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SVT-III (non-pro) tubes

C

countshockula

Feb 22, 2008
245
1
#1
Yes, I did a search.
Anyway, I'm looking for opinions on re-tubing a non-pro svt-III. What tubes are in there? And perhaps a link to the users manual. I have a manual for the Pro, but not the non-pro. Does the gain knob on the PRO version help a lot?
Anything anyone can tell about my amp would be greatly appreciated. Thanks ya'll!
 
#3
Just a little note that i posted the other day.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7414845&postcount=19
* 3 Pro= more power 450 watts

* 5 Preamp tubes = Four 12ax7s and One 12au7 mosfet driver

* Expanded Graphic EQ

* Tube Driver Circuit

* Master VOL

* MOSFET output devices

* Toroidial Transformer

TO me the 3 pro has way different EQ points compared to the non pro and to me sounded dryer than the non pro. they say they are the same but the MID EQ on the non pro has more variance in the level changes and the EQ points on the non pro seem tighter and more closely tuned to what they claim. 220, 440,800, 1700, 3k IIRC.. its been a while since i read the Ampeg spec sheets..EDIT: they are listed as the same EQ points but they do sound dis-similar when played with a bass and through speakers...

3 non pro had

* 3 preamp tubes all of which were 12ax7

* Less Power at 350 at 4 ohms

* Heavier with traditional Iron Power tranny
* Same front end as the SVT2 non pro
* Bipolar transistor output

I had both amps.. I sold my 3 pro since i liked the sound of the 3 non pro much better.. It was not as loud as the Pro version.. but I personally preferred the tone.. it seems to be closer to the SVT2 ... I still have it and have not used it in a while but i have recorded with it and love the sound of the preamp section... again the preamp is closer in sound to the NON PRO SVT2 version which seems more lively and closer to a vintage SVT than the PRO versions do.. just my take on things.. I was an ampeg endorser for 20 years and had all the toys.. I kept my SVT2 and my SVT3 but have moved the pro versions to new homes....



jgroh said:
what is the difference between the SVT-III and the SVT-III Pro? That looks like the one I have (a SVT-III from the early 90s...but mine has the white lettering) Mine is a hybrid with tubes in the preamp. It sounds great, but it took a back seat when I bought my LMII. I needed more power with two loud guitards.
Click to expand...
 
#5
12AX7's are relatively cheap so it's not as big a deal to retube the 3 non pro. Will it make a difference? I can't say I ever heard a difference in my 3 Pro when I swapped tubes, but you just may.
 
#8
I have one and I do like it (and have the user manual...thanks to Jerold Tiers. PM me and Ill send it if you like. Its a little light and nothing you couldnt figure out yourself but, I have it) I swapped out the tubes that were in it when I bought it used for some EHX's and honestly didnt notice much difference if at all. Its a great amp, but I did get a LMII which gives me much more power.
 

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