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Orange Terror 500w Head vs. Ampeg SVT-Classic Heaf

Ampeg will have a more versatile tone, but personally for 'hard' genres the Orange will sound crunchier and more in your face. However, the 500w Terror would look puny and silly on top of an 8x10 compared to the Ampeg
 
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Ampeg will have a more versatile tone, but personally for 'hard' genres the Orange will sound crunchier and more in your face. However, the 500w Terror would look puny and silly on top of an 8x10 compared to the Ampeg

It's a TB1000, but I like the way it looks on top of the 810E. ;)

Also, I've never tried an SVT on an 810.:(
 

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The Orange is going to have more bite baked-in (without any pedal help), than the Ampeg. So if you're looking for a bit more of an aggressive tone - the Orange is going to be able to do that better, IMO. The benefit of the Ampeg is a valve power section (I personally prefer an all-tube tone). Now if you were looking at an AD200B vs. the SVT-CL, I would chose the Orange hands down. :)

As far as loud... you're playing an 810, so I don't think you need to worry about anything. Either amp will be more than you need for power.
 
80 lbs vs 12 lbs
$1800 vs $900
300 watts vs 500 watts
Retubing it every 3 years vs No retubing
Retubing every 3 years is a senseless waste of money. One tube can go tomorrow and the one next to it can last 10 years or more. Replace tubes when they go bad, not because tube sellers tell you should retube often.
 
Either of those heads running an 810 can go loud enough to make you want to throw up. I have a TB500 and I use an Ampeg 810 at my practice space. I think it sounds amazing. Played/gigged with the SVT Classic a few times too. I think that is also an amazing sounding amp/rig. For me it came down to the Orange weighing in at 11lbs or so and retailing for about half the price. Give both of them a good try out. Maybe take turns renting them out to get a proper feel for what one you like best.
 
I've played/gigged my tb500 and my vintage svt's, through my ampeg fridge (plus several other cabs) for years. Both heads sound good and are plenty loud, but my svt's have stronger low-mids that cut through a dense band mix better without resorting to playing too loud. While my tb500 can give a very punchy response, it just doesn't give me that magical feel i get playing in my bands with a tube powered svt.
 
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