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First Cab: Ampeg SVT or Portaflex or other?

Soberglitch

Soberglitch

Feb 14, 2021
131
363
Oregon
#1
Looking to break free from the combos and get my first head and cab. Thinking about a used SVT 3 Pro for the head since I want a SVT but don’t want to spend SVT cash.

I want to get a 112, 210, or 212 cab and have been deciding between the SVT-112AV, PF-112HLF, and the Orange OBC112. What are the differences between these?

Any other suggestions? I don’t need much in terms of volume so these cab sizes are really all I need and more. I’m trying to keep the price below $600 new for a cab.
 
#2
Soberglitch said:
Looking to break free from the combos and get my first head and cab. Thinking about a used SVT 3 Pro for the head since I want a SVT but don’t want to spend SVT cash.

I want to get a 112, 210, or 212 cab and have been deciding between the SVT-112AV, PF-112HLF, and the Orange OBC112. What are the differences between these?

Any other suggestions? I don’t need much in terms of volume so these cab sizes are really all I need and more. I’m trying to keep the price below $600 new for a cab.
Click to expand...
You want the 112av. It's dope AF.

Don't buy a used 3 pro. Learn from my mistake. You won't be able to maintain it. Get a 7 pro, or a pf800. Or, something else. But, the 112av is a sure thing. It's a freaking sweet, freaking loud, great looking, great sounding cabinet.
 
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#3
JeezyMcNuggles said:
You want the 112av. It's dope AF.

Don't buy a used 3 pro. Learn from my mistake. You won't be able to maintain it. Get a 7 pro, or a pf800. Or, something else. But, the 112av is a sure thing. It's a freaking sweet, freaking loud, great looking, great sounding cabinet.
Click to expand...
A 7 pro is only a little bit extra than the 3 pro used. I’ll give it a look. Thanks for the heads up.

I was already leaning towards the SVT 112 so it seems like I’ve made at least one right choice so far :laugh:
 
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#4
Soberglitch said:
A 7 pro is only a little bit extra than the 3 pro used. I’ll give it a look. Thanks for the heads up.

I was already leaning towards the SVT 112 so it seems like I’ve made at least one right choice so far :laugh:
Click to expand...
That's the 112av
20210423_185353.jpg


That's the 3pro
20210416_180124.jpg



Now don't get me wrong, my 3pro is a great amp. But, as they age they get very finicky. The bias drifts, and the signal starts distorting...always. constantly. If you don't have electronic knowledge at all, you won't be able to keep it functioning correctly. It's also just a pain in the butt, even if you can.

That's the 7 pro. Thing is solid all the way around.
20200903_180504.jpg


And that's the pf800. Same. Solid all the way around.
20210430_181531.jpg


Difference is tone. 7 pro is warm and thick. Pf800 is tight and snappy. Whatever you want. Both can hit just about whatever you need, but that's the inherent tone difference.
 
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#5
JeezyMcNuggles said:
That's the 112avView attachment 4289456

That's the 3proView attachment 4289457


Now don't get me wrong, my 3pro is a great amp. But, as they age they get very finicky. The bias drifts, and the signal starts distorting...always. constantly. If you don't have electronic knowledge at all, you won't be able to keep it functioning correctly. It's also just a pain in the butt, even if you can.

That's the 7 pro. Thing is solid all the way around.View attachment 4289458

And that's the pf800. Same. Solid all the way around.View attachment 4289459

Difference is tone. 7 pro is warm and thick. Pf800 is tight and snappy. Whatever you want. Both can hit just about whatever you need, but that's the inherent tone difference.
Click to expand...
I’m pretty mechanically inclined due to my career but electronics is something I’d rather not touch if I don’t have to. I’d prefer something reliable for a long time, especially since I’m picking it up used.

Definitely after a really warm tone that can handle distortion well. Looks like it’s the 7 Pro and a 112 AV are in first place for me right now.
 
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#7
Soberglitch said:
Looking to break free from the combos ..... I want to get a 112, 210, or 212 cab
Click to expand...
So you're thinking an SVT, but you say you don't need much volume. I'm confused.
Do you play with others? Are you just wanting to try something different?

If you're looking to get a 1x12, stay with a (decent) combo. Save the money.
SVT3's are just ok, nothing special.

If you play with others, & want to get away from combo town, go bigger, get a 2x12 minimum, 4x10 or 4x12.
I know you're on a budget, but believe me, get a good one. My vote goes for the Bergantino 2x12's.
 
#8
smo said:
So you're thinking an SVT, but you say you don't need much volume. I'm confused.
Do you play with others? Are you just wanting to try something different?

If you're looking to get a 1x12, stay with a (decent) combo. Save the money.
SVT3's are just ok, nothing special.

If you play with others, & want to get away from combo town, go bigger, get a 2x12 minimum, 4x10 or 4x12.
I know you're on a budget, but believe me, get a good one. My vote goes for the Bergantino 2x12's.
Click to expand...
Maybe the volume thing was a little confusing. I’m still mainly playing by myself with everything going on. With others it’s just in a garage or backyard setting. I’d just like something different than the handful of combos I have and really want an SVT instead of just using my VT pedal on everything.

I’m now looking at the SVT 7 Pro as per an earlier poster’s advice.

Would eventually running two 112s be advisable or should I start off with a 212? That Bergantino stuff is real nice. Their cabs and a Forte HP is definitely on my dream list.
 
#10
BrentB said:
If you want a great SVT sound, can find one and your back is strong, check out the SVT6-pro. They are older but IMHO the only way to go. Otherwise, find a good deal on an SVP Pro preamp and use whatever head you want.
Click to expand...
Weight isn’t an issue for me, just like to keep the overall size down. As long as it’ll fit nicely on top of the cab I’m good. I lug around a Peavey TKO 115 sometimes which is right around or over 80lbs.

I’m using a VT pedal into a Rumble combo right now.
 
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#12
The 112av is a great cab, especially for portability. But the 212av is literally my favorite cab that I’ve ever owned. I love it. So much, that I want to buy another.

As far as heads, you can find a pf800 pretty cheap used. I’d go with that over any of the older SVT solid state amps, other than a 4Pro. I loved mine. Sounded great and was super portable.
 
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#13
BrentB said:
If you want a great SVT sound, can find one and your back is strong, check out the SVT6-pro. They are older but IMHO the only way to go. Otherwise, find a good deal on an SVP Pro preamp and use whatever head you want.
Click to expand...

That is an ass kicking amp but unless he is going to tour with gigantic cabinets it may be a little overkill for this use case!

3PRO is the same amp with smaller power section.
 
#16
Soberglitch said:
Maybe the volume thing was a little confusing. I’m still mainly playing by myself with everything going on. With others it’s just in a garage or backyard setting. I’d just like something different than the handful of combos I have and really want an SVT instead of just using my VT pedal on everything.

I’m now looking at the SVT 7 Pro as per an earlier poster’s advice.

Would eventually running two 112s be advisable or should I start off with a 212? That Bergantino stuff is real nice. Their cabs and a Forte HP is definitely on my dream list.
Click to expand...
Two 112s. You do only really need one to keep up with a drummer. But 2 is just more full sounding. So...options.
 
#17
JeezyMcNuggles said:
Two 112s. You do only really need one to keep up with a drummer. But 2 is just more full sounding. So...options.
Click to expand...

No offense at all, but how? I’m playing with a neo 212 with a drummer who plays fairly lightly, but when he gets going I’m goosing the volume knob pretty good. Really can’t imagine a single 12 cutting it beyond a not very loud personal monitor.
 
#19
InhumanResource said:
No offense at all, but how? I’m playing with a neo 212 with a drummer who plays fairly lightly, but when he gets going I’m goosing the volume knob pretty good. Really can’t imagine a single 12 cutting it beyond a not very loud personal monitor.
Click to expand...
450 watts into a 112av, is unbelievably loud. You just have to try that one.
 
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