Whats a good tube preamp?

[taxistationary]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

Well, from what i've read in the harmony-central product review section, it DOES have 2 channels. I'm just hoping that someone on this board can not only confrim that it does have 2 channels, but could also tell me more about this unit.

[rodrigo_echeverri]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

Loudness

According to them this was recorded with that preamp... I really dig it... you are going to make me buy one.. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

[ May 11, 2003, 07:36 PM: Message edited by: rodrigo_echeverri ]

[taxistationary]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

Wow, that doesn't sound that bad. The preamp seems to also have a mid-shift control with 5 different positions. I think that the mid-shift is a freq control. Seems to sound really good in that song. I'll problay pick one up in a month or so! [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Also: What do you think would be better...The GP-1000, or a POD?

[ May 11, 2003, 07:45 PM: Message edited by: john ]

[rodrigo_echeverri]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

why does everybody ask that qustionn 10 times a day?... they have me wondering as well..

All I know is that before going for a POD I would take a look at this:

Behringer V-amp

They are supposed to be a lot cheaper and just as good... I don't know...

[rstites]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

I played one of these Perfect Connection preamps several years ago in a local Music-Go-Round and was extremely underwelmed by it. It was a used piece, so maybe it had something wrong with it. Lee Jackson has a great reputation, but I've frequently wondered if these preamps are similar to the Soldano designed, but Yamaha built amps, rather than actual Lee Jackson builds. Maybe I just tried a dud too, so take it for what it is.

For a brief time I had a Kasha Rockmod II preamp, and it only went because I ditched the whole rack. I replaced my SP-77 with it, and would still be using it if I'd stayed with a rack system. It's an absolute killer preamp, really is built like a tank (a term used way too often around here), and they go for fairly cheap values. I've seen them go for under $200, though most go in the $300-450 range. It's three channels and all three are actually very good.

[taxistationary]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

Would a Voodu Valve give me something close to a "brown sound"? and what kind of tubes are in it?

[ May 11, 2003, 10:33 PM: Message edited by: john ]

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

If you mean the EVH brown, I don't think the Voodu is quite that. That sound is really all about natural tube distortion and the Voodu is a little more canned sounding that that. I lolve the Voodu. But, I don't think it's quite the brown you want.

My CAE3+se ctually approaches it somewhat I think. Prolly cuz the all tube thang.

Strangely enough considering the material I do, I feel that I actually dial in a slight amount of the old EVH sound in my "brutal" sound. Seems that I try to attain my brutality with as little distortion as I can. Sorta Vanhalen I -ish. He had lotsa raunch with not that much distortion...

Probably comes to me from all those years of seeking his tone and playing old Vanhalen in clubs. It sorta creeps it subconsciously.

[taxistationary]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

Cleve, What are your thoughts on Lee Jackson preamps?

[Firebird V]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

I am a quad x user as well. I have owned 2 Lee Jackson Heads. THe Preamps are nothing special. The heads were good. The Quad is excellent. I also have a 5150 head too which Kills the Quad x in the gain department but it is nowhere near as tight sounding or clean as the Quad X. This preamp is very versitile and I recommend it to everyone for fender cleans or SRV blues or 80' 90's or Nu Metal. Clev.... you have to try one of these out. It smokes a Boogie Quad. I have had them side by side. I also owned a Dual Recto 3 Ch. at the same time as this preamp and it isn't a Boogie or a Marshall or anything else. It can mimmick other amps very well but does have it's own distinct tone. Of course, It also depends on what power amp and whatnot you are running it with but that is true with all preamps.

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

I'm with Firebird, I've had the Lee Jackson amps and they were OK. The preamps, I've only played at the store and wasn't too amazed. I'm sure if you got one and tweaked it long enough, you might find something there.

Man, I wish people would have mentioned the Carvin in such regard before. As I said, I figured it was MESA Quad rip and the MESA was weak. I may have to examine one at some point. Haven't had the dough to burn lately when I'm pretty happy with the CAE. Hmm, $300 compared to my (overpriced) $1100 preamp? I'd say it's worth a look see if it even comes somewhat close.

[rodrigo_echeverri]

Re: Whats a good tube preamp?

Quad X again:

all I can say is that I was blown away by the manual!... the thing has sooo many features that it is just not even funny!...

Things to be wished as far as features go:

1) 5-band EQ per channel (asking too much?)

2) replace channel 3 by whatever else... the grunge idea is gay.. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

3) Midi control beyond channel switching

Other than that I love the design they put on the thing... they REALLY did their homework.

Next: clips and extensive tweaking.