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Ampeg SVT350H vs. Ampeg PF-500

Haunted House

Haunted House

Dec 17, 2019
52
74
Minneapolis, MN
#1
Hello all! Ampeg folks, is there really a huge difference between an SVT350H and the newer PF-500, using the exact same cab with them? I just can't see 500 watts being really substantially louder than 350, and the average person noticing an obvious difference. if you had a choice between the two amps, which would you lean toward? Thanks!
 
#7
Haunted House said:
@lokikallas . That sure seems to be the consensus. Well, the PF500 will give me a little more headroom, I suppose. I'm all hyped up to get it now! But shipping might take a little longer though, these days.
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No matter. You're doing the right thing. I wouldn't give you a plugged nickel for the 350h, and it's the best of the series IMHO.
 
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#8
UPDATE: I got my PF500 a week and a half ago! It kicks all sorts of a$$! My main bass is a Squire CV 70s P-Bass (with Rotosound 66 roundwounds), and my cabinet is the Hartke 410TP, 8ohm. I also just got a Behringer BDI21 driver pedal. The combination of bass, strings and rig, thus far IMHO, sounds awesome! I thought the amp and cabinet sounded pretty good, but when I add the pedal it sounds like Frankenstein driving an Abrams tank full speed into a fireworks factory! Now, I'm thinking of upgrading the cabinet, and am thinking I may go for a stack of two Ashdown RM EVO 410 600w cabs to replace the Hartke. (The Acoutsic combo amp is on top of my cabinet only because I needed to put it somewhere, and dont have much floor space left! I might try to trade it in towards an Ashdown cab.)


Rig and Bass, May 29, 2020.jpg
 
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#9
JimmyM said:
I wouldn't give you a plugged nickel for the 350h, and it's the best of the series IMHO.
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Hey Jimmy, tried to send a PM but apparently your "box is full", which doesn't surprise me at all. Anyway, I've been gigging with an SVT-450H for a few years. Does your opinion differ any when comparing this head to the PF-500 (or even the PF-800)? Plus I think the 450H is in need of some service soon.
 
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#10
I've had a chance to buy two 350's. I was able to try them out for about a week each and passed on both of them. Enough power but just couldn't get what I considered a decent sound out of them. I also found them to be un even on different strings. Picked up a PF 500 a couple years ago and it has been my main gigging amp ever since. I was running an SVT Classic head before that and I have NO complaints about going from the SVT to the 500. Still have the SVT but my back doesn't like it any more. (My ears still do though.). I ran the 350 through my 8 10e cabs (my favorite cab) but just didn't care for it. I have run the SVT and the 500 through both 8 10's and my 2 12 AV cab. I like any combos of the above. Most of my gigs these days are with the 500 and the 2 12. Still pull out the 8 10 for an occasional outdoor gig with the 500. Haven't gigged with the SVT head for a while now. Both my bands and I love the fact that it is in our rehearsal room (my basement.) Someone asked me why I don't gig with the SVT anymore. I asked him if he was going to carry it. That was the last I heard about it.
 
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#11
I owned a 350 briefly for a handful of gigs and was disappointed... sold it quickly. I’ve used both the 450 and the PF500 in back lines. They were both much better, and I actually quite liked the 450 sound wise, but it was a lowish-volume gig. Of course a single back line experience only tells you so much, but I’d happily use either one again - once we’re back at it.
 
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#12
sharkbait130 and TomB,

Thanks for the input guys. My 450 has been acting up with a weird noise on rare occasion. Unfortunately (fortunately), I only have the one rig and I'm gigging heavily nearly every weekend, so I can't get it into the shop with a backup. I've been looking at the Ampeg D-class offerings but don't have one nearby to audition in person. I've seen a PF-800 available near me used, but will have to play a few more shows before I have the cash for it. Hopefully, with 2-3 shows every weekend, I'll have it saved up before something more drastic happens to the 450. Depending on how I like the PF, I might end up keeping the 450 as my backup.

Again, thanks for your opinions and experience.
 
#13
Lee Kirkham said:
Hey Jimmy, tried to send a PM but apparently your "box is full", which doesn't surprise me at all. Anyway, I've been gigging with an SVT-450H for a few years. Does your opinion differ any when comparing this head to the PF-500 (or even the PF-800)? Plus I think the 450H is in need of some service soon.
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Sorry but I've been trying to clear out my inbox and have no idea how to do it, and I never got a reply from the TB mods.

But yes, and I'm speaking only for myself of course, but I am not a fan of any of that series.
 
#16
JimmyM said:
But yes, and I'm speaking only for myself of course, but I am not a fan of any of that series.
Click to expand...

Alright then, I appreciate your input. As I'm certain many here do the same, I have been around long enough and read enough of your posts to say that I value your opinion and likely have very similar tastes in sound. Though I am a sucker for the aethetic of the "plywood", as lokikallas put it, I can appreciate function over form. It looks like I'll be scouring the ads to see if there are any good previously owned units for sale. Thanks again, everyone, for giving me the food for thought.
 
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