SVT-2 Pro vs. SVT-VR

[Air-cooled]

Internally, are these amps essentially the same thing in a different box? Which one would most prefer? I'm trying to decide on which one to buy. The graphic equalizer and gain functions are not important to me.

 

[Jerrold Tiers]

2-PRO is different from the vintage or the VR. VR is quite close to the vintage, avoiding the 12DW7 while still using the same type tube section at each point as in the vintage.

None of the extra stuff for the graphic etc is in the VR.

With the VR you get the two channels of the vintage.

The VR is not as "perfect" a re-issue as I would have preferred, but it is essentially the same.

There is a recent controversy concerning the new import VR units, which may not have similar transformers in them vs the prior ones, or vintage. I know that the early imports did have the same output transformer, we had to ship them over, But later may be changed to a local chinese or Korean manufacturer, quality and likeness to original are unknown.

PBG says they are significantly lighter, which is not a good sign. I don't know. The weight issue could be different steel in the power transformer only, for all I know.

The O/T in the 2 PRO was the one from the vintage, made by the very same factory at one point (may have been moved after that company was bought out).

 

[Air-cooled]

Is it safe to say these amps put out essentially the same sound?

 

[Psycho Bass Guy]

No. There are VERY big differences in sound between the two.

 

[meatwad]

Is it safe to say these amps put out essentially the same sound?

USA vs. Import, or VR vs. IIPRO?

USA vs. Import would interest me more.

 

[Psycho Bass Guy]

USA vs. Import, or VR vs. IIPRO?

USA vs. Import would interest me more.

It's been done MANY, MANY, MANY, MANY times here, and a search will give you lots of threads that discuss this.

 

[Risen Ashes]

It's been done before and the result is always the same SVT VR!!!!!!! Now if you mean a NON-PRO SVT II...now theres something intersting!

SVT VR > SVT 2 PRO

SVT II > SVT 2 PRO

SVT II about equal to SVT VR (a bit different but both equally superior to the 2Pro

 

[Air-cooled]

OK, I have searched, and I do appreciate the input! What makes the SVT II better than the SVT 2 PRO?

 

[JimmyM]

The 2 Pro has no gain control, which many consider more desirable in a tube bass amp, including me. Boosting the gain at a higher level than the master volume often results in a buzzy 12AX7 tube sound instead of a warm rich overdrive from 6550's being cranked.

 

[rodl2005]

I think Mr JimmyM means the SVT2 non pro has NO GAIN- NOT he 2 pro which HAS a gain & a Master Vol.

 

[Surly]

My favorite tone from the SVT without gain control, is when you crank it a bit, dig in, and get that natural grit. Gain on the amp isn't needed for me. Also you can always use a pedal for pre-amp gain.

 

[Air-cooled]

OK, so the SVT-2 Pro has a gain control, but does this make it a worse amp? You don't have to use gain. Just what is it that makes the non-pro a better amp?

 

[megadan]

OK, so the SVT-2 Pro has a gain control, but does this make it a worse amp? You don't have to use gain. Just what is it that makes the non-pro a better amp?

From what I understand, the non-pro is closer in sound and design to vintage SVTs. The Pro is moving towards the CL models, which don't really sound like the vintage kind.

 

[Surly]

OK, so the SVT-2 Pro has a gain control, but does this make it a worse amp? You don't have to use gain. Just what is it that makes the non-pro a better amp?

There's nothing worse about the 2Pro. This is really all opinion. The "straight through" design of the preamp without gain, is just what the vintage SVT's and 2 Non-Pro have. Try out a 2 Pro and let your ears decide. I've heard the CL's in rock bands and they sound good to me.

 

[JimmyM]

I think Mr JimmyM means the SVT2 non pro has NO GAIN- NOT he 2 pro which HAS a gain & a Master Vol.

Sorry...you're right...it was a typo. I did mean the Non-Pro.

 

[svtb15]

agreed +1

I have a non pro SVT2.. it sounds wonderful.

It's been done before and the result is always the same SVT VR!!!!!!! Now if you mean a NON-PRO SVT II...now theres something intersting!

SVT VR > SVT 2 PRO

SVT II > SVT 2 PRO

SVT II about equal to SVT VR (a bit different but both equally superior to the 2Pro

 

[svtb15]

The preamp on the non pro and pro svt2 are very different sounding preamps..
It is night and day different... my sister can tell....
My SVT non pro sound closer to my 72svt than other models.
my non pro is from 1989 its a first generation with the original 2 pro logo... great amp

There's nothing worse about the 2Pro. This is really all opinion. The "straight through" design of the preamp without gain, is just what the vintage SVT's and 2 Non-Pro have. Try out a 2 Pro and let your ears decide. I've heard the CL's in rock bands and they sound good to me.

 

[rodl2005]

Yeah- I dunno that the SVT2 is a "better" amp than the SVT2PRO. As stated-it just has no gain/master vol set up-just a simple volume!! Also the 2PRO has an overdrive control doesn't it??? But I'd rather have my SVT2 anyday as it just sounds SO much better than ANY other Ampegs I've heard!!!! Tho my V4BH does sound very similar So - I dunno! I just know what sounds good to me! I knew when I tried the V4BH it was "it" as far as guts & glory goes & my 3PRO was out the door!!! Fast!
Then as I aint a "knob twiddler" I'm a 'set & 4get' type- I had 2 sell the 300PRO Fender-even tho I LOVED the amp, it's a beauty!!!!!- & buy a SVT2!! as it's SO simple to use-has everything I need, nothing I don't & sounds SWEET-like the V4BH only BIGGER, Thicker, Stronger, faster, heavier!