I'm in the market for a new amp and Ampeg's SS amps seem to be just in my price range. I've found some ss-140cs going for $250-300, and ss150s going for a bit less. Are these prices good? What is the different between the two amps (in terms of sound, distortion)?

Does anyone have some experience or samples of these being used? One guy here said he was disappointed by his ss140c (although everyone said there was probably something wrong with it), and a review on harmony central stated "i wouldn't recommend this amp to someone who wants to play very distorted, hardcore-metal type stuff", so it makes me kind of nervous since none are close enough to try out beforehand.

I know those are supposed to be good death metal amps, but I'll probably end up using it more for black and thrash. I assume these amps could pull those off well too?

I'd really appreciate some feedback, thanks.

edit: Is the distortion and gain the same on both? Seems like the 140c just has an extra speaker, 10 watts less, and chorus. How can I tell an older blue line apart from a newer one?

I keep reading the VH series has more gain, although a few reports stated it was almost the same. Now I'm thinking I should save up more and get a VH.

Also feel free to suggest something else good for black and thrash, and some death. Built in distortion, of course. My budget is about $300

$250-300
sounds right. check ebay for prices.

Is the distortion and gain the same on both? Seems like the 140c just has an extra speaker, 10 watts less, and chorus.
yep, that's it.

How can I tell an older blue line apart from a newer one?
the blue's have a blue sparkle cloth cover on the face. the newer ones are just black.

a VH is generally a safer bet, as it will presumably be in better condition and will definitely have the gain you're looking for. The SS's especially blue ones have been around a while, so they might need some work, or be total junk. i bought one it turned out to be defective, and another guy here also got a broken one. so if you get an old one, try to play it first.

this guy posts here, he's got a working blue series and it sounds pretty good:
http://www.myspace.com/terrestrialsphere

I think it's safe to say that in terms of reliability the order goes like this:

SS-140c Blue Line > SS-140c Black > Newer VH140c's > Older VH140c's (with block Ampeg logo.)

From what I've been told, the newer VH140c's are less reliable than the older ones with the block Ampeg logo and slight slant on the control panel.

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Alright, thanks guy. I think I might end up getting just an ss70c since I probably wont find myself with a drummer too often anytime soon.

The SS-70C gets pretty fuckin' loud, I think it could stand up to a drummer.

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solid state 70 watt? It's plausible, but not to the extent of hearing clear leads..or clear not leads...but i got my 30 watter to be heard over the drums...it's blown now

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You can always mic it.

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Selling my Ampeg VH-140 combo for 300 if you wanted a heads up...