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Is the Ampeg SVT-CL really that bad?

#24
I owned a US SVT (used with a 410hlf cab) for some years but at a certain point i get rid of it because i purchased a 70s V4B wich in my opinion had a better tone and had almost the same volume, plus the V4B works at 2, 4, 8 ohm so better cab choice.
 
#25
I've owned a ton of tube amps and the SVT-CL is one of the best sounding amps I've ever played through. The tone is magnificent and they are a steal on the used market.


The vast majority of people I've seen bashing them were people that played through a Classic as a backline at a venue or rented one. I have a feeling that most people that said they didn't like it, didn't like the 810 they were playing through.

I love my SVT through both vintage and modern cabs. It sounds fantastic through an NV610 for classic rock and I run it through my Berg AE212 and the harmonics just leap out with outstanding clarity.



Michael
 
#26
^ backline heads that don't get check up on often makes sense...

i noticed that my svtII was sounding a little thin and i had to turn the volume up a little more, you know how it is when it's a real gradual change...

so i checked the bias after getting back from tour, it was cold. sounds really strong again after rebiasing.

i get plenty of dirt with my passive P, alot of it is how you set the EQ and having your pickup pretty close to the strings.
 
#27
Hi TalkBass, it's been a while since I've left any comments on here - it's good to be back.

I owned one these Micro-CL stacks and it sounded nice at low volumes but the 100 watts soon distorts and is no where loud enough for the majority of gigs or even rehearsals.

I also owned the Micro-VR and that was much better but still not that loud.

Both rigs look great and will be perfect for a small bedroom setup but that's about it really.
 
#32
JimmyM said:
Oh man, NEVER use the active input on ANY amp! Good call!
Click to expand...

Hey JimmyM,
Just curious if the active input (I think it's -06db on the CL) affects anything besides volume. Is there a tonal difference between the two inputs as well? I've recently picked up an '05 CL and I've been in love right from the start... but my assumption was to use the active input (because of my active bass) so then I could push the amp slightly more to get a touch o' crunch. When I run through the passive input it seems I have to roll off the gain a bit to find the proper volume with the bandmates.

Cheers! :)
 
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#33
The "push" level actually gets moved back the other way when you use an active pad. You're cutting signal so you have to turn the knobs up way more to get any push. But if you're happy with it, far be it from me to tell you not to use it. I imagine it would act as a volume leveler when you switch basses, right? I could actually see that as a legit use for it.
 
#36
Great amp - heavy, but other than that I can't think of a single thing wrong with them. Lots and lots and lots of people here seem to be on a quest to get that tone in a micro head or with pedals. I was on that quest for a while myself...
 
#37
Bad Rap?
The SVT is the king of all bass amps.
Amazing sound, great reliability with minimal maintenance for a tube amp.
Used on more stages than all the rest put together.
You have bad information.

The downsides:
1. Weight
2. Repacing any tubes if you don't like that sort of thing
3. Frustration for those that really want the SVT sounds but can't deal with items #1 & 2

Mine has become the reference amp by which others are judged as the 7 Pro gets reasonably close
 
#38
JimmyM said:
Oh man, NEVER use the active input on ANY amp! Good call!
Click to expand...
Yeah, active inputs began as a communist plot to make Active basses (an American Capitalist invention) sound bad.
The story goes that in the late 70s Kruschev had the KGB buy large amounts of stock in all the major amp builders and insisted they install padded inputs to trick people with the new Music Man and Alembic basses into sounding bad and convince bass players the world over they preferred the sound of passive instruments.
Once Glasnost occurred, they maintained their stranglehold by leveraging their virtual monopoly on new tube production to keep this plot going.
Today, Vladimir Putin himself oversees the design of input circuits for all the major amp manufacturers and whenever a amp designer attempts to design an amp without the pad, s/he turns "disappears" or turns up with massive amounts of polonium in their blood.
This allows him to show how bad Western productions sound by simply discretely plugging into the "second" input. It also undermines the funkiness of the west thus helping to maintain the "groove balance" between Russia and the west.
Feel free to doubt my assertions, but if you do, watch who serves you your drinks at your next gig.
 
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#39
I've owned (3) SVT CL's and I cant imagine not playing one as my main amp. I love it through almost any cab ive plugged it into. It takes pedals great. And, of course, it gets real loud. Why (3)? Well, I had a lot of issues with my LOUD made amp, which was my first. After a trouble free 12 months, it was constantly in the shop, and it was letting me down at the worst possible times. After several shops, numerous repairs, repeated re-tubings, there was even some custom work was done to shield a circuit or something (I cant recall the details, and it was over my head anyway). After finally getting it to run for about 6 months without issue, I sold it and bought a used St. Louis made model. That amp was perfect, and served me well for years until it was stolen. I replaced it instantly with another St. Louis made model and it has been my work horse for the last couple years, i assume it will be with me forever or until my daughter decides she wants to play bass :) Its actually apart on my kitchen table right now waiting for a replacement fan to arrive. The only thing i would consider replacing it with is a vintage CL or VR.
 

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