PF-500 Portaflex : A good basic amp

Before getting the PF500 I had been using an Ampeg SVT200T solid state full size 350 watt head for 20+ years. I loved that amp and frankly still would if it wasn't so damn big & heavy. So I was hoping that the PF500 would have the same tone. Sadly it doesn't really and the EQ is much less useful. The Ultra Lo and Ultra Hi buttons are useless because the Ultra Lo also adds a high boost (!). The compressor isn't good enough really as a bass really needs a 2 band compressor for best performance. If I was Ampeg I'd ditch the compressor and the FX blend knob and use the spare space for 2 more EQ bands.

Having said all this, I do like the PF500 because it has been reliable and sounds good when driven with a bass with good active EQ. It also fits nicely into the gig bag for the TC Electronic RH450. Paired with a couple of Gallien Krueger Neo 112 Mk2 cabinets it makes a nice compact rig that can be carried from car to venue in 1 trip.

PS: The front panel LED is pink/purple (not blue) ;-)