What to use with my Ampeg SVT 3 pro...

I would say go with an SVT-410HE personally, I'm not sure the going rate for them around your area, but I can't imagine it would be over $700, if it is, then you can check out the classifieds here or the 'bay.

As for the "Ampeg with Ampeg"... There is no importance to do that, there are tons of people that have Ampeg and other, like myself, I have a Hartke head with my 410.

To answer your question for the 4 ohm cab, I would say go with an 8 ohm cab, that will allow you to add another cab later if you'd like.

But make sure you try before you buy (I didn't.. But I'm satisfied with what I got).

 

Unless you're absolutely sure that you'll stick with only one cab, get an 8 ohm cab so you can add another on later. If you know you'll only get and use one cab, go with the 4 ohm cab. The amps life will not be extended by using an 8 ohm cab.

 

I use 2 Avatar B410 Neo's (8 ohm each) with my Pro III and get a great sound. Sounds great with 1 cab but have the option to use 2. Depending on the gig. They also sound awesome with my 400+!!!!!!!!!!

 

Where are you located? I actually just picked up a decent SVT-410HE cab in a package deal, I don't really need it, I wanted the head I bought with it. I'm in Richmond, VA


On topic though, I would stick with the SVT line of cabs since they are designed to work in comparison with the SVT heads. Although I play my SVT3 Pro through a sealed old school ampeg B40 4x10 cab and it sounded pretty decent.

 

is it advisable to take an 8ohm amp and re wire it for 4 or 2 ohms?

 

It would be cheaper to just get another amp. You can't just "re-wire" an amp like that.

 

What sounds good depends on what type of music you play and what kind of sound you want. I had an SVT-3 Pro and I really liked it with a couple of different cabinets I had but I eventually sold it to get a Mesa. The guy who bought my SVT-3 now uses it with an SWR 4x10 and it sounds incredible. They play a harder edge type of prog/metal/punk something and the cabinet really makes that amp come alive. But that sound won't be for everyone and a lot of people will say that it's too aggressive.

Not important at all.

As long as you are running your rig within its tolerances you should never really have any issue with head "life" and the SVT-3 Pro can certainly run comfortably at 4 ohms indefinitely. For most bassists, running the amp at 4 ohms is preferable because of the peace of mind of having all the power capability of the amp available when needed. However, I almost always use a single 8 ohm cabinet when I gig and I've never found myself lacking for power. But my bands always go easy on the stage volume and make up for it with PA and monitors.

 

What sounds good depends on what type of music you play and what kind of sound you want. I had an SVT-3 Pro and I really liked it with a couple of different cabinets I had but I eventually sold it to get a Mesa. The guy who bought my SVT-3 now uses it with an SWR 4x10 and it sounds incredible. They play a harder edge type of prog/metal/punk something and the cabinet really makes that amp come alive. But that sound won't be for everyone and a lot of people will say that it's too aggressive.

Not important at all.

As long as you are running your rig within its tolerances you should never really have any issue with head "life" and the SVT-3 Pro can certainly run comfortably at 4 ohms indefinitely. I've always used a single 8 ohm cab and never needed the unused power. But my bands go easy on the stage volume and make up for it with PA and monitors. Other bassists mileage may vary.

 

I like a matching head-n-cab setup purely for aesthetics, even though my old GK-400RB sounded great on top of my Classic Series 4x10HEN. The SVT-III PRO works best at 4ohms, and is a beast through two 4x10's giving all the volume and tone you will ever need. Of course there are other cabs and speaker combinations that could be just as beastly, depending on your needs and desired tone.

My friend's III-PRO sounds awesome with his Geddy Lee Jazz and a 4ohm Classic Series 8x10. Soooo very LOUD and punchy!

The III PRO is a killer head, and is very underrated around here. I love mine, and it has practically put my SVT-CL out to pasture.

 

i had an SVT 3pro on top of two Ampeg 15s. with my emg loaded Modulus, i was in tone heaven. i loved that rig.

without knowing what you're playing or what music you're creating, i would say grab the 4x10 with the idea that you might grab another 4x10 or a 15 to go underneath it.

also, switch on the graphic eq and crank the level, even if you have all the sliders set flat. it makes a world of difference.