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SVT-VR problem

R

rizzcombat

Jan 9, 2010
50
26
New York, New York
#1
I recently acquired a used SVT-VR. In prior, I had only played out of a 70's era SVT and the SVT-CL, however I expected nothing less than to plug the amp in and being blown away. However, this didn't happen. I'd love to know if there is something wrong with my amp or if I'm simply missing something with the VR.

Let me preface this by saying the VR is going into an SVT-610hlf. I know ported cabs are not the ideal setup to get "the sound", however it's all I have on hand at the moment. I plan on getting either and svt-810e or tracking down a berg nv610 in the near future if I decide to keep the VR.

I've heard nothing but stellar reviews about having massive headroom on your clean tone and being "**** outta luck" if you want this amp to grind at low volumes. This didn't happen. I was at rehearsal for a rock trio, and I had to turn the gain up to noon or 1:00 to get any type of volume to compete over the drums (granted my drummer has very heavy hands). I was playing out of an Ampeg ba115 and a b15r (which was complete tonal bliss) in prior rehearsals and I was able to basically achieve the same volume with these much smaller amps.

At clean tone volumes (around 9:00), the sound is okay, but definitely not loud enough to play over the drums....and to be honest I'm not experiencing the tonal bliss I was expecting.

So, what am I missing here? I know most people say "more than half the sound comes from the cab"...however I want to make sure this is the missing component. Any other ideas? I really want to love this amp, but right now, it's just not cutting it for me.
 
#2
I have no experience with the SVT VR or the 610HLF, but 300 watts through a 4 ohm 610 should give you plenty of volume. I would assume that something isn't right with the amp.

Did you buy it used? Your best bet would be to always factor in a tech visit in the price of a tube amp just to make sure that everything is in working order.
 
#4
Sounds like something is up here. All cables/speaker cables/impedance settings ok? Tubes ok? Might need a little tech time to figure out if something is wrong? This amp should be thunderously loud by 9-10 o'clock on the dial.
 
#5
So I've checked, the amp is set to 4ohms and I tried 2 cables (one 1/4 inch and one speakon), both giving me the same results. I then ran my GK MB 150 into the 610hlf with huge sound. So I guess the problem is the VR, which is depressing.

Any advice on checking tubes, balance bias, etc? I'm starting to think my best bet would be to bring it to a tech for a check-up.

The amp was used and I got a great deal on it...maybe this is why.
 
#6
I don't have experience with the VR but my CL had a bias light on the back, if they were both green you were good. Ensure your cab is 4 ohms and set the head to 4 ohms, don't push the head at 2 ohms in an attempt to make it louder.

The first thing to check with a tube amps is the tubes, for pretty much every issue, especially volume related ones.

Personally I had a much harder time cutting through with my SVT-CL than my Markbass SD800, my bandmates were floored by how much louder I was the first time I brought the Markbass instead of the SVT. I think your SVT might be working fine, it is hard to tell without actually hearing it.
 
#8
DiabolusInMusic said:
I don't have experience with the VR but my CL had a bias light on the back, if they were both green you were good. Ensure your cab is 4 ohms and set the head to 4 ohms, don't push the head at 2 ohms in an attempt to make it louder.

The first thing to check with a tube amps is the tubes, for pretty much every issue, especially volume related ones.

Personally I had a much harder time cutting through with my SVT-CL than my Markbass SD800, my bandmates were floored by how much louder I was the first time I brought the Markbass instead of the SVT. I think your SVT might be working fine, it is hard to tell without actually hearing it.
Click to expand...
So you're saying a 300w amp isn't as loud as an 800w amp? Do tell!

:D
 
#14
There are a few easy things that you can check:

Re-seat the impedance switch on the back of the amp. With the power off, switch to 2 ohms, then back to 4 ohms.

Try a speakon cable that you know is good.

Check the power tube bias as per the manual. You should have two green lights with the amp at idle and warmed up for at least 20 minutes.

What you are describing can occur if the driver tube on the power amp is weak. I would have a tech check out the small tubes on the power amp, 12AX7 and 12AU7.
 
#15
My advice, and what I do every time I buy a used tube amp, no matter how great it's condition may appear, is drop it off at my local amp tech for a good once over. Not only will it come home in tip top shape, but it may even save you more money down the road.
 

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