Who's the baddest?

The SVT-4 is NOT an SVT.

 

That's odd.....Ampeg thinks it is.

Mike

 

As far as Ampeg is concerned, it is indeed an SVT. SVT, or Super Vacuum Technology, is used in the SVT 4.

This "it aint a real SVT" mentality is curious. It seems that only SVT's made in the late 60's thru early 70's are SVT amplifiers. Vintage as some refer to them as.

The SVT models 3,4,5 and 6, all have vacuum tubes in them. Some have different configurations of these tubes, such as my new svt 6 pro, (on order) has 6 preamp/driver tubes.

Now do they have the 6550 output tubes? No, they have a more efficient mosfet output stage, although it may not sound like the original tube power section granted. But, as I have read on this site, the preamp is what made an SVT sound like an SVT.

I concede to the sound of an SVT all tube amp. I however, don't really like it. I will not put down the amp as I have in the past, since owning the classic did bring up memories and sounds I had long forgotton. But is was not my sense of what a amplifier should do/sound like.

But the new "generation" of SVT's are a continuation of the heritage of Ampeg and the SVT identity. It is unfortunate that some will only accept a thirty five year old design as "an SVT".

With that kind of thinking, nothing would evolve. I do respect your opinion, but merely disagree.

 

gets my vote of your head choices.

Genz Benz makes a contender here too.

 

I'd go with the Ashdown. Amazing hybrid tone. The SVT-4 just doesn't sound like a true SVT, but it's very powerful and sounds pretty good.

 

When I think of an SVT, i think of something with superior vacuum technology, not something with superior transistor technology . I would consider the -CL an SVT, even though it is weak compared to an origional SVT. But the 3-pro, 4-pro, 5-pro, 6-pro are hybrids, and that does not constitute superior vacuum technology. BTW, I put one in for the Ashdown. I love the Ashdown sound, it comes close to an all tube sound and can get clean really quick if needed as well.

 

As a previous owner of an Agular DB750, I can assure you when it comes to Bass heads, when Biggest and Baddest is the Qualifier there is the 750 and the pretenders!

 

Clearly I'm the baddest.

 

Mr. Jackson? I went to your site and looked for the bass amp model? Which of your amps is the bass model, the Atlantic, Union Jack or Britain?
<smiles> dD

 

he doesn't yet, he's got 2 threads running getting a feel for what bassists want in a tube head.... looks to be an interesting amp in theory!

 

James is right! The design in it's conceptual phase now. Actually I'm meeting with CABCREASER tonight to discuss it. We're meeting for coffee before a gig he has tonight.

 

cool!
<smiles> dD

 

Now you're talkin'... I got one of these bad boyz, and it's a real mother for ya'...

 

It's not an SVT unless it has power tubes.

 

Well, in fairness to the Mesa brand, you didn't list their best amp. At least around here, the bass 400+, and the M Pulse 600 seem much better regarded than the Big Block.

 

can't teach them youngins anything..... Nice 6pac Mr. Jackson.

 

I'm one of those that prefer the 400+ or M Pulse 600 to the BB...

But IMO NONE of the currently produced Mesa models is their best amp. They stopped making that one when they realized that it was not only a great bass amp but the best guitar amp they made, and if the word got out nobody would buy anything else.

But as for the question...

I don't know, they're all pretty bad, but I guess I'd say the GK is the worst.