Ampeg SVTCL Classic Bass Amplifier Head (300 Watts)

Feature:
everything a tube head should have and more.

Quality:
This thing is reliable. hasnt failed me in the 5 years I have owned it.

Value:
for the money you cant get a better deal. as I said before aguilar might be better but you have to pay %250 more to get what this amp does.

Desirability:
come on its ampeg and its a classic.

Sound:
This is the thing that has defined my playing. the sonic quality is unbelievible. I have played many other rigs in my time but nothing has compaired to the SVT. things have come close but they always end up leaving a little to be desired. the only thing I can think might be better is the aquilar 680 and you still need a power amp with that and it costs just as much.

Support:
Havent had a problem yet but with other things ampeg has been great.

Overall:
VERY satisfied with this. Been playing with it for years and it just keeps on pumping out the gloryious tube tone that is unatainable but solidstate anything.

Feature:
You don't get a lot of fancy stuff like compressors or limiters. What you do get is the famous Ampeg bass tone stack that other makers have tried to copy. Two inputs (one padded) bass, mids (selectable freq), treble with ultra high and low boost switches. An effects loop would be nice but I think once you play through one of these SVT heads you won't want or need effects. The sound is just that good.

Quality:
It's an Ampeg! This ones still made in the USA. Built like a tank and weighs almost as much (85 lbs). Every part of the amp looks like it's made from the best that could be had for what it needs to do. The STV over the years has a proven track record on the road and on stages all over the world. Provided parts are available, the thing could be used forever. No backup amp need although keep a backup set of tubes. Just in case.

Value:
The SVT is at the top end of the price scale for a 300 watt amp. However we are talking about a tube amp here.

Desirability:
Excuse Me! This is an SVT! Who doesn't want one.

Sound:
The SVT has something that a SS bass amp will never have. The true sound of big tube power. That means great warm fat tone, rich with even order harmonics. When pushed the all tube front end will give you the sound that you have heard over and over again on recordings and live performances. A big sound with bite thats never sounds harsh and gets just the right amount of grit when you dig in with the pick or your fingers and the guitar volume full on. Back off your attack or roll back the volume and it cleans right up.

Ease of Use:
The SVT will fight you every step of the way at first while you fuss with the gain and master volume. Forget the useless (for me) ultra low and hi switches. I set it pretty much flat and get the gain where where I like it, tweak the tone settings and fiddle with the gain again and then I set it where it breaks up a little and roll up the master. It will take some time to dial it in.... but when you do, it's a great sound that never overpowers and sits in the mix just right. You get the sense that its there and you don't have to worry about it. You just have fun and play.

Support:
Unsure never had to call. Ampeg is now owned by Loud Tech. so support still remains to be seen as far as Loud goes.

Overall:
I will keep it forever. Its "the" bass sound. Great classic tone for rock or blues.