Anyone Use A PF-350 To Backup An SVT CL?

[leemelone]

I was thinking of buying a PF-350 as a backup to my SVT CL in case a tube fails at a gig. The PF-350 is small, light weight and cheap. Tone and head room aside, will it give me a similar amount of volume as an SVT CL? I'm using a 410 HLF which at 4 ohms should allow the amp to put out the full 350 watts. Good backup or nay?

 

[Bigskybassguy]

Hey, I think PF-350 the number of a Purolator Oil Filter! ... (though this information may not be much help to your amp question)...

 

[cdBuckeye]

In my experience, the PF-350 can get pretty loud, but it's not capable of the extreme volume levels available from an SVT. If you are looking for a lightweight, compact amp, don't need extreme volume, and like Ampeg, I would say that the PF-350 is a good choice. On the other hand, if you really need an amp that gets nauseatingly loud, I would suggest avoiding the PF-350.

Cheers,
C.D.

 

[jamzcl]

If you're talking a brand new PF-350 I would spend the similar money towards a gently used PF-500 for a little more headroom and a couple more features. But either would make a fine backup to your CL in my opinion.

 

[B-string]

I wouldn't roll the dice on a no warranty PF-500. A PF-800 now you are talking a true no holes bared backup.

 

[JimmyM]

I used a PF350 as a backup for years until I got a PF800. I agree that it's not going to be quite as loud as an SVT, but it ain't quiet, either.

 

[drummer5359]

I've been contemplating acquiring a used PF-800 to backup my SVT Classic. I think that bringing along a Portaflex in a gig bag would be a great backup plan. (I was just leaning toward a larger Portaflex for the job.)

Great minds think alike... and so do ours.

 

[coreyfyfe]

I wouldn't roll the dice on a no warranty PF-500. A PF-800 now you are talking a true no holes bared backup.

I've had a PF-500 as my backup amp for years now. Rarely use it, but it's been rock solid when I have. Still, I'd agree with this sentiment. Don't buy one second hand, get it new with a warranty.

More to OP's question, a 350 would be a good backup but likely wouldn't be quite as full sounding as the SVT. I'd go 500 or 800 of you can spare the expense.

 

[okcrum]

I wouldn't roll the dice on a no warranty PF-500. A PF-800 now you are talking a true no holes bared backup.

I think Darwinism has removed most all the early ones from the wild. I doubt the 500 used is any less reliable these days than any of the other PF heads. After all, it's been 4+ years since the problem units.