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PF 500: Failure Issues?

#41
My brother bought a PH-500 about a year and a half ago. He gigs a couple times a month and uses it for practicing. He's never had an issue with it.

I saw a PF-800 on Amazon for 20 bucks more than he paid for the 500 so I picked up the 800. That was also about a year ago. I love the 800, no issues with that either.
 
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#43
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#54
M.J.F. said:
This ampeg thread will not die.Common sense tells you this model has a bad track history.Its a gamble.Owner beware.Hopefull Ampeg has addressed this.Im sure they have by now.Like a kid sticking his tongue on a frozen steel post"i know I shouldn't, but I gozta try it!"
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They have addressed it and newer ones over the past couple years are more consistent and have a much lower failure rate now.
 
#55
lifeoffroadbass said:
That post has two responses one of which is by you and its clear that nobody really knows what that OPs issue is. For all we know his cab isn't even plugged in.
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The OP did post this: "It's a 4ohm Behringer BB410. I've read people using this same setup with no problems. I also tried plugging the amp head into another cab, and still nothing. I only tried the one output though cause I don't have the funky cord for the other one. I'm not sure if that would make a difference though." (Post #3)

They didn't format the post well. I suppose anytime I try to help someone it is to be discounted? No problem ;)

It never happened.
 
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#56
JimmyM said:
They have addressed it and newer ones over the past couple years are more consistent and have a much lower failure rate now.
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Yes. Hence the OP: Is this still an issue? What corrective steps were taken? How these be identified?

Logical assumption = newer version of this amp operates without issues or we would no longer see them offered for sale.

Here we have an updated compendium of issues/revisions/the corrections/identifiers for revised models.

Thanks to all.
 
#57
Just looked up this much maligned poor bastard amp again.It does have good features, such as the pre out power amp in's,(that I really dig) the compressor, and the mid select section.I would actually consider if:it was revised with no failures, it actually put out an honest 500 watts, and that it sounded very good.Im still shopping myself for a small lighter amp.i know a lefty from my ealier post.Just like the ribbon short problem with the Carvin 500s, I read those issues are fixed with newer models.
 
#58
M.J.F. said:
Just looked up this much maligned poor bastard amp again.It does have good features, such as the pre out power amp in's,(that I really dig) the compressor, and the mid select section.I would actually consider if:it was revised with no failures, it actually put out an honest 500 watts, and that it sounded very good.Im still shopping myself for a small lighter amp.i know a lefty from my ealier post.Just like the ribbon short problem with the Carvin 500s, I read those issues are fixed with newer models.
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It is fixed with newer models like a one to two years ago!! By the way it has way more things than just that and if you looking small what better than an amp that hides itself in the cab.
 
#59
lifeoffroadbass said:
It is fixed with newer models like a one to two years ago!! By the way it has way more things than just that and if you looking small what better than an amp that hides itself in the cab.
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I called Ampeg tech support today to ask that question. He said that they had a bad batch a few years ago, maybe 50 units or so. He explained it this way....the amp threshold is to keep the amp from blowing up so it cuts off. In that bad batch it did what it was supposed to do but did it too good. In other words cut off too easily. He mentioned that it happened a lot with Slap Bass style because of the rapid peaks. He probably explained it better than I am explaining it but I was satisfied. He mentioned they sell 1000's and 1000's of these units. I then asked when mine was made and it was late 2014 so everything should be OK. Yes he worked for the company but I believe I got an honest answer. For my 2nd head I am getting the PF-800 just in case I would need the extra power.
 
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#60
drakson said:
I called Ampeg tech support today to ask that question. He said that they had a bad batch a few years ago, maybe 50 units or so. He explained it this way....the amp threshold is to keep the amp from blowing up so it cuts off. In that bad batch it did what it was supposed to do but did it too good. In other words cut off too easily. He mentioned that it happened a lot with Slap Bass style because of the rapid peaks. He probably explained it better than I am explaining it but I was satisfied. He mentioned they sell 1000's and 1000's of these units. I then asked when mine was made and it was late 2014 so everything should be OK. Yes he worked for the company but I believe I got an honest answer. For my 2nd head I am getting the PF-800 just in case I would need the extra power.
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Looks like the 50 or so are all members of talkbass.

Portaflex cutting out poll | TalkBass.com
 
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