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Please help me with this decision.

D

dudeguy

Jan 19, 2007
4
0
#1
I am looking to buy a new amp. I am new to understanding why or why not when a amp and cab are mismatched. Can someone help me out?

I currently own a SVT 810E bass enclosure.

RMS Power Handling: 2 x 400-Watts (Stereo)
RMS Power Handling: 800-Watts (Mono)

Nominal Impedance: 2 x 8-Ohms (Stereo)
Nominal Impedance: 4-Ohms (Mono)

I am looking to buy one of these two amps.
1. SVT-CL Bass head

RMS Power Output (2 Ohms): 300-Watts
RMS Power Output (4 Ohms): 300-Watts

2. Mesa Boogie Bass 400+

500 Watts @ 2 Ohms, All Tube, Class A/B Power / 12x6L6, 4x12AX7
600 Ohm XLR Balanced Out

I entered all the info I thought would be important. So, basically I wanted to know which amp would work better with my cab? I am playing music typically at high volumes and I am usually using some type of overdrive pedal. Thank you.
 
#2
I'm in the process of getting rid of my Mesa 400+ for portability/overkill reasons, but I know for a fact that it sounds amazing through an Ampeg 810. Both of those heads are full sized all tube amps. They'll both work with an 810 cab, and I know Ampeg 810s have always been characteristic for that kind of set up. So really, Both amps will work great with that cab, it all comes down to which amp you like the sound of better. I prefer the 400+, but you may think differently.

P.S. The 400+ doesn't really run at 500w, it's more like 300w, but that's still a lot for a tube amp.
 
#3
I won't get a chance to play on the 400+. I have played on the SVT and liked it though. I guess I was just scared about compatibility. I wanted to make sure the impedance matched up and all that jazz. Thank you.
 
#6
Yea, on the Mesa 400+ there's 6 output jacks, 2 8 ohms, 2 4 ohms, and 2 2 ohms. I don't have much experience with the SVT-CL, but my guess is that it at least has an output for each impedance. Since I think the SVT-CL is a mono head anyways, you're gonna be using the 810 in mono, which is at 4 ohms. IIRC I think there's a separate input on the 810 for mono 4 ohms. Just plug from there into the 4 ohm output on the SVT-CL and you should be golden.
 
#7
Both heads will work well with the 810. It just comes down to personal preference. The CL has 2 speaker out jacks and a switch for 2 or 4 ohm.

There are other Ampeg options out there for all tube heads. I sold my CL to get a SVT-II non-pro and like it a lot more. The CL, 400+, SVT2 pro and SVT-II non-pro can all be had for about the same price used (around $800-$1000 in good condition) and all are great heads. Again, it comes down to your personal preference.
 
#9
Ahhhh...I always see this question between the 400 and the SVT. I guess it is because they are the only contenders in tube amps that provide plenty of power, but don't cost the GNP of a small country. :)


While I have not owned either, I would take the Mesa if forced to choose. And only because I have heard about reliablility issues with the Ampeg which I can't substantiate.


Scott


P.S. You didn't ask, but I think too many people overlook the Fender Invalid Link Removed which is the same thing as my Sunn 300T. Monster workhorse amp with everything but the kitchen sink in it.
 

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