Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $2,375

High-end/Boutique

$200

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt Bass Amplifier Head is a powerhouse of pure tone and versatility, designed for discerning bassists seeking that iconic SVT sound. This amp head combines vintage warmth with modern enhancements, making it a staple for both studio recording and live performance. The preamp section is driven by a quartet of 12AX7 tubes, complemented by a 12AU7, delivering rich, harmonic overtones. In the power amp, a sextet of 6550 tubes unleashes 300 watts of thunderous sound, ensuring your bass lines cut through any mix.

The SVT-2 offers a unique five-position midrange control allowing you to sculpt your tone with precision, selecting from five distinct midrange frequencies to match your playing style. The 9-band graphic EQ provides further tonal customization, and can even be switched on or off for dynamic sound shifts during performances. This amp head also features a user-friendly bias adjustment and complete tube protection, adding reliability to its robust performance.

Whether you're chasing the classic sounds of the '60s and '70s or your own modern signature tone, the Ampeg SVT-2 is ready to deliver. Its rackmount design and artist endorsements from legends like Chris Squire and Jason Newsted stand as a testament to its professional-grade quality and enduring appeal.

Key Features:

  • RMS Power Output: 300-Watts at 4 or 2 Ohms
  • Preamp Tubes: 4 x 12AX7, 1 x 12AU7
  • Power Amp Tubes: 6 x 6550
  • 9-Band Graphic EQ for precise tonal shaping
  • 5-Position Midrange Control
  • Tube Drive Control and Ultra Low/High Boosts
  • User Bias Adjustment and Complete Tube Protection
  • Balanced Line Out and Effects Loop

Product specs

Brand Ampeg
Model Heritage 50th Anniversary SVT 2-Channel 300-Watt Bass Amp Head
Year 2019 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Bass Heads
Color Family Black
Electronics Tube
Impedance 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 2 Channels
Number of Inputs 4 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 300
Power Tube Type 6550
Reverb None

FAQs

What is the power output of the Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt bass amp head?

The Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt bass amp head delivers a robust 300 watts of power, making it suitable for both live performances and studio use.

How does the tube drive control on the Ampeg SVT-2 affect the sound?

The tube drive control on the Ampeg SVT-2 allows you to adjust the level of tube saturation, providing a range of tones from clean to gritty, enhancing the amp's versatility for different musical styles.

What type of power tubes does the Ampeg SVT-2 use?

The Ampeg SVT-2 uses 6550 power tubes, known for delivering a powerful and warm sound, characteristic of classic tube amplifiers.

Is the Ampeg SVT-2 suitable for gigging with a drummer?

Yes, with its 300-watt output, the Ampeg SVT-2 is powerful enough for live performances, including playing alongside a drummer in various venue sizes.

Does the Ampeg SVT-2 bass amp head have any built-in reverb?

No, the Ampeg SVT-2 does not have built-in reverb, focusing instead on delivering pure, powerful tube-driven bass tones.

What are the impedance options for the Ampeg SVT-2?

The Ampeg SVT-2 supports both 4 ohms and 8 ohms impedance, allowing for compatibility with a variety of speaker cabinets.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt.

Comparisons

  • A 300-watt tube amp can match or exceed the perceived volume of an 800-watt solid-state amp due to its tube distortion characteristics.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The SVT-2's power tubes allow for additional distortion and saturation, contributing to its powerful sound output.

    Source
  • The balanced out on the SVT-II may not include the effects loop signal, despite expectations based on block diagrams and schematics.

    Source
  • The pre/post EQ switch affects whether the DI out signal includes EQ adjustments, but may not always incorporate effects loop signals.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that even at lower volumes, the SVT-2 performs impressively, often not needing to go beyond a third of its volume for gigs.

    Source
  • Owners note the hefty weight of the SVT-2, which can be a significant factor for those needing to transport the amp frequently.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The SVT-2 can handle transient peaks over 300W, and its tube distortion remains musical even when pushed beyond rated output.

    Source
  • Replacing the SVT-2's six 6550 tubes costs around $330 today, highlighting maintenance costs that prospective buyers should consider.

    Source
  • A faulty or dirty pre/post EQ switch could prevent the effects loop from being included in the balanced out signal.

    Source
  • The manual and schematics are crucial for troubleshooting signal flow issues, particularly concerning the balanced out and effects loop integration.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The amp is often paired with large cabinets like 8x10s to maximize sound projection and volume, making it suitable for large venues.

    Source
  • A 300W tube head like the SVT-2 might be impractical for apartment practice, as its power is more suited for larger venues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • At $550, the SVT-2 price suggests potential issues, as prices typically hover around $900. This low price may indicate unawareness of its value or existing problems.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rathert_t

Best sound i've ever heard.

The Graphic equalizer is an awesome special to change your sound immediatly by foot switch.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jason Newsted uses Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt

Jason Newsted

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via Photo

Jason Newsted is shown using the Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt bass amplifier head, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo likely taken during the Black Album tour.

See how Nick Oliveri uses Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt

Nick Oliveri

Singer, Bassist

Kyuss

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Queens Of The Stone Age - Full Concert [HD] | Live at Pinkpop 2003," at the 4:55 mark, Nick Oliveri can be seen using an Ampeg SVT-2 Pro head alongside an SVT Classic, as documented by the Pinkpop Archive channel.

See how Alex James uses Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt

Alex James

Bassist

Blur

...
Verified via Photo

Alex James used the Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt bass amplifier head during the performance of "Song 2," as detailed in the Suw Charman-Anderson article (http://www.suw.org.uk/music-journalism/view-from-the-crew-blur-live/).

As the article appears to be offline I share a picture of Alex with his amp during rehearsals for Alex James' Britpop Classical

See how Chris Joannou uses Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt

Chris Joannou

Bassist

Silverchair

...
Verified via YouTube

During the Radio City Music Hall concert in 1995 in New York, Chris can be seen using an Ampeg SVT-2 300-Watt at 3.03.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Ampeg Bass Amplifier Heads

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    tyohars
    tyohars

    Gear IQ 1203