Ampeg BA210SP

I decided to go with an ampeg as ive heard good things about them. I wasnt overly impressed with this particular model though and will be purchsing an Ampeg BA115HPT as soon as i can and buying some decent effects for it.
Of all the 16 digital effects only about 2 actually sounded like the effects they claimed to be! I dont know if it was some kind of manufacturing fault; but the reverb, phase shifter, flange and chorus all sounded exactly the same...
I also found the Synth and Sqaure Wave settings sounded more like a dog barking loudly down my ear for a split second rather than the smooth consistent Muse style synth sound i was after.

Im currently using a Fender precision and jazz, both passive.
With the amp set on 'bypass' it did have that lovely smooth, warm and punchy Ampeg tone that i was after, however, all that seemed to go out the window when i used the effects. I found that the clean bypass option on this solid state amp sounded alot more warm, punchy and defined than the 'SVT' effect which was quite muffled in comparison.
Ive seen a few people say its very quiet for 220watts, and id have to agree, although my band isnt too loud so its not an issue for me.
There is a slight hiss when the volume gets a bit higher.

I dont think its got a very consistent sound. I would be nervous if i took it to a gig as it seems to pop 2 or 3 times for a few minutes after you change an effect and start playing (this could be a manufactuing fault), it also has a slight hiss, but if you stand 6 feet away you cant hear a thing, certainly wouldnt be noticable live.

Havnt dealt with them

I bought this amp as an ex demo model, but it arrived in excelent condition, it looked totally new!
Ive been playing 5 years so decided it was time to get my own amp for gigs etc, but it wont be this particular Ampeg that ill be using.
It hasnt at all put me off the company and ill be buying one of thier tube combos later this week.
I dont think its very good value for money as the digital effects are very poor samples (in my opinion), ive got better sounds out of my 5 year old Peavey 20watt practice amp, and almost as much volume!
Id like to stress that when set on bypass it DID have that great ampeg tone and clarity, but the effects just ruined it for me -

My advice... if you want that Ampeg sound but also want effects then dont buy this combo... Buy an Ampeg but then buy the effects you want seperatly!

I tried this amp in the store and it sounded great, when I was touring I used an Ampeg SVT so I've always had a liking for the brand. I was looking for an alternative to my Eden WT800/410XLT rig as it's way too much for most of my gigs. So I picked up the BA210SP, the built in effects are not great but the chorus was decent, really they sounded like one of those $50 Zoom pedals. I play in a band that does Soul, Blues, Jazz, and Funk and I found sounds that would be good for all of them. The EQ is good, it lets you dial in lots of sounds.
However.. at the first gig in a small club it revealed a startling lack of power. The band is not loud, but after the first couple of tunes I had it up to 9 and it was on the edge of distortion. THe leader was complaing he could't hear me on the other side of the stage. Well, I got through the night and the next day took it back and picked up a Peavey TNT, it's real heavy but my trusty equipment dolly helps with that. Though the Peavey has less power than the Ampeg it was blowing in away while only turned up a third of the way, on the same stage with the same band. Everyone in the band remarked that it sounded much better.

I use a Modulus Vintage J with an 18 volt EMG active system. The Ampeg has a nice clean sound and is very tweekable, it sounded good fingerstyle and when I was slapping, but no power. I didn't drive it into distortion as I knew I was getting rid of it and didn't want to trask it.

I didn't have it long enough to comment on reliablity.

I've been playing bass for 48 years, music in general for 54.
I have two Modulus basses and an Eden WT800/410XTL rig.
As I said, I liked the sound of the Ampeg but the lack of power was disturbing. 220 Watts???? if thats true they're the quietest watts I ever heard my Peavey blows it away.
Is there anything I wish it had? Yes...POWER
I would never buy one again, unless I was backing up acoustic instruments.