Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head 

Comments about Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head:

Let's get one thing straight, this is the tone you're looking for. Every recording you love, every live band that blew you away, this is the tone they had or were trying to emulate. There isn't any higher to go, this is the last amp you will buy. I want to issue a couple warnings though. First off, this thing is HEAVY. Start doing curls and push ups after you order, you're gonna need it. Second, be prepared to replace your tubes. My power tubes went out in the first year, right around 150 hours. It's difficult to blame anybody, sometimes they're just bad. I got away with replacing them for about $160. Third, pair it with an 8x10 and don't skimp on your cable. It'll pay you back in the long run. Finally, understand the changes you're making going to an all tube amp. It will be worth it but it requires some extra care and consideration when using and transporting. If you're just a hobbyist or play small venues, this amp is too much for 95% of you. It's huge and loud. But it is the best amp on the market, end of story.

Comments about Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head:

There is no substitute for tube sound. Period. I have used many high-end solid state heads and tube preamps to power an 80's model Ampeg 8x10 cabinet over the years but my sound was always been lacking a certain something. I finally found what it was lacking with the SVT-CL.Tube compression and depth is where its at. No solid state amp will ever come close, ever. I used to fidget with a 31-band eq, compressor, etc looking for that sound so easily found just turning on the CL. They now have found a home in the junk box, I dont need them anymore.I play weekly in different venues, and it takes me about a minute to dial in the sound I want based on the easy controls; the mid switch makes it so easy... bottom end is tight and slapping sounds awesome. D.I. box, dont need it anymore either, I plug direct into the head and just smile. Its so easy to get a great tone from this monster. I jump from an 80's model fretted P-Bass with active P-J electronics to a Fretless Jaco Jazz during the sets and they both sound great.This amp just rocks. Funk, Country, Rock, it does it all with more headroom than I will ever need. Turn up the preamp and it growls sooo good. Best piece of equipment I have bought in 20 some years. It will be the last amp I ever buy. Pricey, but I'd be throwing my money away if I bought anything else. Its worth the money if you are serious about having a great bass tone.

Comments about Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head:

I have played both the SVT CL and the SVT VR thru an SVT 8x10 cab and there is a big difference sonically. The "vintage" tone pumped out by the SVT-VR is something the SVT-CL comes close but does not deliver. The price point on both of these amps suck unfortunately, so my advice would be to shop for either of them used. SVT-CL is a good amp don't get me wrong, I just think it's priced rather high for what you get. If you're about to spend that much on an amp, save a little more and get an SVT-VR or get a real vintage 69 to early '70's SVT

Comments about Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head:

I just got this amp (used) and i must say, it IS the perfect amp/cab. I got it home and a literally smile ear to ear when i hear the tone it creates. Its so warm, and bassy, yet so punchy and clear, its amazing. I've been trying to find this tone for a long time, and now i finally have it.and if you don't like the weight, just picture everytime you move it as a workout :P

Comments about Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head:

I spent 5 months saving up for this head as well as the ampeg 8X10 cab. I got it home dailed it in and hit one note on my fender bass and the entire house rattled and the master was on 3!. The tone is so warm rich and clear and it makes my presence on stage far more heard. I loved ampegs when I played them at music stores and most of my favorite bassists use ampeg. But after owning this rig, Im set for life as far as choice of amplification goes.

Comments about Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head:

Buildcity; I made a review and hope y'all understand I stated 5881 tubes instead of the 6550's the Ampeg uses. No slam on 5881 tubes intended! I had four 5881 boxes in front of me when I was writing the review. I hate when that happens. I own two of these SVT-CL's and they are heavier by the pair! Get as many as you can. No regrets.

Comments about Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head:

Resonant, deep, full, mellifluous, mellow, rich; loud, powerful, stentorian, thundering, thunderous. Resonates your whole body, makes the difference! Gets the people moving with you.I like to call it Velvet Thunder. The ancient Hammond B3 tube organs can make thunder like this also. Ampeg set the standard and no one has equaled it yet. One thing tho', don't drop it, the 5881 tubes hate that, makes em arc internally and make popping noises. My tube tester doesn't check for this so it's a bear to swap and check tubes. This head is heavier than most 2-15 PA Cabs! So be careful. If you want to be in demand, get this.

Comments about Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head:

i've owned boutique and cheap amps solid state and tube (mesa boogie,trace elliot,hartke,bugera,david eden,swr,peavey,to name a few) and svt has the best warmth and low end tone i've heard. not to mention a load of headroom and volume. i had the wt-800 david eden and it sounded like a toy compared to the svt classic. they are expensive and you will get a workout lifting this head but if you want tone and power buy the ampeg svt classic or svt vr. the solid state ampegs are not good sounding tone wise in my opinion but most likely you will be happy if you get an american made ampeg svt classic.

Comments about Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head:

I had to purchase a back up for my american made and compared it to the new vietnam version, which I've had for about 6 months now. No noticable distinction. These have always been awesome and still are. The tone is simply excellent.

Comments about Ampeg SVT-CL Classic Bass Head:

I've used this amplifier on numerous occasions (both American made and newer Vietnamese models) and I could never really get the tone I wanted out of it. Believe it or not, but I liked the tone I got with the much less expensive SVT-450H more. It seems to be built pretty solidly, but as far as tone goes, it fell far short in my opinion. Ampeg customer service seems to fall short too from what I've heard. I went with Aguilar instead and I've never looked back. I'd recommend any bass player who wants quality, tone, and excellent customer care to do the same. Ampeg is not the king of bass amps anymore.