Built like a tank this amp blows away amps that have 1500 watt bench marks. (maybe some of those other companies are fibbing... I think so.) The 1970's style case seems like a minus until you find out that your pre amp fits perfectly in the back already hooked into the effects loop there by removing all the noise that comes with front loading your signal chain. If there is a minus to this amp it comes in one word. Tolex. The purchase of an amp case removes that. So, if your grandmother coated her beloved couch in plastic you should put your head in a case... You wouldn't care your guitar around with out a case right? This amp has it in the two places where an amp must produce. Dependability and Tone. If it doesn't work then you don't need it and if it doesn't sound good you don't need it. Luckily this amp is here to save you from amps that break all the time and sound horrid... Except no substitutions. Go AMPEG! Buy this and don't mess around with anything else but the Ampeg 8x10 cab. For less then 2000 dollars you can have a your own DARK TOWER!!!

I play in a classic rock cover band and I picked this amp up sight unheard. But I'm blown away with the power for a solid state amp. The EQ helps with a fat sound if its all at level, or if you make a frown face with the dials, you get a crunch sound without a pedal.

Some users say the power isn't enough, but you have to remember it's a 4 Ohm amp. If you only connect 1 cab, it's gotta be a 4 Ohm cab to get all 450 watts working. If you have an 8 Ohm cab, you're only getting half the power. I run a 4x10 and a single 15 cab and there's more power than you'll need. The cabs have to be 8 Ohm cabs to equal the 4 Ohm limit and you get all 450 watts working for you. No need to patch into the house sound board. You'll be rattling the glasses off the bar shelf at 5 on the volumn dial. And for the price, you get the power with real tube sound.

I purchased an svt 450 about two years ago after joining a band where I needed a bit more volume than the 200 watt 1x15 fender I had. I paired it with the 410 half stack, and I was completely shocked that the 400 watt head had less power or drive than the fender. After using it for two years, I've decided to go back to my old fender because it's lighter and it sounds better, and ahem, is LOUDER. In any case, this doesn't even begin to emulate one of the classic ampeg tube amps, so if you're looking for that sound, save your money and go for the classic!

Oh, a big plus, however, is that the chassis on this thing is solid. I threw it against a brick wall twice last week and it never broke, so if you're looking for a head to throw against the wall, this is the one for you!

Ampeg is the intimidater . that all others have to look up too . The Ampeg V4B ..SOUNDS AWESOME ALL TUBE. I have both models. The King is SVT All tube ! No Problem with Ampeg ,if your a Rocker

I have owned the head for 2 yrs. now and am very pleased,no complaints,glitches, or problems. Tons of power,great control panel/diversity,Ampeg sound. I use this head now as my primary head,even in smaller settings with a B1115HE,the sound is outstanding...the price for such high quality is unmatched.....