NAD! SVT7 Pro (also comparing it to my Streamliner 900)

[12bass]

track #3 is the SVT (and my VR has NOS USA tubes in it)
and track #4 is the SVT7Pro. not bad for head that weighs 70lbs less than the KING.

Interesting... did you change the EQ on the two amps from the previous clips using the 3015s?

If not, somehow the relative EQ balance changed between the two types of speakers, as previously the 7PRO sounded a little more "scooped", while the tube SVT sounded a bit more "scooped" in the Faital clip. Still haven't listened on a proper system yet, so all that I've heard is the "AM radio" version of the two amps....

 

[johnk_10]

well, as many of you might already know, i AM and ampeg nut, and i was wondering how many people own both heads that could do a a fair and honest comparison with sound clips) between the two using a couple of different cabs and basses, so i thought that it might help those that were having trouble deciding if the SVT7Pro is the right amp for them. i knew that it was for me after the first 10 seconds of playing thru it.

 

[JOE EDO]

SVT-7PRO ordered!

...and it fits nicely in a rack bag:

 

[johnk_10]

Interesting... did you change the EQ on the two amps from the previous clips using the 3015s?

If not, somehow the relative EQ balance changed between the two types of speakers, as previously the 7PRO sounded a little more "scooped", while the tube SVT sounded a bit more "scooped" in the Faital clip. Still haven't listened on a proper system yet, so all that I've heard is the "AM radio" version of the two amps....

the SVT's eq always remained at 12:00 since that's how i always use it. the eq on the 7Pro was slightly changed from cab to cab to try and quickly get it to sound closer to the SVT running at noon. the only thing that i changed on 7Pro was the mid frequency. on the 3015's i was slightly cutting at 1.6Khz (where 3015's are kinda peaky), and on the 15PR400's i was barely cutting at 800Hz to make it a little more scooped like the SVT's inherent voice. on the 7 pro, the treble and bass controls were set at about 1:00 on both cabs, also making it a bit more scooped but not all that much.

 

[12bass]

the SVT's eq always remained at 12:00 since that's how i always use it. the eq on the 7Pro was slightly changed from cab to cab to try and quickly get it to sound closer to the SVT running at noon. the only thing that i changed on 7Pro was the mid frequency. on the 3015's i was slightly cutting at 1.6Khz (where 3015's are kinda peaky), and on the 15PR400's i was barely cutting at 800Hz to make it a little more scooped like the SVT's inherent voice. on the 7 pro, the treble and bass controls were set at about 1:00 on both cabs, also making it a bit more scooped but not all that much.

Thanks for the explanation. Looks like I was hearing both different speakers and different EQ adjustment. Sort of tripped me up, as the relative EQ curve sort of "flipped" between the two sets of clips. This leads me to think that the two amps might be able to sound even more similar with a bit more EQ tweaking.

 

[JimmyM]

Wow, got both wrong. I am the world's worst tube snob.

Actually I'm going to blame the recorder But yeah, I've always felt the 7 Pro comes off extremely well against an SVT. You notice a difference between the two when you hear them at the same time, but much respect is due the 7 Pro.

 

[JOE EDO]

Jimmy between you and I there must be at least 80 years experience as bassist...don't beat yourself up too bad, as I guessed #4 also.

 

[kringle77]

I really like the thicker mids of the 3015 cab.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

congrats. if you like SVT's, you're gonna love it.

The one at the store was an A00, so I just ordered one. Should get it sometime next week. There's a little difference between the two, but not 70lbs of difference. JimmyM, you inadvertently helped me decide that it's close enough. My back thanks you, my wife thanks me because I traded some stuff in at Guitar Center that's been sitting in the "I'll sell that next week" pile for about two years. It's all around win!

Now I need to find a RCA 7205 tube.

 

[JimmyM]

Rich, just remember than John owns 3 SVT's, too But for only having one tube and no big iron, it really is unbelievable how good the 7 Pro sounds in comparison. I think you'll enjoy it at least as much as your current lead sleds and definitely more than your other micros.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Rich, just remember than John owns 3 SVT's, too But for only having one tube and no big iron, it really is unbelievable how good the 7 Pro sounds in comparison. I think you'll enjoy it at least as much as your current lead sleds and definitely more than your other micros.

I'm sure I'll get a "real" SVT too in the not too distant future, but it's likely to be a stay at home amp or maybe a special occasion amp.

 

[JimmyM]

I'm sure I'll get a "real" SVT too in the not too distant future, but it's likely to be a stay at home amp or maybe a special occasion amp.

Yeah, that's what I said when I first got my tube amps restored. Lord knows I tried to fight it...just can't.

 

[johnk_10]

IMO, there's nothing exactly like the 'magical' SVT but for my local club gigs, with their 2:00AM load out and limited car gear space, the SVT7Pro is what i'll be using for all of those gigs.

 

[vin*tone]

a couple more responses and i'll reveal which is which.

BTW, the 7Pro was eq'd a little but i didn't spend much time trying to get it exact, so i bet i could even get it closer if i took a little more time with its eq.

What were your EQ settings to get er close?

 

[majortoby]

Although I've never played an SVT at high volume levels, my demos have led me to prefer to SVT7. That thing is just....so...damn....good.

 

[JEDBass]

Wow...I was right with my guess on the first set of clips as to which was which, but wrong on the second one. Clip #4 is really impressive! I like my Walkabout and M6, but this sounds damn good! I only wish it could run lower than 4 ohms since I have 3 single 12's, even though I rarely ever use all of them. Hmm.....what to do....

And thanks again for taking the time to do all of this!

 

[johnk_10]

What were your EQ settings to get er close?

nothing drasitc really, but the 7pro has a bit more mids than a VR, so on both cabs i ran the bass at 1:00-1:30 and the treble at 1:00. on the 3015 cab (the second clip) i cut the mids at 1.6Khz at about 10:30, and on the faital cab, i cut the mids a 800hz at around 10:30.

 

[johnk_10]

for the SVT comparison clips i used a p bass since so many bassists are familiar with them. when i first plugged into the 7pro, i knew that i liked it and thought that it sounded pretty close to an SVT, but it wasn't until i A/B'd them when i found out how close you can get it.

seeing how the voting in this thread ended up being about 50/50,(and i realize that it's just mpg files over the internet) i still think that it's a pretty good sign that a 7pro will do the job for you if you are used to playing thru the 85lb 100% tube version. i've played thru and serviced alot of SVT CL's, and while i think that they are a really good head, i actually prefer the the 7Pro over them. now a real SVT? well, they're still my favorite head, but not by a whole lot over the 7pro, and i'm an ampeg nut (as seen below ):

 

[LarryR]

Obscene!!! Ampeg Porn!!!
Damn that looks gorgeous.

 

[Deepwoods]

The last gig I played with my SVT-7 I had the best tone that I can remember having in my 25 years of playing. Granted I may have some memory loss (and hearing loss for that matter). I have never owned the real deal but have had some really nice amps. I like how it is lightweight but does not feel like a toy and looks proportional on top of a cab. Great work Ampeg!