How are early 90s Ampeg SVTs?

[sabbath09]

Hello,
I am interested in buying an early 90s SVT Classic. I know modern USA made classics to be great but how are the early 90s SVT classics? I believe they were also made in the USA but what's up with the funky coloring on the SVT logo? Maybe it's just me but that choice of colors always makes me feel weird about the amp.

 

[waleross]

I can't comment on the early 90's SvT but I do have an
SvT400T which is not a tube amp but the sound and quality is still there considering it is 20 years old. This head was the proto-type for the SvT4-Pro and its my back-up amp and a keeper. Look up the model you are thinking of buying on Harmony Central and try to find a review there.....

 

[rodl2005]

My '92 SVTII is a real beauty. A total workhorse that has been 100% reliable for the past 4 yrs- used it last nite, SUPERB!!!!

 

[meatwad]

I've owned and loved much of the early 90's SLM Ampeg ( and Crate) bass stuff, but not an all tube SVT from that era. Damn near everything else but that, though. My point is, I would consider a 90's SVT to be at least as good, if not better built than any of the other 90's stuff I've seen. If the logo bothers you, get a vinyl SVT logo cut to put over it.

My 2000 CL has the black/white logo, which was a drastic improvement over the pink V brushed on version.

 

[stiles72]

All of the SLM era CL's were the same. Just slightly different silk screened cosmetics on the control panel. No difference electronically.

 

[JimmyM]

ya, only difference is newer ones have speakons.

 

[Billy3000]

I have a 90's SVT 2 pro and it has speakon connectors. It's a great amp, I definitely recommend looking at them. The logo doesn't bother me at all. But then again I was 6 in 1990, so I'm a total 90's kid, so maybe I just like 90's nostalgia! haha!

 

[EricF]

I have a 90's (colored logo) SVT-CL. It's a great sounding amp that has given me no troubles.

 

[Jonyak]

I have a 90's SVT II pro, with the banana outs,

its a great head and has given me no problems.

 

[sabbath09]

Thanks to all who have replied.

So electronically and schematic wise... the SVT Classics of the 90s are nearly identical to the 2000 black and white logo types?

Are speakon connectors really necessary for SVTs? I have heard that any amp above 300 watts should use only speakon connectors.

 

[Jim C]

Are speakon connectors really necessary for SVTs? I have heard that any amp above 300 watts should use only speakon connectors.

Before they were readily available, there have probably been 100's of thousands of gigs done on non-speakon SVT's.

While most concur they are better connectors for a number of reasons (including safety, less chance of grabbing the wrong cable, locking type connector design, higher power handling, etc) they are not a must have. In fact, there is a 1/4" speaker cable hooked to mine right now as the speakon cable got left at rehearsal on another rig.

 

[christw]

I have a late '80's or early '90's SVT-II that is still absolutely murdering. No complaints about it. I also used to use and old Crate BT-350 from sometime in the '90's that was great. I sold it for way, way too cheap when in a bind. Great amp built on the same lines as the 'Pegs.

 

[JimmyM]

speakons are really only necessary in amps with over 500w. with that you could get a real good jolt, but i've never gotten one with 300.