Thinking about an Ampeg SVT 2 Pro

[SocksWthSandals]

So I've always wanted an SVT 2 pro since I started playing bass in the early 2000s. I have a chance to get one for $1,200.

I'm well aware of the tone and sound of them.

Currently I'm playing an 800rb with a sansamp RBI. Tone of that is great. I can get so many sounds from that combo. I feel like it's really close to that "tube" sound.

Is it kind of pointless to go from an 800rb with a tube pre amp RBI to a tube amp like the svt 2 pro?

Full disclaimer - I just play by myself for fun. I don't play shows, I'm not in a band, I'm not even the best bass player in the Beatles, but I love playing. There's absolutely nothing wrong with my sound. This is just kind of one of those wants more than needs adult money type of purchases.

 

[Wasnex]

IMHO, If you want it and can afford it, get it. It's as simple as that. Just keep in mind the opportunity cost. If you spend $1200 on an amp, that's $1200 you can't spend on something else.

Also, as a minimum I suggest budgeting for a new set of output tubes and a bench fee. That's close to $500 more over the purchase price. I have a lot of tubes amps in my collection and many of them needed TLC when I got them. If you don't have to spend the money now, it's only a matter of time.

I haven't played the SVT 2 Pro, but my guess is it sound very similar to other all tube SVTs. So I would expect it to be capable of a different range of tones than the GK.

 

[SocksWthSandals]

IMHO, If you want it and can afford it, get it. It's as simple as that. Just keep in mind the opportunity cost. If you spend $1200 on an amp, that's $1200 you can't spend on something else.

Also, as a minimum I suggest budgeting for a new set of output tubes and a bench fee. That's close to $500 more over the purchase price. I have a lot of tubes amps in my collection and many of them needed TLC when I got them. If you don't have to spend the money now, it's only a matter of time.

I haven't played the SVT 2 Pro, but my guess is it sound very similar to other all tube SVTs. So I would expect it to be capable of a different range of tones than the GK.

That is something I was also thinking of was if the tubes are going to need to be replaced.

 

[JimmyM]

Wanting something for fun is as valid a reason as any.

 

[wolfkeller]

Hey there. I can speak from experience here as I have both rigs for different bands. I actually have the 2 non pro now, I've had the pro in the past.

I run a bass driver v2 into an 800rb. I also run the same bass driver into the ampeg. I don't always use the sandamp, depends on what I'm doing. The RBI btw doesn't have a tube in it.

The ampeg is killer for sure but much more user awareness involved. I have to remember to turn on/ off properly, ohms switch depending on cabs, I use a fan to keep it cool. I had it services 3x before a problem was fixed. Needed new power tubes, $550. Heavy as hell.

It is a killer amp, but so is the GK. That's my experience. I prefer not to use a tube amp in the road, they're way more finicky to voltage and temp, and more suseptible to damage. The gk, no even something I think about

 

[SocksWthSandals]

Hey there. I can speak from experience here as I have both rigs for different bands. I actually have the 2 non pro now, I've had the pro in the past.

I run a bass driver v2 into an 800rb. I also run the same bass driver into the ampeg. I don't always use the sandamp, depends on what I'm doing. The RBI btw doesn't have a tube in it.

The ampeg is killer for sure but much more user awareness involved. I have to remember to turn on/ off properly, ohms switch depending on cabs, I use a fan to keep it cool. I had it services 3x before a problem was fixed. Needed new power tubes, $550. Heavy as hell.

It is a killer amp, but so is the GK. That's my experience. I prefer not to use a tube amp in the road, they're way more finicky to voltage and temp, and more suseptible to damage. The gk, no even something I think about

Hey thanks for the good reply!

It was going to be $1,200 for the svt 2 pro. It was an early 90s model. The guy said it has been used as a monitor or something like that at a church group and has been sitting in a closet mostly unused for 10 years. Called a local good shop and he said it was going to be around 6-700 to return (if needed which it probably would (and if he needed to fix any other electric parts which he usually recommends maybe upwards of $900). So after that chunk of possible change after the amp purchase I was thinking it would probably be best to stick with the sansamp 800rb. At least for now in my own room jamming out sessions.

 

[squish]

I would ask the seller for a pre-purchase inspection. Any problems found could help negotiate price. And who knows, the amp could be tip-top. I have an SVT II non-pro ('92 model) and it is still running on original capacitors. You don't need a tech to change/bias power tubes on the Pro model.
That being said these amps are powerful and if you truly want to obliterate your bedroom, this would be the one.

 

[GMSweet]

As a fellow play for myself guy, I have a small collection of preamps and a D800+. Tube power amps don't appeal to me since I play through studio monitors 99.99% of the time and something like the 2PRO would be wasted on me. However, I have the preamp section via a mid 90's SVP-Pro. Sonically it will be very different from the 800RB. I've never used an RBI so I can't offer an opinion there, but my SVP has been with me through my gigging days and when I want that Ampeg'ish sound, I use it without reservation. It might be another way to scratch that itch of having an actual tube front end.

I call it Ampeg'ish because I associate the Ampeg sound with the driven power section and the 810E sealed cabinet. My modified SWR Triad and the studio monitors are way too hifi to get there. Even when I had a pair of 410-HLF's powered by a QSC PLX-2402 it wasn't the same as that sealed cabinet.

@squish has the right idea if a pre-check for it could be arranged. If the seller has a local tech and will split the bench fee, or even if it costs a little adult money to find out in advance given the possibility of being into for 2x what you paid for it.

 

[bobyoung53]

Hey thanks for the good reply!

It was going to be $1,200 for the svt 2 pro. It was an early 90s model. The guy said it has been used as a monitor or something like that at a church group and has been sitting in a closet mostly unused for 10 years. Called a local good shop and he said it was going to be around 6-700 to return (if needed which it probably would (and if he needed to fix any other electric parts which he usually recommends maybe upwards of $900). So after that chunk of possible change after the amp purchase I was thinking it would probably be best to stick with the sansamp 800rb. At least for now in my own room jamming out sessions.

I've been using SVT's for fifty years and they are among the most reliable amps out there. If it's been sitting in a closet for ten years the tubes are probably fine. check it out, if it sounds good and is loud as hell and all 6 power tubes are glowing similarly, play the hell out of it, you'll probably never turn back. I don't bring any of mine to a shop unless they obviously have a problem which is not very often. 6550's last for years.

 

[golower]

I've been using SVT's for fifty years and they are among the most reliable amps out there. If it's been sitting in a closet for ten years the tubes are probably fine. check it out, if it sounds good and is loud as hell and all 6 power tubes are glowing similarly, play the hell out of it, you'll probably never turn back. I don't bring any of mine to a shop unless they obviously have a problem which is not very often. 6550's last for years.

This