Feature:
Its simple to use. The basic, meat-n-potatoes sound and EQ features are all I need. I wish it has a Mute button for instrument changes, but I accomplish this by using a tuner pedal. The Direct Out works great - I've played a few large-venue gigs and the sound company chose to use this amps DI rather than my Tech 21 SansAmp. It would be nice if Ampeg would offer a factory cover. I had to order one from a custom manufacturer - it works great and gives basic protection, but one with the Ampeg logo would be nicer.
Quality:
I've never had a problem with this amp. While some reviews note quality control and/or reliability issues, I've never experienced any. For a while the cooling fan was loud, but a call to Ampeg assured my it was nothing to worry about. About a week later the sound went away and hasn't returned in over a year.
Value:
This wasn't the cheapest amp head out there. But for what I use it for, I made a good purchase, and I would buy another one just like it, it this one were damaged beyond repair or stolen. I think that says enough about the project.
Desirability:
To most of the audience, I think its just an amp the bass player is using. But to other musicians -- especially bass players, it says, "this cat is serious about his equipment, and he wants to play the best."
Sound:
Hands down the best sounding rock-n-roll amp I've ever owned. While I own the 350 watt version of this amp, its essentially the same as the beefed-up 450 watt version. This doesn't have the same "grind" that the all-tube version of the SVT has, but it has a great, definately "round" Ampeg sound. I don't even use the EQ - I just dial in the basic rock setting they have in the manual (low and high tone knob at 1:00 o'clock and midrange at 11'oclock) and my tone setting is done).
Ease of Use:
Using this amp is a no-brainer. But I might give it a 9 if I used to EQ. I can get my ideal sound via bypassing the EQ and using the 3-tone control knobs.
Support:
I had to call them once ... they answered my questions. I wouldn't say it was eitehr good or bad experience.
Overall:
Like I said, I would replace this amp with one just like it if I had to. I love the sound; it has been 100% reliable (despite a few worries about a noisy cooling fan); and I have played dozen of gigs with it - moving it with only a soft cover for protection and experienceing no damage, scuffs, etc. This is a well-build, reasonably priced amp head.
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