Thanks, Jerrold; Thanks Psycho (hey, relax!
)
No rose-colored glasses for me about Ampeg, just trying to be realistic and hoping for the best.
My point was- How do the components differ from when the product was built at SLM?
There were a few posters above who mentioned Ampeg's "faltering"
quality, but they concerned SLM-era product!
That's another issue entirely...
The OP started off with an opinion that the cabinet wood(s) itself was inferior quality; different. You addressed that.
I asked about a bill of materials, not the fact that the operation ("Factory") is different- That's a done deal.
But are the elements the same? I don't think the designs of the amps and cabs have changed, so if the bill of materials remains comparable (electronics, etc.) then the issues are assembly and Q/C. Valid issues absolutely, but adressed with too much drama, and not proven to me beyond doubt ...Yet.
If it's true, then it's true. Jerrold, you brought up in another thread, at another time (sounds like Star Wars!) how the crew at SLM were "players" and using not only test equipment, but their ears and their feel for the products, they maintained QC. I thought that was awesome, and no doubt that it's probably lost at the new "factory", unless they employ a dedicated and knowledgeable Player/QC person. I doubt that, realistically, the final assembly/performance tests are most likely done by rote, or machine, whatever.
The analogy to the amps being built alongside toasters so to speak was a little harsh and extreme. Certainly a manufacturing engineer would address the dfferences required in set up, assembly, and so on. But then again- Maybe we'll now be able to pop an English Muffin into our SVT's, and it would give the term "fridge" entirely new meanings!
Okay, I've lightened up.... now
The point is.... Is the bulk of product coming in going to fail, will tolex peel away, get crushed when you touch it, explode, whatever...?
OR- is it going to be put together using same-spec components as before, with an appropriate amount of QC,
and result in a product that performs and sounds like an Ampeg is expected to.
I hope so, because I'm a BIG fan of the brand and the sound.
And while I could just chill and use my great SLM product
I'd like to see the brand remain. The newer 6 and 8 PROS really interest me; and if someone wants an SVT, I hope it's there for them.
Doesn't mean I blindly endorse them. I'm just skeptical about blanket statements I've heard- "A friend told me that...."
etc.And IF several dozen people posted that they had some sort of problem with their gear? That could absolutely be duplicated
from any brand- take your pick.
Some people have no reason for dissatisfaction, other than emotion,which is cool, of course-But the Moderators have stated that is not an issue for discussion, and I totally agree.
It's about the gear. Technically, how it differs, if it does.
Jerrold, you've provided as much insight as possible, couldn't be a truer look unless someone from LOUD/Ampeg contributed.
Your info about Eminence/China drivers for instance was a perfect example of fact. Now, the question is, how do those drivers differ from before, and really- Now let's find out what drivers are in every piece of gear on the market, and where they're from before we beat down on Ampeg alone.
I was not/am not aware of the parts and service issue, and warranty. If it's a problem-it's a problem. The ONE time I needed service, there was perfect and rapid synchronicity between SLM and my local Ampeg warranty facility. (wasn't under warranty, btw). I spoke with SLM, they took care of business as did the local tech. I hope that gels with LOUD parts and service-wise.
I hope they get it right- Like I say, the product has a great legacy; and already some players have closed the door on Ampeg Product. My V4BH and SVT-48HE were bought in '02, built around then; and my SVT-15E and 3PRO
are from last year. All are from SLM, all are built perfectly IMO, and I could not be happier with how they sound. They're my bread and butter.
If Ampeg tanks, there's many choices available- I get a lot of pleasure from my Mesa, my Genz-Benz, and my Trace gear-
but nothing else sounds like Ampeg, and that's why I hope they get it right.
