"Review of the new Ampeg BA115HP"
Sound:
The best sounding amp that I have played in its class and I've played just about everything in my quest for a medium size amp. It has that great ampeg tone. I use an Ampeg SVP-PRO preamp, which by the way will make almost any amp or bass sound awesome, with it and the combined sound is unbelievable from this size amp.
Feature:
I few things a love about it. It is the lightest 80lb amp I have ever picked up. Very easy to carry. It has a strap handle on top and metal handles on each side. I also love the style selector swith. Setting 2 gives me deep, but not muddy lows and setting 3 really lets the highs cut thourgh. I've only had a day to play around with the settings, but I'm sure I can tweek the EQ so I have both on one setting. It has a built in tuner, but I don't use it because I have a rack mount Korg DTR-2000 tuner. It also comes with removable casters.
The only thing that I don't like is that it does not have a clip light. I did call their product support and Dave told me that the amp has a limiter that would let too much power get to the speaker. He said that as long as the sound was NOT DISTORTING, I can crank it as loud as it will go.
Quality:
Great Ampeg quality as always.
Manufacturer Support:
Fortunately I had never had to call about any of their products, but I did call to ask about the clip light and the initial person didn't know so she transferred me to Dave who knew the amp like the back of his hand. I was very pleased with his response.
Value:
I was very pleased to pay what I paid for the amp. I bought it without being able to play it, but the company was willing to give me a full refund if I didn't like it. I basically bought it based on Ampeg's reputation and my experience with the product. I was looking for a medium size amp for smaller gigs that had enough power and was at a decent price. This amp will NOT be returned. I not only recommend it, but if I had to do it all over again This is the amp I would purchase.
The Wow Factor:
It has that great looking Ampeg Classic look. I've always dug that style. I wish the Pro series stack I have had the old style look. One testimonial from my wife. When I first got the amp out of the box, I put my SKB case on top that has my SVP-PRO and Korg tuner in it. My wife came in to look at the new amp, and immediately asked why did I buy the thing on top in addition to dropping more cash on another amp. (she's not a musician at all, but she's cool about my toys) I asked her if she meant the case with the preamp that I have had for the last 2 years and the tuner she bought me for Christmas last year? She said that she never noticed the stuff before and that it really looked great with the amp. Also, if you play bass, you gotta role in with Ampeg. Forget the fact that the equipment sounds great, it is the sexiest brand!
Overall:
I am extremely pleased with the amp. I bought it to fill in the gap between my Crate 50 watt practice amp that I've had for about 5 years and my Ampeg SVT-4PRO, PR-410H, & PR-15H stack. I couldn't be happier. Great value. If you are looking to buy a 100 or 150 watt amp in the $400 to $500 range, I would definitely recommend you spent a little more and get better sound and more power!
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