Ampeg Venture Series - V7 or V12

[Elmstreet]

I recently purchased an Ampeg VB212 cabinet from Guitar Center, I'm saving up for a Venture head to pair with it currently. It's kind of my "goal rig" that I've been saving for quite a while to get, so I don't want to get it wrong.

I talked to a guy that has a V7 head and he's running it through a 4ohm cab (non-ampeg) and he said the amp isn't crazy loud, and that he wished he got the V12 for more headroom. He raved about how it sounded, and he loved it, but he just mentioned the power/headroom.

So my thought is I'll just go for the V12 then since my VB212 is only 8 ohms which should be even quieter in theory than his 4ohm cabinet. Also, I'm only ever really planning to be running a single 8 ohm cab (the VB212).

Then I get to looking at the power ratings, and it looks like the VB212 is only rated up to 500 watts RMS and the V12 at 8 ohms would be 600 watts.

Will I be fine running this combo of amp and head together as long as the volume isn't at 100%? Is this guy crazy and the V7 is plenty loud and I should just go for that?

I know "loudness" is a difficult thing that has a ton of factors that I don't fully understand, so I was hoping to get some insight from some people that have potentially run this combo of V7 or V12 + VB212.

TIA!

 

[JimmyM]

I think he’s crazy. I have a V7 and it rips very loudly if I want, and yes, it could possibly blow your cab if you turn it up too loud (hint: don’t rely on numbers…rely on your hearing and common sense).

 

[Elmstreet]

I think he’s crazy. I have a V7 and it rips very loudly if I want, and yes, it could possibly blow your cab if you turn it up too loud (hint: don’t rely on numbers…rely on your hearing and common sense).

Thanks for the info. Do you typically run your V7 with an 8 ohm cab?

 

[lomo]

I haven't heard those heads, but the difference between 500 and 600 watts would be barely audible, if at all. If 500 watts through the 8 Ohm 212 isn't enough (which sounds unlikely), adding a 2nd cab would be a faaaaaaar more effective way to increase perceived volume than adding 20% more power..

Edit-the above assumes the comparison is 500 vs 600 watts into 8 Ohms. If the V7 pumps only 350 into 8 Ohms, the difference should be audible, but not dramatic.

 

[JimmyM]

Thanks for the info. Do you typically run your V7 with an 8 ohm cab?

Typically yes, a 210av. But I also tried it with my B15 repro cab with a 15 that can handle some power and it didn’t seem to lack.

 

[Elmstreet]

Typically yes, a 210av. But I also tried it with my B15 repro cab with a 15 that can handle some power and it didn’t seem to lack.

Thanks a lot, I really appreciate the feedback. You've definitely talked me into the V7. I have an RB210 that's 250 watts at 8 ohms and I've only ever gone past noon on the master one time. I think the V7 with the VB212 will be plenty for just about every situation I'll every get into.

 

[Slim Pickens]

A lot of the perceived "quietness" of this Ampeg line is just do to a difference in volume control design. Most amps will max at noon. On the V7 you just have to turn it up more. 3 o'clock is my sweet spot for an 8 ohm 2 10. The V7 will be good to you...don't be too worried to turn it up