TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
If weight is a subject, go for the 7 proAnd for me it is the weight even though I have help.
Are you willing to expand on your comment that your Quilter 800 is a bit 'rough around the edges'? I am curious what you are hearing. Thanks.I also have a Quilter BB800 as a backup amp, for which it’s probably too good. Its sound is a bit rough around the edges but it is a great product. I’m sure the new Quilter 803 is a fantastic product.
It’s hard for me to describe it to be honest. It lacks a bit of finesse in its tone. It’s not unpleasant, but could be sweeter. There are definitely better preamps out there for me. The drive/slight breakup from the higher gain settings is pretty clanky, but just in a different way to the Ampeg’s. It’s its own thing, and I do like it, but the goal of the thread was to find an SVT 4 replacement. The BB800 isn’t it, although the power output is not far off- it’s very impressive.Are you willing to expand on your comment that your Quilter 800 is a bit 'rough around the edges'? I am curious what you are hearing. Thanks.
The 7 pro. Everytime I convinced myself I was going to buy an all tube Ampeg I brought my 7 pro to compare it against the all tube Ampeg amp .So also interested in what people like that is new and light, Mesa Subway, Darkglass come to mind.
I think your review is very accurate. I share your feeling about the differences between the 4 and 7 pro.I've been using an SVT 4 Pro for a couple of years and I also have an SVT II non pro. I used to have a PF800 and an SVT 7 Pro, and recently I bought an Aguilar Tone Hammer and a Mesa WD800.
All of the above are great amps and they all do a great job punching trough a loud rock band. The main difference to me, is the amount of "sag" or how "soft" they feel.
The 4 Pro has that unmistakable transistor ”push” and is not as ”glassy” as the SVT II. The 7 Pro is somewhere inbetween, it’s ”firmer” than the SVT II and a bit ”saggier” than the 4 Pro. The PF800 is close to the SVT 7 Pro, but I prefer the 7 Pro.
The Mesa has the Power Amp Damping that can take it from the softer SVT 7 Pro territory to the full transistor push of the SVT 4 Pro. The Aggie is the softest of the lot, very "tubey".
I haven't tried the new Ampeg Venture series.
If weight is a concern, I would replace the SVT 4 Pro with the Mesa WD800. If the Ampeg tone is more important than weight/size, I would go for the SVT 7 Pro.
Well put. I've played through a 4 for a v long time and must agree. The Ampeg SVT 4 Pro definitely has that transistor "push". I can't compare it to the 2 or 7 but can confirm that there is no sag or warmth from the power section of a 4. When bridged it can push those transistors into your brain.The 4 Pro has that unmistakable transistor ”push” and is not as ”glassy” as the SVT II.