Perspective on Ampeg

[smo]

Hi everyone,

I did a little experiment at my last rehearsal
(not intentionally, it just worked out that way)

I played out through an SVT2-pro - and then had a chance to do a direct comparison between my current SVPCL pre and poweramp setup - and another ampeg there, a SVT3pro.
I set all 3 flat - with no Graphic EQ engaged.
I was EQ'ing while playing using my active bass (Yammy modded with SD musicman style pup & pre)
I was using all of these through a Classic 810e fridge - at full volume, with the band.

In a band situation - I could tell no real discernable difference in tone between the three amps, whilst playing with multiple guitarists.
(If I was playing alone, or in a recording situation no doubt)
The SVT2pro was marginally better - but not by any great amount, and the SVT3pro was only third in line due to the limited power output, and hiss/noise.
In retrospect, I think I have the best of all three.

Now - my point is this - we talk about the best this and that (with best intentions of course), but are we being gear snobs?
Opinions?

smo

 

[bgavin]

...are we being gear snobs?

IMO, Yes.

I bought an SVP-Pro that should arrive today. I plan on comparing it directly with my SWR IOD through a solid state bi-amp rig. I'm not particularly an Ampeg fan, so I have no preconceived notions about Ampeg superiority.

I expect to hear subtle differences when solo, and no differences in a live mix.

 

[brothernewt]

I've owned and used several versions of the three (SVT-II non pro, SVT-III, SVP-Pro/power, SVP-CL/power, SVT-VR). I can hear a significant difference (to my ears). Not as significant as say SVT-II and GK RB-800... but significant. I think the tube versions are well worth the extra cash and weight. I would also have to say that I could gig quite happily with any version ('cept maybe the underpowered -III).

That might make me a gear snob. I can live with it.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

More than likely being snobs yes.

But when using my 810 in a band situation, there is a dynamic which is definatly noticable when comparing the tube amp output and a SS output section. In comparison the tube amp seems to have this extra level of detail and texture which brings the amp alive.

Gear snobbery happens all the time. Compare the sound of a cheap P-Bass copy to that of a top of the line fender P bass. They will have the same basic sound,just the nuances are different.

 

[smo]

They will have the same basic sound,just the nuances are different.

This is pretty much what I'm getting at - for recording these nuances are much more noticeable/prevalent, and I'm sure this is one reason why the great amps (matamp etc etc) out there get sold. But in a live band situation when you're in the mix with other instruments, the differences are much less noticed.

Just a thought......

 

[rodl2005]

More than likely being snobs yes.

But when using my 810 in a band situation, there is a dynamic which is definatly noticable when comparing the tube amp output and a SS output section. In comparison the tube amp seems to have this extra level of detail and texture which brings the amp alive.

Gear snobbery happens all the time. Compare the sound of a cheap P-Bass copy to that of a top of the line fender P bass. They will have the same basic sound,just the nuances are different.

+100000 I've played thru all types Hybrid, S.S. & all tube & while I liked models of each NOTHING sounds, feels like an ALL TUBE power amp section Nothing!!!!!!!! I tried out MANY different sorts, sizes, models & all were fine in their own right, But NONE had the feel & power that a Tube power amp section gave! All the band agreed with me As did most of the audience I asked. & I asked objectively......- eg. I asked what did U think of the bass sound tonite? Then I asked again, same venue using a different type amp. again & again..... 99% of answers were:- bass sounded more punchy, clearer, U could hear it better etc... when I had a tube power section. when I had a s.s. power amp-in a hybrid OR s.s. pre. the answers were- seems quiet, not very punchy, a bit washy??? And when I used the s.s. power amps I seemed to have to be louder onstage than when I was using tubes. The band agreed on this too. Now I mainly use all tube - the band never say I'm too loud-yet audience say they can hear it fine & sounds punchy, clear.....IOW- opposite of when I used S.S. power!
Just MY observations. & I DON'T mean to start ANY tube V S.S./hybrid debate, OR ruffle anyone's feather at all!!!!! These are just MY observations & MY experiences!