Baer Amplification Part 3

[GRoberts]

Originally Posted by nostatic

power amp topologies aside, a single cab in an outdoor gig with no FOH works just fine (and yes, I'm actually getting paid for the notes up there ):

That looks wonderful! I LOVE your Fodera. Sooo cool! When I get out to LA, I'm gonna try and catch one of your shows!

[Primakurtz]

It looks like the Valkyrie is everything I want in an amp. Count me in!

[CTC564]

Can anyone compare the Valkyrie to an Aguilar DB751???

I played a DB751 through my ML-112 stack recently and really loved how much "thicker" it was compared to my GB SM9.2

Just don't want to jump the gun on an Aggie when the Valkyrie sounds so delicious...

[Chef]

The Valkyrie isn't in production yet, as far as I know.
So: probably no comparing to really be done; yet.

Roger: if I'm wrong, let me know, cause my credit card's waiting

[CTC564]

Thanks Chef...I'm waiting too since I know it's not available yet.

I was just curious...

[R Baer]

Originally Posted by CTC564

Can anyone compare the Valkyrie to an Aguilar DB751???

I played a DB751 through my ML-112 stack recently and really loved how much "thicker" it was compared to my GB SM9.2

Just don't want to jump the gun on an Aggie when the Valkyrie sounds so delicious...

Both amps are from similar camps. I would say that the DB751 is probably inherently "bassier" than the Valkyrie. I've played that amp a few times and if I could find fault in it at all, it would be that sometimes it can be too thick and chewy. A little too much of a good thing, if that makes sense. My guess is that comes from the 3 tube preamp, compared to the Valkyrie, which has an all solid state preamp (the switchable tube section is actually after the preamp and before the power section). The Valkyrie was designed to directly compete directly with amps Like the DB751, Mesa BB750 and the Thunderfunk. The DB751 probably has us beat with features like its self diagnostics and transformer balanced DI, but the Valkyrie is, IMO, is a tighter, punchier amp, with a more versatile EQ and the ability to be all solid state or a tube hybrid. Both amps are similar enough to appeal to the same crowd, but there's enough difference there that players will naturally gravitate towards one, or the other.

[jasonbraatz]

I loved the power of the DB750 but not the voicing. It's probably my least favorite voicing of all the Aguilar stuff (my old DB680/DB728 setup was my favorite, but I loved the AG500 too) although I'd still take anything from them over just about any other major manufacturer's.

I'm also at the ready (in re: wallet and armadillo) whenever Roger has the Valkyrie ready to roll. On paper it seems like it'll be a combination of all my favorite amps I've owned so far (the studio-quality preamp and EQ of the DB680, the quickness of the AG500, the power tubes of the DB728, the big horsepower of the DB750.)

Also, all the self-diagnostics in the world doesn't help much when the amp is too complicated to be worked on by anyone outside of the factory.

[Chef]

The DB750, and DB680 were a bit dark for me; not enough "sheen" available for my tastes.

[GRoberts]

Originally Posted by Chef

The DB750, and DB680 were a bit dark for me; not enough "sheen" available for my tastes.

+1. Not terribly popular to say since they are coveted. But I never was able to get 'my sound' from a DB750.

[jasonbraatz]

The 680? I thought the 659 was voiced like the 750, but I remember the 680 was a pretty different beast. I definitely remember playing it with the bright switch on, though.

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by Chef

The DB750, and DB680 were a bit dark for me; not enough "sheen" available for my tastes.

Did you need more Charlie or Martin?

[tombowlus]

Originally Posted by jasonbraatz

The 680? I thought the 659 was voiced like the 750, but I remember the 680 was a pretty different beast.

Correct.

I'll also say that tube-rolling is almost a must, in my book, with the DB750 or the DB659.

[chuck3]

Originally Posted by nostatic

power amp topologies aside, a single cab in an outdoor gig with no FOH works just fine (and yes, I'm actually getting paid for the notes up there ):

very cool.

[R Baer]

Originally Posted by nostatic

power amp topologies aside, a single cab in an outdoor gig with no FOH works just fine (and yes, I'm actually getting paid for the notes up there ):

Your'e only up there soloing because it was freak'n freezing that day and you had to keep your fingers moving for warmth!

[CTC564]

Thanks for the info regarding the DB 751 vs. Valkyrie

Looks like I'll be waiting for Valkyrie arrival :-)

[sps500]

Just unpacked my ML112 and so far all good. Paired it with my Orange AD200B and also a GB 3.0... IMHO....in a very simplistic way....it sounds very sweet. So yes I am a happy camper.

[nordyboy]

Originally Posted by sps500

Just unpacked my ML112 and so far all good. Paired it with my Orange AD200B and also a GB 3.0... IMHO....in a very simplistic way....it sounds very sweet. So yes I am a happy camper.

Am very interested in your feedback regarding the AD200 match up....
If I were to go all valve that would be the favorite!

[Eublet]

I think, with regard to the DB750 and 751, that all those MOSFET's in the power section play a huge role in how it sounds and feels when playing it, much like the Mesa Walkabout. I for one LOVE the DB751...on open outdoor stages. Indoors is when it gets to be a bit too much for me in the low end. Unfortunately the EQ section is rather simplistic which makes it hard to control in those settings.

With regard to the Valkyrie, the thing that I love about it on paper is the EQ section. I love designs using dual controls for the lows. This approach can really let you dial in your bottom end. When I had a Genz GBE1200 I used that adjustable LF Extension to dial in the amount of deep bottom I wanted, and then used the Bass knob to adjust the amount of gut punch. It's a very versatile approach, and unfortunately seems to be a feature that most everyone overlooks.

Did I mention I want a Valkyrie yet?

[nordyboy]

Originally Posted by Eublet

I think, with regard to the DB750 and 751, that all those MOSFET's in the power section play a huge role in how it sounds and feels when playing it, much like the Mesa Walkabout. I for one LOVE the DB751...on open outdoor stages. Indoors is when it gets to be a bit too much for me in the low end. Unfortunately the EQ section is rather simplistic which makes it hard to control in those settings.

With regard to the Valkyrie, the thing that I love about it on paper is the EQ section. I love designs using dual controls for the lows. This approach can really let you dial in your bottom end. When I had a Genz GBE1200 I used that adjustable LF Extension to dial in the amount of deep bottom I wanted, and then used the Bass knob to adjust the amount of gut punch. It's a very versatile approach, and unfortunately seems to be a feature that most everyone overlooks.

Did I mention I want a Valkyrie yet?

I think you would really like the Valkyrie, have you considered buying one when it comes out?

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by R Baer

Your'e only up there soloing because it was freak'n freezing that day and you had to keep your fingers moving for warmth!

The guitar player is Canadian - hence the short sleeves