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Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 Bass Amp Head

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Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 Bass Amp Head

$649.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (8)

3 Reviews

Find out who is using Ampeg Portaflex PF-800

2 community setups

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Page last updated Jun 17, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 17, 2026.

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Price

5.0 (11)

$649.00 2 available Used

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Average Price: $649

Standard/Professional

$200

$801+

Price Tier

In the Bass Amplifier Heads category, Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 Bass Amp Head is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Compact yet powerful, the Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 Bass Amp Head delivers a mighty punch in a lightweight form, making it an ideal companion for bass players on the go. At just under 12 lbs., this amp head is easy to carry to gigs, whether you're navigating city streets or a crowded subway. Its 800 watts of Class D power ensures your sound is heard loud and clear, providing ample headroom for any venue size.

The PF-800 is not just about power; it also offers a versatile tonal palette. Its 3-band EQ with a 5-position midrange control allows you to sculpt your sound precisely, catering to various musical styles. The ultra-high and ultra-low frequency switches add depth and clarity, giving you the signature Ampeg tone that bassists love. Plus, the onboard compressor and effects loop provide additional flexibility for crafting your unique sound.

Designed with convenience in mind, the PF-800 can be paired with Portaflex series cabinets for a slick flip-top setup, reminiscent of the classic B15. Despite its compact size, this amp head doesn't skimp on features, offering everything you need to deliver epic bass performance, whether you're in the studio or on stage.

Key Features:

800 watts of Class D power
Lightweight design at just under 12 lbs.
3-band EQ with 5-position midrange control
Ultra-high and ultra-low frequency boosts
Onboard compressor
Effects loop for additional sound customization
Compatible with Portaflex series cabinets for flip-top mounting

Product specs

Brand	Ampeg
Model	PF-800 Portaflex 800-Watt Bass Amp Head
Finish	Black
Year	2013 - 2025
Categories	Bass Heads
Color Family	Black
Electronics	Solid State
Impedance	4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels	1 Channel
Number of Inputs	1 Input
Output Power (Watts)	800
Power Tube Type	None
Reverb	None

FAQs

What is the power output of the Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 Bass Amp Head?: The Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 Bass Amp Head has an RMS power output of 800 watts at 4 ohms, making it suitable for both small and large venues.
Does the Ampeg PF-800 have built-in tone shaping features?: Yes, the PF-800 features tone controls for bass, mid, and treble, along with a 5-position mid-tone control and Ultra Hi/Lo boosts for versatile sound shaping.
Can the Ampeg PF-800 Bass Amp Head be used with headphones for silent practice?: Yes, the PF-800 includes a 1/8" headphone out, allowing for silent practice sessions.
Is the Ampeg PF-800 compatible with effects pedals?: The PF-800 includes an FX loop with a dedicated mix control, which is foot switchable, making it compatible with effects pedals.
What type of preamp does the Ampeg PF-800 use?: The Ampeg PF-800 features a MOSFET preamp, which provides a warm and dynamic tone.
Does the Ampeg PF-800 offer direct output for recording or live sound?: Yes, the PF-800 includes a balanced direct out with a pre/post EQ option and a ground lift, ideal for recording or connecting to a PA system.

Videos

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Ampeg

Feature Overview - Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 800W Bass Head

Ampeg

Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 Bass Amp Head Demo - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2013

Sweetwater

Ampeg PF-800 Portaflex Series Bass Amp Head Video Test

Musicoff - Where Music Matters

Ampeg PF800 Portaflex Bass Amplifier Head - Ampeg PF800

American Musical Supply

Ampeg PF 800 demo with Spector NS2A & DG AOU

Ivan Hardy

Reviews

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PROS

Delivers classic Ampeg tone, even in solid state format
Offers adjustability across all spectrums of bass tone
Packs 800 watts of power for strong output
Lightweight and portable compared to other models
Features like built-in compression and effects loop enhance versatility
Quiet operation with no fan noise or hum
Can drive the preamp to distortion that mimics tubes
Multiple input/output options for flexible connectivity
Maintains sound quality across various gig venues
Highly praised as a value for money option

CONS

Some models may have reliability issues with shutdowns
Heavier and larger compared to newer micro heads
Unfriendly design for rack-mounting, making installation cumbersome for some setups

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg Portaflex PF-800 Bass Amp Head.

Features and functionality

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The PF-800's built-in one-knob compressor is functional but not exceptional; however, it includes a versatile array of features like aux in, headphones out, and XLR out.
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A user reported that using a preamp in front of the PF-500 significantly improved volume, implying that a similar approach could enhance the PF-800’s performance.
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Comparisons

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The PF-800 is seen as delivering a classic punk punchy Ampeg tone, making it preferable for styles like punk over the Rumble 800.
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Users note that the Ampeg PF-800 may have too much of the "Ampeg sound" inherently, suggesting a preference for a more neutral tone might lean towards the GK Legacy 800.
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Genzler and Phil Jones are recommended over Ampeg for better build quality and performance, especially when using both electric and upright bass.
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Ampeg's first wave of PF series amps, including the PF-800, reportedly had a short lifespan compared to later models.
Source

Use cases and applications

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The PF-800 can be used without a cab for practice or as a DI for shows, offering flexibility for various performance settings.
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It’s been observed that the PF-800 might struggle with handling the Low B frequency, especially with a 5-string bass, indicating potential limitations for certain tonal ranges.
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The PF-800 may not be ideal for upright bass pickups without additional tone control from outboard preamps like Fishman or LR Baggs.
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User experience

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Some users experienced a warranty replacement for the PF-800's board, indicating potential reliability issues that might require attention.
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A user noted their PF-800 lasted only a couple of years, suggesting potential longevity concerns.
Source

Build quality

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Some users report early failures due to tightly packed circuit boards, complicating repairs for issues like fried components.
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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azfatboy

1255

over 9 years ago

Great Ampeg sound, TONS of features

Having decided that I was not interested in lugging around a gargantuan tube head, the search for my next bass amp head had pretty much come down to Mesa or Genzler. I mean, if it's not an SVT, why even consider Ampeg, right?

But then, I got a helluva deal on a PF-800 with an SVT-410HEN. I initially thought I could just flip it, and get what I "wanted"--but then I tried it out... I was seriously blown away by how good it sounded. I knew right then and there that I was keeping it. And when I looked at it a little deeper, I realized that it had every feature I really wanted: 800W @ 4 ohms, 2 outputs (w/ speakON), mute, built-in compression, effects loop, simple 3-band EQ, DI out, and even an Aux In and headphone jack!

Sure, compared to the newer micro heads, the PF-800 is certainly on the larger and heavier side. Yet at under 12 pounds, it is still very easy to heft and transport. But that leads to my one complaint: given that heft, I think Ampeg missed the mark a little by making these heads so unfriendly for rack-mounting. I've seen a couple ingenious owners have mounted it to a shelf, and it looks fine, but it's still a miss--these heads should have been designed to easily accommodate rack-mounting.

Still and all, the PF-800 is a great sounding head with a TON of features and a price that makes it an absolute bargain.

jeffradio

over 8 years ago

Light, nice sound, cool compressor. Downside? It shuts down when you push the volume.

After having used a couple of Ampeg Class-D amps in backlines at festivals, I nabbed this head. It sounds great and the compressor is very nice, However, even when using the -16db, the head shuts down seemingly when it wants to. This, of course, is totally uncool.