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True Ampeg sound without Ampeg amp?

BullHorn

BullHorn

Nov 23, 2006
1,838
43
www.youtube.com
#1
I've recently purchased a 7Pro and even though it is revision C00, it's suffering from the same cutting out and reboots/shutdowns as the previous A00 and B00 revisions did. However, the tone of this thing... I love it and I've yet to hear an amp that I like as much (Other than SVT-CL and V4BH but they are bigger, heavier and double the price).

I was thinking of getting a power amp and an Ampeg Pre-amp? That could work? Can anybody explain how that works and whether I can get good results with it?
 
#7
Mind you - I use a clean tone most of the time (On my 7Pro, I have all the EQ set flat with a slight boost on the highs).

I heard the BDDI can't really work as a pre-amp, if you only use it with a power amp, it lacks the power to drive the power amp. Is this true? Does the VT Bass Deluxe solve this problem?
 
#9
BullHorn said:
I was thinking of getting a power amp and an Ampeg Pre-amp? That could work? Can anybody explain how that works and whether I can get good results with it?
Click to expand...

Pre/power set ups work very well. I am sorry to hear the 7-pro isnt working for you though. Did you buy it new? and will your local ampeg dealer work to fix it?

If you do decide to go with a power amp, I would look for one with a low sensitivity rating (Which is good, the lower the rating the more sensitive the amp). I have a Peavey IPR 1600 that will work with just about any pre and it slams through my 1515/66.
 
#11
BullHorn said:
Mind you - I use a clean tone most of the time (On my 7Pro, I have all the EQ set flat with a slight boost on the highs).

I heard the BDDI can't really work as a pre-amp, if you only use it with a power amp, it lacks the power to drive the power amp. Is this true? Does the VT Bass Deluxe solve this problem?
Click to expand...

When you say 'flat' do you mean knobs in the middle? Because that isn't flat.

The BDDI has a few versions, and some have an output level switch that can go to line, but being able to drive a power amp is heavily dependent on the input sensitivity of your power amp. The VT bass is supposed to have enough juice on the volume control to do it, it drives SS power amps I've had fine, but not enough for my valve slaves.
 
#12
bassgod0dmw said:
I'd go the pre/power route myself. An SVP-CL and a poweramp.

I want to like the SVT-7, but all of these stories just keep getting in the way. I've got an SVP-CL and an SVP-Pro just aching to be joined with a poweramp.
Click to expand...

I have both the SVP-CL and SVP-Pro preamps and they are excellent sounding units. The CL is probably better if clean and quiet are critical success factors for you whereas the Pro has some grit via the "Drive" control if you want more of a rock&roll sound. Many will argue the authenticity of their sound when coupled with a solid state poweramp. I'll say this ... nothing is like a real-deal all tube SVT, but either of these preamps is plenty good'nuff if schlepping an 85 pound monster is not your thing.
 
#16
Kawai-chang said:
I liked the tone of my LM2, but have never had an SVT to compare it. KJung says it (the LM2) gets really nice clean and warm as a comparison to the SVT.
Click to expand...

I did compare it to an svt cl in the the store. I noticed the tone was close but lacked the fullness and "hit you in the chest" that the svt cl had. That is kinda to be expected though. I would be happy with the mark bass though if I had to use it.
 
#17
DavidLopezJr said:
These are the closet options for ampeg tone without ampeg products:
VT Bass
Monique
REDDI
Click to expand...
REDDI and Monique are serious tube/transformer devices that are way closer than the VT, although for solid state, I will give it up for the VT. I think it's a much better Ampeg emulation than the BDDI and all digital amps and pedals put together. The 7 Pro sounds quite a bit better IMHO, but for less than $200 it's quite sweet.

Still, take it for what it's worth from an endorser but I think you're jumping the gun on the 7 Pro. I know you have a thing with your AC and the warranty situation going on with you being in Israel, but it has been working for you today without the DI plugged in, so maybe you just have an issue with the DI itself, and maybe it won't be such a nightmare to get it fixed.
 
#18
I suggest the VT bass with a clean amp of your choice...so you have the best of both worlds.

Suggestions? Something with a very clean platform like the Genz Shuttle 9.2, Max 9.2 (recently tried the VT with my new Max 9.2 and it literally is stunning how clean and precise the Genz is, then goto the TUBE channel, bit more warmth, kick in the VT, you've got all the tones you need). Its not far off the size of the 7 Pro and kicks like a mule, and its stupidly light if that matters.

Genz CS will also see you good, no matter what.

I quite like the Ampeg tone, but I don't and haven't ever owned Ampeg gear for more than a few months.

If the 7 Pro was more reliable, I think I'd own one by now.
 

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