Several years ago, I was looking for that ampeg sounding in a more portable package than my SVT pro 3 and 4x10 cabinet. Bought the Micro VR head and it's matching 2-10 cabinet. I didn't like the sound, returned the head to Sweetwater without issue, kept the SVT 210AV cabinet and bought the PF 50T. To me together they have that ampeg sound. However, the first time I took the PF 50t out to a rehearsal, it fell off the cart and broke off the button for the ultra lo switch, switch still works but I decided I needed to find a more secure way to transport it. Long story short, by happenstance as those things work after months of looking for a case a coworker was looking to sell a used craftsman tool case. I measured the inside and said let me take it home and see if my amp will fit. Side to side it's a great fit, a little solid foam on the front keeps it from moving front to back in the toolbox.

Now my review of the head, As I said I love the sound and actually like the vintage vibe of the head. Besides needing to either to handle it with kid gloves or getting a great case when transporting it, I had 2 issues. The amp developed a rattle. Spent a few years looking for a loose something or other, turns out it was microphonic in the tubes. No issues for the last few years with the new tubes. (Don't remember the brand, no change in the amp's sound to my ears.) Second issue the head developed a hum. I'm electrical engineer, I found the schematic and looked for potential solution. I thought about redesigning the power supply section but just ended up replacing its smoothing capacitor with one with a higher capacitance.

The 100W or full 300W is worth the extra cash. You will never get this one as loud and clear as he big one.

A while back (2016 or so), I had several bad experiences while looking for a vintage tube amp. Eventually I got tired of dealing with crackling pots, electronics gremlins, and amp techs — man, a good amp tech is hard to find. I bought an Ampeg PF-50t in 2018 as an ultimatum to myself. I wanted to stop wasting time on buying/selling amps and start playing more bass. The PF-50t was everything I wanted it to be. It sounds warm, clear, harmonic, and generally pleasant. I haven't noticed any loud humming or noise coming out of the amp. I also love the midrange EQ switch, as it makes the amp even more versatile. I love that it's possible to bias your own tubes with just a screwdriver and the LEDs on the back. The DI options are great, and the ability to use the amp without a cab connected is handy for recording.

Over the last 6-7 years, I haven't had much in the way of problems with this amp. Eventually I got a PF-115HE to pair with it as a fliptop, and it's a great match. I can't really see myself getting rid of this one, tbh.

I own a 500 watt Ampeg stack ,2 cabs- 2-10'.and 1-15'have run it reasonably hard for 4 years , flawlessly.
It sounds awesome , totally Ampeg , lacking nothing .
Soooooo, having run an SVT or a V4B..... in the 80s, when i saw this head , i wanted it .
Sooooo, since i was ordering it ,I ordered a 6-10' cab too.
Thats how I'm running it .THE 50 TUBE THROUGH A 6-10 clean and straight ... right beside my other set , with all my effects running through the 500 PF rig, running each rig at very low volumes , while moving lots of air ,with tone beyond compare from my jackson basses ...
It has lots more head room than expected ,and Im finding it to be a great recoding amp too .
1/2 point off for being hard to transport if hot ...or it would be a perfect score .

I became interested in this amp because I was nostalgic for the B-15N I bought back in 1969. The only reason we parted company long ago, was because I was flying all the time and the little solid state Polytone Mini-Brutes did a great job for what I was doing.

This amp is quite versatile, and the front end of this thing is amazing. It allows you to dial in a wide variety of tonal colors, and of course there's that rich tubey goodness. I was quite impressed that with my upright and NS Design EUB I didn't need another preamp. Usually, for upright, I go right through the effects loop with a Zoom A1. I found the Gage Realist and the NS EUB sounded even better right into the PF-50T input than with a special piezo preamp.

In the studio, the direct outs are fantastic. No need for a direct box. I love the way it records. The tube cage gets warm, but certainly not dangerously hot or anything. I love not having a fan in the amp.

The only negative I could mention is the configuration. It would have been nice if they had put the transformers in identical cans and made the tube cage flat on top, with everything the same height, so if you have to set it down with the cabinet lid attached, it's all level and secure. It would also probably be better aesthetics.

Overall, after giving a workout in a number of different setting, I feel it's just a great piece of Ampeg gear.

Long time Ampeg fan! I've got 2 vintage tube ampegs (B15 215 and V4B). I play this through an Ampeg SVT212AV and it is great!

Whatever tone you want, this amp will do. The tone controls are very familiar and easy to use. Set flat, the amp is truly that. Lots of amps out there that aren't a very flat amp at 'noon' settings.

Tube overdrive? The best ive heard since I cranked a B15! Very harmonically rich without sacrificing low frequencies. No mud here! Paired with the right cabinet, this amp is loud enough for small-medium gigs without PA support. Anything more than that, this amp will provide you plenty of stage volume with one of the best DI tones in the business for the PA to do the heavy lifting! No need for mics on the cab, no need for DI boxes.

Only con for me so far, because I dont pair it with a PF series cabinet, is transport. Looking to find a good bag to cary it with.

Obviously the amp was designed more for studio work, but its too good to leave at home!

Dont be scared about the modest power or the price tag, this amp is a winner!!

I've been a bass player for more than 40 years and have had the privilege of owning/playing some of the best vintage tube gear available. The PF-50t sits right up there with the best of them. First; this little thing is a Tone Monster! Regardless of style, this amp has something for everyone. From clean and fat, to tight and crisp, to the best tube overdrive I've heard from a bass amp.

One of My favorite aspects is the fact that since the Transformer Balanced Line Out comes right off of the output transformer, no matter what you plug it Into, be it recording console, pa console, powered speaker, or power amp, you get the same exact sound that the speaker output gets in all it's tubey goodness! Even when not using a speaker.

Using it as a direct box, without a speaker, direct into a Recording console makes laying down great sounding bass tracks as simple as plug and play, of course the quality of playing is up to you. You want a lot more volume? Bring along a power amp and another cab, or better yet, a powered speaker or two and get that same great tube tone only LOUDER! Need a small rig for a coffee house gig? Grab your favorite small cab and you have portability and tone.

The bottom line (pun intended) is that if you like tube amps, this one is VERY hard to beat! The scalability, and the tone make it the perfect foundation for your tone!

The only drawback is the form factor. Unless using it attached to on of Ampeg's portaflex cabs it's shape makes it a bit unwieldy, especially since they haven't released a carrying bag for it yet. (With Sweetwater's help I found that the bag for the QSC K8 fits the PF-50t very well!)