? SVT2-PRO Potential Problems?

[smo]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get a new tube amp, mainly to use as a back-up really, and by pure chance a used SVT2-PRO has come up locally.
So I'm gonna go try it out.

What should I look for?
What potential problems can I expect?

I read a few posts that said these amps can get overheated.
Is this really a problem with the amp, or more a case of putting it in the wrong rackcase?

And lastly - my main tuber maintains tubes pretty well.
Does the SVT2-pro get through tubes pretty quickly?

Thanks in advances guys and gals.

 

[sapienerabass]

Oi sandgroper!! I have run my SVT2 pro for years with the same tubes. I re-tubed it myself a fortnight ago for a total cost of $330(US) delivered to Sydney, Australia from Tube Depot.

Did it need a re-tube? Probably not, it is running a little quieter, there's no hum with the new tubes but in a live context I'm the only one who ever noticed.

IMHO It's a great amp and probably a bit over the top for a back-up! Especially given the weight. There's cheaper, lighter options available for back up use. However you never know it may just become your main amp!

I use an ampeg B2R as a back-up it's lighter and while not an SVT it's a reliable, cheap SS back up amp.

 

[JimmyM]

i've used svt 2 pros many times as backline rental on road trips and i've yet to have one overheat on me. what should you look for? just that it works and doesn't crackle or anything like that.

 

[jastacey]

If you rack mount the SVT II Pro, just make sure the intake fan has a clear airflow, some plastic rack cases have a molded indented handle that is almost touching/covering the fan intake on the side of the amp, this will cause the amp to over heat ...... I'd would also recommend one rack space above the amp as well ... I've been running my amp with 12 year old power tubes ... I did have a noise issue with my amp, I solved it by replacing the preamp tubes

 

[smo]

Thanks for the input fellaz!