Ampeg PF500 and twin SVT210AVs

[borisbrain]

Hi fellow basspeeps, wonder if you can help/advise...

I currently run an American-made Ampeg SVT 350h and SVT410 HLF. I love, love, love the tone, but hate, hate, hate the weight. It's the ideal sound for my CIJ Precision and the punk covers band I play in, but I'm pushing 46 now and it's like carrying around a fridge full of bricks.

So... in order to preserve the Ampeg tone I like so much I've been looking at possibly getting a PF500 and a couple of those dinky little 2x10s that Ampeg market their micro CL heads with, since I really like the tone that the 4x10 delivers. This would certainly tick the boxes for portability and tone, but a couple of issues niggle me.

First is the cost - I really don't have a lot of money to throw at this and I'd have to get much of the cost back by flogging my current rig, and I understand there isn't a lot of love for 350Hs (though it's fine for me). Second is the fact that the PF500 obviously delivers 500W at 4 ohms, and the cabs are only 200W a piece at 8ohms. If I spend the money, I obviously don't want to cook the amp, and I don't want the PF350 since I have two psychotically loud guitarists to contend with

So, does anyone out there run this configuration - and if so can you let me know how you get on with it? Or any other suggestions for classic Ampeg tone without sacrificing what's left of my dodgy back (and wallet...)?

Many thanks,

BB

Edited April 29, 2013 by borisbrain

[Musicman20]

I'd opt for the Ampeg Portaflex cabs.

Alternatively, depending on your budget, if you want the 'ballpark' Ampeg tone, the TC RH450/750 and RS cabs can get you there (and do a LOT more), or alternatively, the Aguilar TH500, (again, it will get you a good classic bass tone, and a LOT more).

[discreet]

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1367252273' post='2063194']
I'd opt for the Ampeg Portaflex cabs.[/quote]

+1 In any case you won't cook the amp by using speakers rated at a lower handling power. But you may damage the cabs... it's a case of using your discretion, your ears and that volume control thing. You won't be running the amp at full tilt.

If I had a PF500 I too would opt for the Portaflex cabs, they're lighter than a 410HLF and have 'that' sound by all accounts.

Edited April 29, 2013 by discreet

[borisbrain]

Thanks gents. The TC and Aguilar options look great, but are beyond my budget unfortunately. I'll take a look at the PF cabs again, but this will stretch the budget.

BB

[Lozz196]

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1367252273' post='2063194']
I'd opt for the Ampeg Portaflex cabs.
[/quote]

+1. I had the Portaflex 410HLF - still 73lbs/33kg, but a lot easier to get about than the SVT410HLF, due to the smaller size. Paired with the PF500 it sounded great. £504 from Soundslive.

The SVT210AV cabs would handle the PF500, but you`d have to watch the lows and not push volume too much. As you say you have two loud guitars, I think it may be asking a bit much of two 210AVs.

Or a Hartke Hydrive 410 - £420ish from Thomann. Tighter sounding than Ampeg cabs, but with a PF500 you`d still get the Ampeg tone from the amp.

[Musicman20]

Also, if you are looking at it from a budget perspective, id opt for the £400.00 Gallien MB500 over the Ampeg PF500. Check em out The MB cabs and the Neo cabs from GK are quite well priced.

[borisbrain]

And thanks again.

Lozz - I looked at the PF410HLF - at 8 ohms, I'd lose some of the power from the amp. Quite tempting though.

I'll also check out the GK stuff - if I'm not mistaken, there are a pair of neo 2x10s for sale on this very forum...

BB

[chrismuzz]

[quote name='borisbrain' timestamp='1367256840' post='2063279']
at 8 ohms, I'd lose some of the power from the amp. Quite tempting though.
[/quote]

You actually don't lose that much, going from 500w @ 4 ohms to 300w @ 8 ohms. I think it's only like 2-3dB. I bought a Markbass 4x10 with plans to get a second at a later date, and I've never needed to go beyond half way on the volume on any gig. I don't use super hot output basses either!

[tayste_2000]

Been very interested in the PF500 and 350 recently I'd pair it with the 1x15 portaflex cab that you can bolt it to the top of.

but largely I'm looking at putting it with my Matamp 2x12 which is 4ohms and should really kick

[steve]

[quote name='discreet' timestamp='1367253525' post='2063213']
+1 In any case you won't cook the amp by using speakers rated at a lower handling power. But you may damage the cabs... it's a case of using your discretion, your ears and that volume control thing. You won't be running the amp at full tilt.

If I had a PF500 I too would opt for the Portaflex cabs, they're lighter than a 410HLF and have 'that' sound by all accounts.
[/quote]

I did, and they do to my ears

[Lozz196]

[quote name='chrismuzz' timestamp='1367257721' post='2063300']
You actually don't lose that much, going from 500w @ 4 ohms to 300w @ 8 ohms. I think it's only like 2-3dB. I bought a Markbass 4x10 with plans to get a second at a later date, and I've never needed to go beyond half way on the volume on any gig. I don't use super hot output basses either!
[/quote]

I did the same Chris, 500 watt Little Mark Tube "only" putting out 350 watts at 8ohms. Into an 8ohm Markbass 410, volume on 4, max, for gigs.

[JTUK]

The Portaflex over the AV210's easily IMO...and this from someone who is very pro 10"'s.generally.

The Portaflex is decent for tone but I doubt it will match two loud gtrs... but then again, educating them might be the best
plan anyway.

[lojo]

Not sure about the cabs, but the pf500 is a very good amp for the money

[Floyd Pepper]

Love my PF500. I use a 2x10 for practice and a 1x15 portaflex cabs.

One other thing to consider is that the PF800 should be in stores in a few weeks so I'm sure they'll be a few peeps looking to move on their PF500 around that time! (I know I will be;))