SWR or Ampeg?

[JTUK]

I've had two ampegs in the last 4 years . One Vietnam , one USA . I had problems with both and had to send them in for warranty service which took over a month in both cases .

My SWR ( 350X ) has NEVER failed. Even on the previous owner.

I hated SWR until I figured out the EQ/controls. Harsh and brittle , YUCK! I found I have to set up it differently , for my style , than the other amps I have owned. I love it now.

+1 on Jimmym's comments

yep....
SWR for me...altho if it is mostly about a deaf guitar player, I'd address that first...

I like Ampeg on a big stage where you just plug in mostly for a rocknroll gig... but I wouldn't want to be lugging the monster amp around myself....

I think the Ampeg cabs are lacking as well...so not for me if it is my money

 

[wvbass]

I like both equally. I own and used a SVT-CL as my primary gigging amp for a number of years. Eventually, I put an 810e under it. With all that weight, it became my outdoor-gig-only rig. It does the LOUD thing like nothing else I've ever owned. After a point, it quits sounding louder, per se, but starts sounding fuller. And it sounds really good at any volume.

I also own and used an SWR Super Redhead for a number of years. I put a Goliath Jr under it, so I ran it with four 10s. I understand the "hifi" stereotype, but it will give a good "vintage" tone too. Nobody likes to touch their amp EQ anymore, and SWR's magic lies in the eq section. It sounds great, too, but it doesn't get nearly as loud as my ampeg. Of course, its not pushing the wattage like some of the bigger SWR heads.

Here's the thing. If I run my CL through cabs with horns, I can get a fat vintage tone, a hifi tone, or any other tone I want. If I turn the horns off on my redhead, I can do old-school vintage, or I can dial the horns up and cut your head off with top end.

The ampeg gets louder. The ampeg has a bigger bottom end, so it is easier to dial in thicker tones. The SWR is quieter, but has a more verstile EQ section. It has plenty of low end, but not a ridiculous amount like my ampeg. The SWR always has enough presence to come to the front of the mix, but can be subtle enough to sit in the back.

Both are winners. If I had to pick one amp, I'd keep my redhead over my svt-cl.

I am currently using a LMII and two PS112s as my main rig, though. Only rig that fits in my new car.

 

[Tim1]

My recent SWR SM900 was nothing but trouble. It was in and out of the repair centre constantly, and in the end I sold it at a considerable loss. Plus read the posts from people who have had trouble with this amp. That said, my original SM400 was faultless for all the (many) years I had it. My Vietnam SVT VR has also been faultless, despite already having taken a fall!
However, if weight is a concern I would recommend Markbass with a sansamp VT pedal - plenty of grunt, lightweight, reliable and the best of both worlds.

 

[38bass]

Hey folks!
In December I bought a 2008 Redhead (new) and paired it soon after with a used 4ohm GK 4 x 10" that I got an incredible deal on ($175.00) and man I tell ya this rig is so loud and bottomy that it's scary. I get a very nice screaming tone and all the pants flapping that I wanted.

Even on it's own in a smallish Rock bar my Redhead stands up to a marshall head & 4 x 12, and a marshall combo at the same time w/out any p.a. on it or anything, and I still was asked to turn down a bit. (everyone's always asking me to turn down all the time, what's up with that? .... )

I plan to augment this rig with an S.W.R. Power 750 and two 1 x 15 cabs .
Not that I need to, but hey... I've got G.A.S. and besides it's fun to be loud, that and it'll make for a nice flexible rig that's good for any occasion.
I tried to post pics but it aint working so..... If your at all interested and have two seconds in your busy lives to make a couple of mouse clicks you can see them on my myspace site.
Link Removed

There, I'm done hijacking this thread now. Have a great day everyone!!

 

[Bernie P.]

Both have their points but my preference is for SWR.IMO it gives a truer less affected deliverance of my bass' sound.

 

[RobertPaulson]

I prefer real SVT's (tube), but for hybrids I much prefer SWR. The old redfaces are killer amps for the money.

 

[Pat Wagner]

I've got a super redhead. It gets extremely hot to the touch and begins breaking up by the end of the night. I've had it in for service and nothing was found wrong. Thermostatic fan works. For those who own one...is this normal??

 

[isisiscool]

Both these amps are extremely versatile. It is all a personal preference, I personally happen to love both. SWR for me gives you creativity in my belief, Ampeg gives you more that classic bass tone. Though Both amps are both extremely well, it all comes down to what you really are looking for in tone.

 

[Korladis]

I prefer Ampeg. SWR's have sounded a bit scooped to me. YMMV

 

[RickenBoogie]

I'm quite pleased with my 6Pro. Couldn't ask for any more than it provides, but we all have different taste.

 

[B E A D G]

I have had both but the SWR700 I have now blows away the ampeg.

 

[totallybacan]

Good advice on here. Personally, of the two, I like SWR. If you feel like adding a 3rd option, I strongly suggest looking at Gallien-Krueger. You get a ton of bang for your buck without sacrificing quality.

 

[JazznFunk]

I split the difference... I have a ton of SWR stuff, new and old, that I love dearly and it is the basis for the sound and platform I love, but don't personally own any Ampeg gear. I've played through SVTs and other Ampeg gear and like the overall sound of Ampeg tube stuff a lot as well. I personally prefer a clean, hi-fi setup as the basis for my sound. I say if you are leaning toward SWR, do what I did and grab a SansAmp VT Bass. True, it's not 'true' Ampeg sound (there's nothing like an SVT with that big 8x10 behind you), but it cops the character of the big tube-amp thing pretty well, and as many will tell you... it's scary accurate in how it breaks up and gives you that wooly tube drive if you need it. I leave it on 95% of the time with my rig and it really wakes things up a lot. You can definitely hear and feel the difference with the VT Bass in the chain when using more hi-fi gear. I love how it rounds the sound out and gives it that tube-like warmth and character. Now, some gigs demand the hi-fi thing more than the Ampeg character, which is why I like having that option at the click of a switch. Just my $.02

 

[basspro]

It's just a matter of personal choice, both SWR and Ampeg make good bass heads.
I prefer my Ampeg SVT heads with SWR pre fender cabs.

 

[JimmyM]

I used SWR for a few years, but went back to Ampeg full-time last year. I like them both, but hey...Ampeg...you know?

 

[bassguppy]

I just picked up an SWR Goliath III and use the new Marcus Miller preamp. I have used, Ampeg, Ashdown, Fender, Genz, etc...

Punchy, very versatile preamp and the cab, although heavy (bout 85lbs) is great. Still putting it through the paces but for an initial opinion I'd go SWR over Ampeg. But, if you're looking for all tube how can you beat an SVT?

 

[snaverb]

I vote for Ampeg

 

[RexNFX79]

I definitely think if you go with an SM-900 or 500, ect that you will have a wider choice of sounds. Personally, I like the tone of SWR cabs better too. I have a lot of love for Ampeg but SWR has better tone to my ears.

 

[K Marshall]

Which do you guys prefer?

I've heard SWR is more versatile than Ampeg.

I have an SWR Hybrid and an all tube Ampeg. They both do the job and are very nice amps. But most recently for me the Ampeg is it, and it sees all the work while the SWR sits at home. I prefer Ampeg for my personal tastes.