new preamp time....

[h.e.l.shane]

lookin for a new preamp... my MP1 has finally gotten so quirky its time to pull it, and resolder every pad...

Soooo..

I'm currently lookin at several options...

Gotta keep it below $800...

So that kinda kills a Triaxis... (maybe not but its rare to see one go for less than 8 bills)



Gotta be tube, gotta take pedals well, gotta have at least two channels, the more the better....


Right now i'm lookin at

Mesa Studio Pre (like this, pretty much a MarkII c, but a bit limited)

Engl e530 (Gain structure is a bit... gritty maybe)

Peavey Rockmaster (hard to find anymore it seems)

Marshall JMP-1 (ummm.... not really lookin for a marshally clean)




Or building an Ampclones clone of a Soldano X88R


Right now.. the running order is E530, Mesa Studio Pre, and then building my own....

any thoughts, or links to good tones or other suggestions would be appreciated!

[Axewielder]

I've owned both the MB Studio and the SP77 (which is a basic 2-channel version of the X88R) and I'd go with the X88R. The Studio lacked balls. The SP77 has balls to spare. The X88R patch on the POD PRO is killer too, as a side note.

[h.e.l.shane]

just checked out that sp-77 on youtube.. pretty impressive..

one on evilbay for $500... that reasonable??

[ps43203]

^^^^^^^^^About average these days. Good solid preamp.

[Axewielder]

Five bills is in the ballpark

[clifffclaven]

Jmp1 isn't tube, but I love mine. Get them all day on ebay for 500 or so.

[Nightbat]

Might give a loaded Randall RM4 a try
May max out your budget, but if you like tinkering with preamps, the modules lend themselves to DIY customization
and while you're working on one module, you can still use the other 3

[ZL1hawk]

The ENGL E530 has some great sounds but its horrible flaw is, like many ENGL amps, it just can't cut through in a live setting but if you just use it for recording it's a great pre.

The Mesa is nice especially if you're a Recto freak. It would be my choice.

[Axegrinder]

I run an Engl E530 with a Mesa 2:100 and have zero problems cutting through. It's all in the way you set up the eq sections on Engl amps. I've owned a Savage 120 and a Powerball V.1 and never once had a problem in a dual guitar setup.

[ZL1hawk]

I run an Engl E530 with a Mesa 2:100 and have zero problems cutting through. It's all in the way you set up the eq sections on Engl amps. I've owned a Savage 120 and a Powerball V.1 and never once had a problem in a dual guitar setup.

Even with the first version of the PB? You probably are more savvy live with your gear than most. A lot of guitar players had a love/hate thing going with the PB's and for some time to.

[Thanatopsis]

I run a Rockmaster into a Peavey Classic 60/60 power amp and love it. For effects loop options it can't be beat with 5 of them; one for each channel, one for both crunch & ultra channels, and one global. If you're patient you can get them for $200 on eBay. That's where I got mine, paid $212.50 for the RM, and $152.50 for the 60/60.

What did you plan on using for a power amp?

[roodyrocker]

Of the Preamps mentioned Ive used the ADA MP1, Mesa Traxis/Simulclass 2:90, Marshall JMP-1/Marshall Dual Monobloc, and Randall RM4/Randall RT 2/50. They all work great. The cleans on the JMP-1 are not bad at all so I wouldn't let that scare you away from a JMP-1. You'll notice I mentioned the power amps that I used with them. That's because the same preamp with different poweramps may sound quite different to you. I'm not saying these are the only ones that will work with them, just that its what I used.

[Radiohead]

I had the Engl 530 with a 20/20 power amp - IMO it was solidly OK.... Had a nasal tone that just did not like. I also had an ADA with 3TM. Liked it much better and was less expensive. My whole rack was sold off when I got the 5153 (50 watt).

[straycat]

Try a Mesa quad preamp it gives you the choice of a Mark I and Mark II C+.
Love mine and you could probably find one in the $400- $500 range maybe lower.
Try and find a Mark II c+ for under $2000 these days.
The quads are a bargain IMO.

[Bert]

Love my Randall RM4... problem is it's hard to stop tweaking it!