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What should I do? (Ampeg content)

I

Indigo

Feb 19, 2004
91
2
45
Örebro, Sweden
jonatan.sallyproductions.com
#1
I am in the process of changing from a SVT Classic-rig to a SVT-AV-rig. I have sold the CL and bought a SVT-AV. I still have a 810E, and I am now looking for a 810AV. But they seem to be impossible to find, at least here in Sweden. I have found a couple of Vietnam-made cabinets, and one US, but that one is not in very good condition. I have even talked to the swedish importer, but they have no US-made cabinets still in stock.

Now I am starting to think about buying a new one. And I've heard that they are now being manufactured in Korea, is that right? I've got the impression that the quality of the Vietnam-made Ampegs is not that good, do you think that the Korea-made will be better?

Or should I go with the US-made I've found? It's a '99 that have been used a lot. Or should I wait and see if a better US-made cabinet shows up?

Btw, sorry about my possibly bad English, ask if something sounds weird =)
 
#3
Indigo said:
I am in the process of changing from a SVT Classic-rig to a SVT-AV-rig. I have sold the CL and bought a SVT-AV. I still have a 810E, and I am now looking for a 810AV. But they seem to be impossible to find, at least here in Sweden. I have found a couple of Vietnam-made cabinets, and one US, but that one is not in very good condition. I have even talked to the swedish importer, but they have no US-made cabinets still in stock.

Now I am starting to think about buying a new one. And I've heard that they are now being manufactured in Korea, is that right? I've got the impression that the quality of the Vietnam-made Ampegs is not that good, do you think that the Korea-made will be better?

Or should I go with the US-made I've found? It's a '99 that have been used a lot. Or should I wait and see if a better US-made cabinet shows up?

Btw, sorry about my possibly bad English, ask if something sounds weird =)
Click to expand...

Since you already have an 810E, why not wait until the right 810AV pops up? It's just a matter of time before one does since many players are switching to lighter rigs.

BTW. Your command of written English is fine. :)
 
#4
mophead said:
If it were me I would change the grill cloth on the 810 to the AV style and call it a day. Go to Flip Tops and they will sell it to you.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that is also an option, but as I am living in Sweden, it would maybe be hard to do. But I've sent a request to Flip Tops, will see what their response is.

But I would also prefer a whole AV-cab, as the cloth is not only the difference, the tolex also has a different structure to it. Maybe that sounds ridiculous, but that's me I guess =)
 
#5
Before I went with the 99, I would check and make sure it's not made of UDF or whatever that chipboard stuff is called. But if it's made of actual plywood, there is no way in hell I'd ever buy a new 810AV over one made before 2001. They use better sounding drivers that are more full range than what they use now. Sure, they may handle less power, but who cares? You're only pumping 300w through it, anyway.

Besides, thrashed 810's look awesome!
 
#6
JimmyM said:
Before I went with the 99, I would check and make sure it's not made of UDF or whatever that chipboard stuff is called. But if it's made of actual plywood, there is no way in hell I'd ever buy a new 810AV over one made before 2001. They use better sounding drivers that are more full range than what they use now. Sure, they may handle less power, but who cares? You're only pumping 300w through it, anyway.

Besides, thrashed 810's look awesome!
Click to expand...

How do I know what it is made of? It says on the back that it handles 800 watts RMS, but it's not stereo like my 810E. It is made in July 1999.

So do you believe that '99 AV is better sounding than my '02 810E?

On the downside I think is that the '99 AV doesn't have skid rails or a kick plate. But on the other hand I will be using a cover for the cabinet...
 
#7
JimmyM said:
Before I went with the 99, I would check and make sure it's not made of UDF or whatever that chipboard stuff is called. But if it's made of actual plywood, there is no way in hell I'd ever buy a new 810AV over one made before 2001. They use better sounding drivers that are more full range than what they use now. Sure, they may handle less power, but who cares? You're only pumping 300w through it, anyway.

Besides, thrashed 810's look awesome!
Click to expand...

Good point on Medium Density Fiberboard cabinets. I once owned a Bassman 100 cab (the one with the weird 4X12" cross-fire baffle) made of this stuff. It was heavier than it should've been, and it buzzed like a beehive on certain notes at loud volumes. 3/4" plywood rules!
 
#8
Indigo said:
How do I know what it is made of? It says on the back that it handles 800 watts RMS, but it's not stereo like my 810E. It is made in July 1999.

So do you believe that '99 AV is better sounding than my '02 810E?

On the downside I think is that the '99 AV doesn't have skid rails or a kick plate. But on the other hand I will be using a cover for the cabinet...
Click to expand...
To find out what it's made of, you have to pull a speaker or look for ripped spots that show the wood.

And yes, I do think that the 99 would sound better than the newer ones. Of course, that is all personal opinion, and if you like it, that's all that counts.
 
#9
JimmyM said:
To find out what it's made of, you have to pull a speaker or look for ripped spots that show the wood.

And yes, I do think that the 99 would sound better than the newer ones. Of course, that is all personal opinion, and if you like it, that's all that counts.
Click to expand...

I've got some pictures of the cabinet from the current owner, would it be okay if I send those to you in a PM or an e-mail, maybe you could look and see if it is plywood? I have some close-ups of ripped spots.
 
#12
Alrighty, here goes...

810av_01.jpg


810av_02.jpg


810av_03.jpg


810av_04.jpg
 
#14
Probably not going to be able to tell by those pics. You need to see more exposed wood. It should then be easy to tell if it's pressed chipboard or actual plywood.

You might be able to tell by pulling off the grill. If I remember correctly it is just flat black painted wood on the panel the speakers are mounted to.
 
#16
metron said:
Probably not going to be able to tell by those pics. You need to see more exposed wood. It should then be easy to tell if it's pressed chipboard or actual plywood.

You might be able to tell by pulling off the grill. If I remember correctly it is just flat black painted wood on the panel the speakers are mounted to.
Click to expand...
I am pretty sure the baffles were always made of plywood, so that wouldn't work unless there is exposed wood on the surrounding frame. And yeah, you need quite a bit more exposed wood than those pics show to make a determination. Like if you could have lifted that spot by the caster, you could probably tell.

Or you can wait till Jerrold Tiers comes on tonight and he can tell you the exact timeline.
 

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