FS: Aguilar DB 359 amplifier with 2-ohm modification

weary hobo · #1 01-01-2012, 08:11 AM

For Sale: an Aguilar DB 359 amplifier. This one has the 2-ohm modification, done by the techs at Aguilar.

History: I purchased this amp from a fellow TBer in April of 2010. To my knowledge I am the second owner. I am selling it because I have too many amps and don't use this one enough to justify keeping it.

Description: The DB 359 is an all-tube amplifier with a power rating of 200 watts. Most DB 359s accept impedances of 4 or 8 ohms; this version has the 2-ohm modification done by the boys at Aguilar themselves. The power stage uses four Winged C 6550 power tubes; the preamp is two 12AX7s and one 12AU7. Speaker outs are 1/4". It is a 2-space amp and it weighs about 50 lbs. The manual, which includes other specs, may be found here.

Aguilar ended production of the DB 359 several years ago; since then it has become highly sought-after by tube amp aficionados.

Condition: The amp is in very good condition. The faceplate is clean, and the chassis has a few surface scratches from being racked and un-racked. The tubes have plenty of life left in them and the amp sounds as it should: fat, warm, and tubey, but clean.

Price: My asking price is $1150 shipped. Payment by Paypal. I will pack the amp very carefully and ship via FedEx or UPS upon receipt of funds. CONUS only; no trade offers please.

I invite interested parties to contact me by PM with any questions they may have. In the meantime, some pics:

weary hobo · #2 01-01-2012, 08:15 AM

More pics:

weary hobo · #3 01-01-2012, 08:17 AM

And even more pics:

weary hobo · #4 01-01-2012, 08:18 AM

And even more more pics:

DJJazzV · #5 01-01-2012, 10:29 AM

Awesome!

**Chef** · #6 01-15-2012, 10:18 AM

What's the depth of this unit plz and thanks?

weary hobo · #7 01-15-2012, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef

What's the depth of this unit plz and thanks?

Eighteen inches from the tip of the fuse holder to the edge of the faceplate. Add about another 1.5 inches for the rack handles.

The DB 359 fits perfectly in an SKB 19" deep Roto Rack. As it turns out, I have one of those I'd be willing to sell, too.

bassboysam · #8 01-21-2012, 02:42 PM

Price?

weary hobo · #9 01-21-2012, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassboysam

Price?

Because the DB 359 vents at the top as well as the back of the unit, the Roto Rack I have it in is a 4U. New, the rack goes for about $190; if the buyer of the amp wants it, I'll throw in it and a two-space vent panel for an additonal $100.

demon666 · #10 01-22-2012, 04:58 PM

Wishing I still had mine bump.

weary hobo · #11 01-23-2012, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demon666

Wishing I still had mine bump.

Thanks. If I didn't have a second DB 359, there's no way I'd consider selling this one. They are wonderful amps! Bump!

bassboysam · #12 01-25-2012, 04:35 PM

Tempting...if it's around in a few more weeks I could have some serious interest. Waiting for my bonus pay

triplelutz · #13 01-29-2012, 06:28 PM

takhammer · #14 01-30-2012, 10:33 PM

Do you mean the unit is clean as in condition, or that it doesn't distort very much? Is the tone pretty similar to the 750? thanks

weary hobo · #15 01-31-2012, 04:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by takhammer

Do you mean the unit is clean as in condition, or that it doesn't distort very much? Is the tone pretty similar to the 750? thanks

I was referring to the faceplate, which is unmarked, but "clean" could also describe the amp's tone as well, relatively speaking. It most definitely has a tube amp tone--warm, fat, etc.--but it doesn't break up as quickly or as easily as, say, an Ampeg SVT.

There are definite differences between the 359 and the 750, which I also own. Generally speaking the 359 is a sweeter, more subtle-sounding amp, and it's not going to give you the sheer volume for which the 750 is known; a more thoroughgoing comparsion of the two may be found here.

rayzak · #16 01-31-2012, 05:17 AM

This is a GREAT price for a fantastic all-tube head!!!
I sold mine many years ago, but still don't think i've played an amp that sounds quite as "sweet" as the 359. Sure, there are louder amps(though this one gets surprisingly loud), lighter amps, etc. but, none that i've played that sound as good.
For the price of this one, you won't find a better deal. If I had the available funds.... well...

kimmyt · #17 02-02-2012, 06:46 PM

Does the 2 ohm factory down change mean it doesn't have the 8 ohm option anymore?

weary hobo · #18 02-02-2012, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimmyt

Does the 2 ohm factory down change mean it doesn't have the 8 ohm option anymore?

Yes. It has a 2-ohm out and a 4-ohm out. I suppose it's possible to have a tech "un-mod" it, but I don't know for sure.

matti777 · #19 02-02-2012, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weary hobo

Yes. It has a 2-ohm out and a 4-ohm out. I suppose it's possible to have a tech "un-mod" it, but I don't know for sure.

Aguilar tech emailed me instructions on changing the outputs. I did it without any problems. Its very easy to do yourself and reversible. There are 3 different color output wires. Since the amp has two output jacks you can just leave out the one you don't think you will need (2,4 or 8 ohm). The one you leave out needs to be taped up. I would get proper instructions from Aguilar or I could forward you their email. These are great amps and very well built!

kimmyt · #20 02-02-2012, 10:44 PM

Thanks for info. Matti!