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AMPEG SVT7PRO

T

Thunzie

Feb 17, 2013
7
0
#1
Hi folks. Ive just joined an ACDC tribute show and will be playing pubs and medium sized venues. Both guitarists are using vintage Marshalls, and they crank em' up REAL LOUD so I'll be needing an amp that can compete volume-wise. I have 2 main questions about the AMPEG SVT7PRO with an Ampeg SVT410HLF, and maybe a 115 as well.

First question: I'm aware this is a 1000 watt amp but I have no experience with these class D amps, so I really don't know what to expect volume-wise - will this thing keep up with a few Marshalls volume-wise without burning it out?

Second question: I read in one forum about a guy who's AMPEG SVT7PRO burnt out after just a few gigs. Was he just unlucky / are these class D amps dependable?
 
#2
The 7 Pro can only go down to four ohms - so adding a cab in addition to the four ohm SVT410HLF will cause the amp to fail.

I have heard that the early models had reliability issues which have been fixed since.

I would bet any decent amp over 300 watts would do the job if you had an 810 cab under it.
 
#3
Class D is dependable, no issues there.

Judging by posts here the SVT7PRO seems to have been less than reliable, and of course there's always someone who knows someone who haven't had any issues with it. ;) All anectotal evidence anyway. AFAIK there's a rev C or D now, draw your own conclusions.

FYI, bass gear mag tested the 7PRO to 763 watts.
 
#4
First and second question are related. The 7pro is notorious for reliability problems. I would steer clear of any of Ampeg's Micro amps as they all have a overwhelming amount of cutting out issues from this forums users
And class D amps are reliable as the sun coming up in the morning. Most of the big shows you go to the power amps for the PA are class D
 
#6
The 7 Pro is a great head. Sure it may seem a little like "bloated" advertising claiming it 1000w when it runs somewhere between 750-800w, but don't let the numbers worry you too much. You'll get much more volume with more speakers than with increasing the wattage, and with a large cab or two, you will definitely get a punch from the 7 Pro. I'm not the biggest fan of the Ampeg tone, but if I was, (and if you're going for the AC/DC sound, an SVT is where to look) the 7 Pro would be the first one on my list. The reliability problems tend to be exaggerated on forums like this. Most of the issues have been dealt with, and most SVT-7Pro users have been trouble-free.

If you're going for the AC/DC tone and need plenty of volume, I would consider getting an SVT 810e instead of the 410hlf. They have a bit more punch/definition (not to mention double the speaker area=more volume) and are actually easier to transport thanks to the kickback and the back handle.
 
#10
Um, total respect to Bass Gear Mag but the 7 Pro has been tested elsewhere and it had no problem hitting 1000w. And your 410hlf will take about 500w, so you shouldn't be getting anywhere near the settings that have made them cut out in the past, and you can't add another cab, as Ricken said, because your 410hlf does 4 ohms and that's the minimum for the 7 Pro.
 
#12
VeganThump said:
The SVT 7Pro and an 810 would be perfect for what you're doing. Yes, it did have reliability issues at first but they have been corrected.
Click to expand...

+1.

These are great amps but had problems early on.

No different than Mesa's issues with the M6/M9... Do your homework and ensure you buy a newer amp with the newer rev levels.

I think the 7Pro would be a perfect AC/DC tribute band head. It won't do 2ohms though, so a 810 might be a consideration but a 410 will be plenty loud.....
 
#13
I'd get an 810 for that gig. IMO it will cut through better.

But, if you really love the sound of your 410HLF and 7PRO maybe pick up another SVT-410HLF and the power amp of your choice (power is cheap) and slave the amp to the 7PRO. Don't get a 15, the 410HLF is designed for huge lows and a 115 will do near nothing for lows or increased volume.

I've had my 7PRO for over a year and never an issue. It's just stupid loud if I need it.
 
#14
JimmyM said:
Um, total respect to Bass Gear Mag but the 7 Pro has been tested elsewhere and it had no problem hitting 1000w. And your 410hlf will take about 500w, so you shouldn't be getting anywhere near the settings that have made them cut out in the past, and you can't add another cab, as Ricken said, because your 410hlf does 4 ohms and that's the minimum for the 7 Pro.
Click to expand...

I'm glad to hear you say that because I've always heard guys talking about the 7pro saying that it only puts out about 750 watts and I knew that was bologna! I seriously doubt that Ampeg would release a product that puts out 25% less watts than they advertise.
 
#15
JimmyM said:
Um, total respect to Bass Gear Mag but the 7 Pro has been tested elsewhere and it had no problem hitting 1000w. And your 410hlf will take about 500w, so you shouldn't be getting anywhere near the settings that have made them cut out in the past, and you can't add another cab, as Ricken said, because your 410hlf does 4 ohms and that's the minimum for the 7 Pro.
Click to expand...

VeganThump said:
I'm glad to hear you say that because I've always heard guys talking about the 7pro saying that it only puts out about 750 watts and I knew that was bologna! I seriously doubt that Ampeg would release a product that puts out 25% less watts than they advertise.
Click to expand...

If I recall correctly the only way to get the 7pro to get to 1000 watts was to plug into the effects return bypassing the pre amp.
 
#16
MOTORHEADBANGER said:
If you're going for the AC/DC tone and need plenty of volume, I would consider getting an SVT 810e instead of the 410hlf. They have a bit more punch/definition (not to mention double the speaker area=more volume) and are actually easier to transport thanks to the kickback and the back handle.
Click to expand...

I completely agree with MHB. Go with an Ampeg 810e cab and you will thank yourself. It's a 4-ohm cab...a perfect match for the 7Pro, and that rig will kick major booty. The hlf design may sound good on paper, but it doesn't work all that well in a gig situation (too boomy). Plus, the 810e has twice as many speakers, and that is what will give you what you need in your situation.

Also, regarding reliability issues with the 7Pro, as you have read, Ampeg has issued multiple revisions. If you go with the latest (the D revision), you will be totally fine. And don't spend brain time worrying about whether the 7Pro puts out 750 watts or 1000 watts or 821.3 watts. You won't tell a difference with that range of variance.

Btw, I know that there is an obvious benefit to a lighter amp, and the 7Pro is the way to go if you don't want a heavy amp, but if you really want the tone and oomph, you might consider an Ampeg SVT-VR or SVT-II non-pro. Those all-tube amp heads are heavy as heck, but the sound and feel is da bomb!
 
#19
throw and 810 under it and you wont have any issues. i use and SVT 7pro with and 8x10 in a LOUD metal cover band. one of my guitarist uses an egnator and the other a mesa and i dont have any issues at all. reliability for me has not been an issue, i have a revision C.
 

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