GK 100rb-II or Ampeg SVT 4 Pro

[prophet178]

Well since my 700RB-II crapped out on me I have to purchase a new amp. I have a chance to get a like new GK 1001rb-II or a used Ampeg SVT 4 Pro. They are both within $50 of each other so price isn't an issue.

For tone, I loved my 700rb-II's warmth and punch, but from what I've read it is harder to get the same warmth out of the 100rb at lower volumes. I don't play at ear bleeding volumes and a lot of my playing is done during practice so that could be an issue if it's true.

I tried to read up on the SVT 4 Pro as much as I could as well, and I keep hearing it isn't as tubey as the SVT 2. The SVT 2 is way out of my price range, but could anyone give me a comparison in tone between the GK and the Ampeg? The tone I'm going for is warn, fat and punchy. I'm not really looking for that all-tube sound, I actually prefer the sound of a hybrid. Unfortunately no stores around me have the SVT 4 Pro so I can't try it first hand, so any help on the sound from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

I'll be playing through an Ampeg SVT 810-EN.

Thanks in advance!

 

[RickenBoogie]

Without coming off as snide, essentially, the GK will have the signature GK sound, while the Ampeg will have the signature Ampeg sound. I know if it were me, I'd go with the 4Pro, but if you like the GK tone,.....

 

[last minute]

I LOVE my 1001. Had it for four years and no problems at all. Good friend of mine has been through 3 Ampegs in the same time. It is possible that he just as crap luck, or that their products have a real quality control problem.

 

[waleross]

I have the SvT4Pro and run through the 810-E cab. I only know Ampeg but if you do buy the svt4pro it should be new in order to get the warranty.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I only know Ampeg but if you do buy the svt4pro it should be new in order to get the warranty.

to add $.02, If you go Ampeg and want a warranty, you MUST buy it from an authorized Ampeg dealer. They don't like it if you buy new from ebay. I bought mine new from an ebay store (not an auction), who stated they were an Authorized dealer, and Ampeg denied that they were. The store Swore that they were...and in the end, Ampeg told me that if I need Warranty service, that I should contact them first...was a weird deal. But I've had it since '06...my warranty is up anyway. No problems since I got it.

 

[Nightlyraider]

Or you could buy an American made SVT4 Pro used for a lot less then a new Vietnamese one, and some people might value it more in the future (if you care about resale)

 

[steveinohio]

Either or you will be ok. The 1001rbII will have more power than you ever need. Its clean but can sound plenty warm.

 

[prophet178]

Cool, thanks for all the input. I put the SVT 4 Pro on layaway and I'm going to buy it tomorrow. The warranty is something I'll have to deal with, but from what eascoast said it sounds like a reliable amp.