT88s in an AD200 would up the clean output?
Click to expand...

The 165 is with Tung Sol kt88, with original GECs Gold Lions, sort of thing that are too expensive to use practically (I sold a well used pair of those for £300 a few years ago), get 8w more. Its a bit less with the cheapies it comes with. Servicing of an Orange AD200 Bass Guitar Amp I psoke to him regarding these later, seems they are all like that, the transformers don't suit getting full 200w from a quad of KT88, means can use cheaper valves with less cooking them.
 
#18
Travelrock said:
I've been playing Solid-state amps for all my life but are now about to go for a tube amp, and consider which one is the best possible.
I've been reading up on the web and Ampeg SVT and Orange AD200B pops-up often and both get the most amazing reviews and comments.

I'm interested in hearing what those of you who tried both think - which one do you prefer and why?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I find the Ampeg to just sound like a bass should sound. I found the Orange to be farty and bland sounding. That's it. No evidence, just my ears. Nothing else sounds like an SVT. (I played both through an Ampeg SVT 810e cab).
 
#20
mistergoats said:
I find the Ampeg to just sound like a bass should sound. I found the Orange to be farty and bland sounding. That's it. No evidence, just my ears. Nothing else sounds like an SVT. (I played both through an Ampeg SVT 810e cab).
Click to expand...
I agree on the Ampeg. Farty and bland isn't how an Orange should sound. Mine isn't Farty and bland, but I'm not using an SVT 810.

This brings up a point, and that is the Orange has limited EQ, so its hard to EQ out anything you don't like about a cab. I've settled on using an Eden 410xlt or two Avatar Neo 210s. I don't really like it with the Orange 410 or the Aguilar DB212.
 
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