Aguilar DB359 (50lbs) and Sadowsy SA200 (41.8lbs) are two examples that use toroidal transformers.
In comparison the Orange AD200B weighs 57.87lbs and uses old school transformers.
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Ampeg V4B200
- Thread starter Red Planet
- Start date
Aguilar DB359 (50lbs) and Sadowsy SA200 (41.8lbs) are two examples that use toroidal transformers.
In comparison the Orange AD200B weighs 57.87lbs and uses old school transformers.
One could argue that the transformers they use in the V4B and PF amps are already significantly lighter. And larger transformers than most amps of their class is a hallmark of Ampeg amps, and one could argue that it's what gives them the sound. Not quite that simple, but they're a major component of why they're successful.
That said, according to Andy, the choice Mesa made to substitute large trannies with more tubes to make them lighter isn't why Mesas sound different. And I tried one of those Peavey amps with the SMPS replacing the power tranny, and it was a good sounding amp. I don't think either of them sound like Ampegs, though, and I certainly want my Ampegs to sound like Ampegs. So maybe it's possible for them to make one with those types of construction, but if they can't, I'd rather they bag the project.
Been saying this for years. Just lighten up the current 300 watt tube heads
Agreed, I believe it can be done. Like I said it doesn't have to weigh 5 pounds just maybe sub 50 but be 200 watts of tubulicious and what would be really cool IMO is have a vintage Ampeg look. Sorry I hate modern Ampeg look.
I don't mind it but I do prefer the old look for sure, as did most of the people who responded to a FB poll.
I prolly should say it like this that silver blue grill cloth and aluminum face plate is just sexy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A 200-watt all-tube Ampeg head has been a dream of mine for over two decades. Does it have it place as a profitable addition for Yamaha? I really don’t know. Marketing is part science and part art.
A previous poster mentioned that such an amp could eat into sales of both the V4B and SVT. That may not be a bad thing, however. Companies wage innovation over legacy products all the time. It’s a staple to how many companies grow. For example, Jeep introduced a truck-Wrangler this year. It will surely eat into sales of the regular Wranglers, but Jeep did it anyway. Why? They did it because of demand for a new market segment that may prove to offer more profit than if they never made the truck-Wrangler. Take this example and apply it to our V4B200 conversation. This amp may have the potential to exploit or even create a new target market. The legacy amps may take a hit, but the net of all sales could end up even more profitable if there is enough demand and a good design.
On a different note, i’d kind of like to see a Yamaha create a modern, lighter 300-watt tube amp. Think Ampeg meets Mesa. Don’t call it an SVT, but rather market it as a new product line. In my dreams I guess....
A previous poster mentioned that such an amp could eat into sales of both the V4B and SVT. That may not be a bad thing, however. Companies wage innovation over legacy products all the time. It’s a staple to how many companies grow. For example, Jeep introduced a truck-Wrangler this year. It will surely eat into sales of the regular Wranglers, but Jeep did it anyway. Why? They did it because of demand for a new market segment that may prove to offer more profit than if they never made the truck-Wrangler. Take this example and apply it to our V4B200 conversation. This amp may have the potential to exploit or even create a new target market. The legacy amps may take a hit, but the net of all sales could end up even more profitable if there is enough demand and a good design.
On a different note, i’d kind of like to see a Yamaha create a modern, lighter 300-watt tube amp. Think Ampeg meets Mesa. Don’t call it an SVT, but rather market it as a new product line. In my dreams I guess....
I feel certain that with toroidal transformers and light plywood
it could be a little lighter than it would be without them.
I'm sure there is some market share to be had.
I have no idea how much.
It might be good for them to be the one to cut into V4B and SVT sales,
Otherwise they will be lost to someone else.
If the lightening efforts work out, they could then be used on an SVT light.
it could be a little lighter than it would be without them.
I'm sure there is some market share to be had.
I have no idea how much.
It might be good for them to be the one to cut into V4B and SVT sales,
Otherwise they will be lost to someone else.
If the lightening efforts work out, they could then be used on an SVT light.
If an SVT light sounded like an SVT in every way, I'd be the first to get one. But if they ever think of calling it "SVT Light," I'm out.
Oh yes think of this a new lighter SVT all tube. See I have single handily created an entire new amp line for Ampeg, excuse me while I pat myself on the back.
Seriously this could be a thing, they did succeed in lightening the V4B reissue. So you take it a step/notch further.
And how about a matching sealed lighter 6x10 with the vintage look for sure. They couldn't make them fast enough.
To get a real 200 watts you gotta push plate voltage to max. Realiability dives significantly.
Safe margin for Quad of 6550 puts you at 160/180 dirty watts
Few years back there was alot of controversial threads with manufactures stating higher wattage then measured.
So there is maybe politics and realiability issues with a actual 6550 200 watter
Likewise if you did actually build a reliable 160 watt Quad 6550 amplifier. Which would be amazing.
Being honest about power ratings could possibly lead to various poop talk. And lack of sales.
Personally anything without a krap effects loop or DI would be great. And pretty much have absolutely no expectations for a " lighter amp" likewise pointless Blinky winky bias lights to comfort possible tube amp buyers.
You don't use dam DI with tube amp. And good forbid don't need a line level effects loop or use " studio" line level effects units with a tube amp.
Tube amp like that would actually satisfy guys who want real tube amps.
But amps that sold like hot cakes like the Fender 100T loaded with features that appeal to non tube buyers. Sold alot amps.
So having to load a amp with buckets of features to appeal to the masses . Then not eat tubes to get 200 watts. Puts these projects on hold.
To much cost and warranty nightmares.
Safe margin for Quad of 6550 puts you at 160/180 dirty watts
Few years back there was alot of controversial threads with manufactures stating higher wattage then measured.
So there is maybe politics and realiability issues with a actual 6550 200 watter
Likewise if you did actually build a reliable 160 watt Quad 6550 amplifier. Which would be amazing.
Being honest about power ratings could possibly lead to various poop talk. And lack of sales.
Personally anything without a krap effects loop or DI would be great. And pretty much have absolutely no expectations for a " lighter amp" likewise pointless Blinky winky bias lights to comfort possible tube amp buyers.
You don't use dam DI with tube amp. And good forbid don't need a line level effects loop or use " studio" line level effects units with a tube amp.
Tube amp like that would actually satisfy guys who want real tube amps.
But amps that sold like hot cakes like the Fender 100T loaded with features that appeal to non tube buyers. Sold alot amps.
So having to load a amp with buckets of features to appeal to the masses . Then not eat tubes to get 200 watts. Puts these projects on hold.
To much cost and warranty nightmares.
An SVT is no more complicated than a V4-B, pretty much exact same tone controls at least on the 70's heads.
SVT's make 300 real watts with 6 6550's and the tubes last so 4 could make 200 watts and not eat tubes.
Don't cry.
I'd love to see a SVT pre glued to a realible 6550 Quad.
Like a real amp. Pretty vinyl, pretty silver grills. Big bottle blue glow.
Not dam opamp or speak on jack in sight.
Sunn got it right with Model T
540 plate no burned screens on ultra Linear. Fender style pre. 6550 Quad
I was really really really hoping Ampeg was gonna just go 6550 with the V4B
Just run cheap transformer. Blast the thing at solid 150 / 160 watts.
Original V4B had high plate juice. Little to much for 6L6. Just go 6550 and keep the original 130 ish watts.
But nah
I'd love to see a SVT pre glued to a realible 6550 Quad.
Like a real amp. Pretty vinyl, pretty silver grills. Big bottle blue glow.
Not dam opamp or speak on jack in sight.
Sunn got it right with Model T
540 plate no burned screens on ultra Linear. Fender style pre. 6550 Quad
I was really really really hoping Ampeg was gonna just go 6550 with the V4B
Just run cheap transformer. Blast the thing at solid 150 / 160 watts.
Original V4B had high plate juice. Little to much for 6L6. Just go 6550 and keep the original 130 ish watts.
But nah
I have also heard that a lot of those newer lighter tube amps don't really have the bottom the old boat anchors are capable of too, i know with an SVT you can earthquake a building with bottom if you want to.
Not many do on modern tubes. Most of the bench tests I have seen are between 240-265W 5% THD. The spec from the Tech Manual is 300W at 3% THD.
