FS: Alembic F-1X

[Scott McArron]

Hey guys, I'm putting my newly acquired Alembic F-1X Preamp up for sale. First of all, this is an amazing pre and I absolutely love the sound!

[Edited: Thanks to Foderaman, this problem has been solved! No more hiss! I'll leave the text in for the heck of it.] The reason I'm selling is b/c of an alledged interfacing problem between the F-1X and my Berg IP310. I even called tech support at Alembic and spent a good amount of time talking with them and am told that I am the third customer to report such an issue. Now, I know of several players on this forum that use this combo and love it, and I love it as well at mid to high volumes, but mainly I'm just not satisfied with the low-level solo practicing. The "hiss and background noise issue" irritate my roommate at this level. I have confirmed that with other power amps this unit is very low noise and sounds amazing! I'm just picky and like uber-low-noise gear, and if I wasn't using the IP310 it would certainly be a keeper! [Edited: As stated above, this is no longer an issue, thanks to foderaman]

Anyway, awesome unit, in great condition with just a few usual minor rack scratches on the top (that can't be seen when racked anyway). It comes with 3 extra tubes, a couple generic chinese and a Sovtek 12ax7 that came to me with the unit.

Asking 485 shipped to lower 48 US. I ship promptly. Paypal preferred, or cash with local pickup (Seattle-ish area).

Let me know if you have any questions! Sorry no pics at the moment. I might be able to post a couple when I get over to my gf's house and borrow her camera sometime this week.

Check my feedback! Cheers!

[foderaman]

PMed

[Scott McArron]

Well, I haven't decided if I'm going to sell this thing after all since my issues have been resolved. I'm going down to BassNW this afternoon to a/b a couple pres, since while I thought I was going to sell the Alembic I found a really good deal on something else. We'll see, though. Let me know if you've got an offer and I'll give it some thought.

[byoung]

Scott,

I'm curious what the fix was.

Bradley

[foderaman]

I am one of the ones that had this Problem also and have been back and forth with Alembic and Jim Bergantino.My F1X has been to Alembic twice and they told me there is nothing wrong with it.Jim wanted me to send my Power section back to him but I held off and tried some thing.Jim talked to Ron Wickersham and Ron explained how the F1X is a very old design modeled after a Old Fender Preamp section.The problem is that the output jacks on the alembic are Unbalanced signal only and ther is a shielding problem thing where when used with a Berg IP there is a Hissing sound when the amp is on and gets louder as the volume is increased on the F1X.I tried a Hum X but it did nothing so I sent back to AMS.I tried other things and stumble on to a fix for it.What it is was is that by using a 3 to 2 Prong adapter to lift the ground on the power cord the F1X hiss was reduced to almost nothing.I was still worried about a electrocution hazard but I think the chances are very slim unless I was standing in a pool of water or playing out in the rain but the Same can happen with a grounded system.if you still don't feel safe You could also use a wireless for even more safety.I hopes this helps anyone that has this going on.By the way the F1X with the IP and with a Alembic SF-2 repalced my Millennia STT-1 .

[Scott McArron]

I'm gonna call Alembic back when they open monday and talk to them about this. I'm thinking, they might be able to mod the pre somehow for a more permanent "safer" solution for us IPers. Last Ron told me, it would be at least six weeks out before he could even start looking into the problem, but since it's been isolated, he might be able to cook something up pretty quick!

[Scott McArron]

Sold!! well...make that "I'm sold" on this preamp and am keeping her. Thanks!