Ampeg SVT-450H

350-watt (@ 4 ohms) solid-state amp, input gain with clipping LED, 3-band EQ, mid-booster function, 9-band graphic EQ, balance output on XLR, preamp jack output and power amp input, external FX loop, optocoupler limiter.

USE

Very easy to dial in, I had no problems finding my sound. The sound is always very good, very clean, precise, depending on the settings. I use it with an ampeg hlf410 cab, so...I get a great sound.
The manual is very clear.

SOUND

The amp is quite versatile, I use it for different musical projects: Rock/noise, post-rock, dub...
And I always get the sound I'm looking for. If I chose ampeg was because I wanted to have a heavy, fat sound. I use it with a jazz bass aerodyne and a proco rat...And it all works fine.

OVERALL OPINION

I got it about 3 weeks and 3 gigs later I'm very satisfied with it. At first I was a bit disappointed by the lack of power, but I actually get more than I need (I even tested for an outdoor gig). It's definitely not a tube ampeg, but with the right settings you are not that far....
I also tried Hartke, swr, fender, HH, but I wanted the ampeg sound, so...
Granted, this amp head might be slightly more expensive than similar products, Ampeg remains a bit more expensive, but there is simply no comparison in terms of sound.
With hindsight, I would buy it again, tube amps being too restrictive to me.

350-watt (@ 4 ohms) solid-state amp, input gain with clipping LED, 3-band EQ, mid-booster function, 9-band graphic EQ, balance output on XLR, preamp jack output and power amp input, external FX loop, optocoupler limiter.

Sturdy impression.
The amp head is imposing, with a good presence....it's reassuring.

USE

Easy to use, no useless complications.
Great sound straight away.

SOUND

I have a Fender Precision and it sounds great, with a familiar tone, typically rock.
It doesn't distort the sound of the bass.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought it for 620 euros from dv 247 (uk)
I love its simplicity. It would've been nice to have a footswitch to activate the graphic EQ, though.

Power (4 Ohms): 450 Watts
Power (8 Ohms): 275 Watts
Preamp: Solid-State mosfet
Power Amp: Solid-State mosfet
Tone Controls: 3 bands (bass, mid, treble)
Mid control: Ultra mid
Gain and volume controls
Optocoupler limiter
EQ with on/off switch
-15dB pad for the instrument input
9-band graphic equalizer (40hz-9khz)
XLR line output with -20dB pad
Effects loop.
Preamp Out/Power Amp In
Speakon and jack output
44lbs

Very, very comprehensive!

USE

It's from the svt series and it's the only solid-state amp head in the entire series. It's very sturdy thanks to its wooden cab, like the svt CL. There's an opening on the rear where you can fit cables, effects... it has two big handles for transportation.
It's easy to dial in. You can choose if you want to use the EQ or not. It sounds fine straight away. If you fiddle with the EQ you can get super well-defined and varied sounds. The lows are very present, just like the mids and the highs. Nothing has been neglected. It has the Ampeg sound!


SOUND

I play mainly punk rock , metal .... Ampeg is the way to go if you want a big, fat sound.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it for a year and bought it for 620 euros. Good value for money, I'm very happy with it!