Downgrading from an SVTCL/SVT410HLF. Opinions?

[alexisonfire]

[color=#222222]Due to all aspirations of becoming a rock star, being quashed by the realism that is the inevitability of working in the office for the foreseeable future, I've decided to sell my pride and joy. My SVT CL and SVT 410HLF. I live in a semi detached house, the thing just isn't being used to it's full potential, the volume knob rarely seeing 2.[/color]

[color=#222222]So, I need to replace her with something that may help cushion the blow a little. I'll still be jamming with a couple of mates on guitars once in a while and I'll still be playing along to my favourite tunes, all at home.[/color]

[color=#222222]I'd like to open the floor to opinions on what people would perceive to be a suitable downgrade. I love the tube sound the breaks up nice and early, and sounds growly. I play a 2005 US P bass with quarter pounders fitted. [/color]

[color=#222222]My first thoughts are a good quality practice amp, around 50W utilising a Sansamp BDDI maybe?[/color]

[color=#222222]What are people’s thoughts?[/color]

[color=#222222]Cheers in advance![/color]

Edited May 10, 2013 by alexisonfire

[Pow_22]

Ashdown Little Bastard and 1x12 cab?

[alexisonfire]

Fantastic suggestion. I've not looked at Ashdown stuff for a few years now, infact, new gear from any brands, but after looking at a few reviews on YouTube, this seems like a very good alternative for my situation.

Edited May 10, 2013 by alexisonfire

[Lozz196]

I`d chweck out the Fender Rumble amps. They have a great warm rich sound, and have a nice gain control on them. Sound great with a Precision.

[0175westwood29]

id be tempted to get the mini svt stack.

andy

[hamfist]

[quote name='Lozz196' timestamp='1368187561' post='2074205']
I`d chweck out the Fender Rumble amps. They have a great warm rich sound, and have a nice gain control on them. Sound great with a Precision.
[/quote]

I used to have a 60W rumble combo a while back and it, in no way, was comparable in quality with something like an Ashdown Little Bastard and a decent small cab. The rumble was good for the price, but that's all.
For, the OP, if you are planning to use the amp/cab/combo at all for any band events/rehearsals, then I would really be looking at getting a 200W minimum system with 2x10 speaker capability. I'd say that would be minimum for coping with a moderate volume guitar and drums band.
If you want it to sound great at low volume too, I'd seriously look at something like a GK MB200, or Ampeg PF350 , with a smallish 2x10 or 2x12 cab and then get your grind and drive from pedals. Gives you options for LOUD when you need it, but should sound excellent at low volume too. Even for low volume, though, a larger cab will give you a fuller, "bigger" sound.
How portable do you need/want your new rig to be ? I'd be tempted to keep your current cab if size and weight is not an issue (as used heavy cabs do not hold their value well), then change the big old Ampeg amp for something more moderate. It's another option anyway.

[chris_b]

I'd suggest an Aguilar TH350 and a 112, then if a gig comes in you can just add another 112 or 210 and you're ready to go.

[Geddys nose]

Mesa Walkabout works for me after having a 400+ and BF Vintage and a load of other Valve Heads, Breaks up lovely and is as loud as Clarkson.

[fretmeister]

Tiny Terror and a Berg HD112 cab

[Bassman Steve]

Ampeg PF500 and whichever matching cab takes your fancy (1x15 or 2x10). I use the 1x15 version of this for rehearsals etc and it's a perfectly good substitute for the Boogie rig I use live - even used the Ampeg for a couple of smaller gigs.

[joeystrange]

I think the Orange Terror Bass is a great little amp. It's small, light and has a lot of dirt from the valve pre-amp.

[6v6]

MarkBass Combo, maybe with a pedal for a bit of grit?

I don't personally see the point of getting a 50w amp (unless it's a tube amp), you'll kick yourself the first time a jam/gig/rehearsal opportunity comes up in the future cos it won't be loud enough to play with a drummer.

[voxpop]

[quote name='Bassman Steve' timestamp='1368199756' post='2074416']
Ampeg PF500 and whichever matching cab takes your fancy (1x15 or 2x10). I use the 1x15 version of this for rehearsals etc and it's a perfectly good substitute for the Boogie rig I use live - even used the Ampeg for a couple of smaller gigs.
[/quote]

+1
The PF500 and 1x15 cab is a great light weight combo that will cope with rehearsals and small gigs.

[charic]

You could get a kemper profiling amp, make a few takes of your svt and then sell the svt and hlf on. Then you can use it through whatever cab or indeed just the di and keep your sound no matter the volume.

[Anders]

Micro VR stack? Atleast quite similar sound,very portable and sounds about the same on all volumes.

[molan]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1368196879' post='2074375']
I'd suggest an Aguilar TH350 and a 112, then if a gig comes in you can just add another 112 or 210 and you're ready to go.
[/quote]

I have to agree with this. It's a great sounding small rig that works well at low volumes. The Aggie head is ultra reliable as well and I'd happily trust it for gigging.