Aguilar DB359 Tube Amp

[pshep68]

Any idea what the volume comparison would be between my Ampeg 3 Pro and a Aguilar DB359 Tube Amp?

[christw]

The DB359 would be about equally loud as the Ampeg at 4 ohms before the onset of distortion/overdrive. As you crank the Ampeg farther you'd get that farty SS clipping. The DB359 would have more to give on the transients and overdrive more gracefully giving the impression of quite a bit more volume. As far as super clean volume, they shouldn't be too far off.

Edit: Oops! I thought the 359 was the 400w version. Refer to what the guys below me said. The above actually applies to the DB728.

[hennessybass]

I have played the 3pro (not my favorite amp), but never used a DB359. I have used a lot of tube amps though. I have read on here from other guys that the Aguilar DB359 is not all about clean headroom. Basically it really shines as a low volume amp, but breaks up if you push it.

Volume is tricky when you get into the whole science vs what people hear thing. Watts are watts, but the way tube amps break up, they can seem to be louder than SS amps. It's all about what sound you are going for.

Just a guess, but I would think the two amps might be pretty similar, but I would guess that the Ampeg might seem a little louder in terms of staying clean and giving you a better clean low end.

[Primakurtz]

All true. I would add that the DB359 has a ton of input headroom; if you send it a boosted signal, it gets much louder than with a normal (bass straight in) signal.

[Son of Bovril]

I've always found the 3pro to be underpowered for its rating, I've never tried the Aguilar so can't compare but the Ampeg 3pro did have one of the best tones I've heard from any of the svt range - bar the classic