Anyone played the Ashdown Dual Tube Preamp series?

[triggervision]

Anyone played these or even their valve series...and possibly compare it to the ABM if you've tried both....Always wonder why there's not a ton of ashdown talk on here

[JAUQO III-X]

I have a Ashdown EVO 550 and a Ashdown Spyder 550 and I digging it.

They both definitely have their own thing happening. The Spyder 550 is tubey sounding but not over the top with it. And it can get very loud(in a good way) if that's your thing. The Spyder 550 also has a growl that the EVO 550 doesn't have. The Spyder 550 is also a very clean sounding amp but one can dial in some dirt,




The EVO 550 has a solid sound. And it is more versatile than most would like to give it credit for. And the EVO 550 can get a nice dirty grit out of it as well.




























I'm an Ashdown endorser.

[bobbybass85]

I've got a question for you Jauqo.

I've got a Mag combo that's treated me well but I've been chewing on the idea of upgrading to either the ABM or Spyder. I don't need more volume, I'm just looking for a preamp with the ability to do the dirt better than the Mag. That said have you had any experience with the Spyder 330? How does the power amp sound compared to the 550 (since the 330 comes from the Mag line and the 550 from the ABM)?

Also I like the detail the ABM EQ allows, how does the EQ on the Spyder's compare?

Thanks Jauqo!

[JAUQO III-X]

Originally Posted by bobbybass85

I've got a Mag combo that's treated me well but I've been chewing on the idea of upgrading to either the ABM or Spyder.

I own a Mag 300 combo with a 15 in it. I'm not really big on 15's but I really like the way this combo sounds. the best way I can explain it is that it has a sweetness to it that I find pleasing. Now I can push it and it breaks up very well with that broken speaker sound that I like but I rarely push it like that.

Originally Posted by bobbybass85

I don't need more volume, I'm just looking for a preamp with the ability to do the dirt better than the Mag.

I own a few ABM 500 heads and a ABM 500 210 combo and they can go from clean, thick and even sounding but they can also get dirty and gritty at the drop of a dime. And deliver more of the above mentioned mainly because of the headroom. Especially if your combo is 300 watts. Volume really does play a significant role in reaching that certain level and kind of dirt and grit.

Originally Posted by bobbybass85

That said have you had any experience with the Spyder 330? How does the power amp sound compared to the 550 (since the 330 comes from the Mag line and the 550 from the ABM)?

I have no experience at all with the Spyder 330.

Originally Posted by bobbybass85

Also I like the detail the ABM EQ allows, how does the EQ on the Spyder's compare

In comparing the EQ setup of the ABM and the Spyder they really are two different systems. Neither really being better than the other. It's really one of those things where you would have to A/B each amp.

From owning amps from both series I do feel that the Spyder 550 can get much dirtier and grittier than the ABM series.

Originally Posted by bobbybass85

Thanks Jauqo!

You are more than welcome Bobby.