Does the "Ashdown tone" come from the preamp or poweramp?

[EAdanikDG]

Does the "Ashdown tone" (specifically ABM heads) come from it's preamp or power amp section? I'm asking because of the new Valve amps, because I like that Ashdown tone, but wouldn't mind some tubey-goodness. Thanks

[tom once dead]

Pre-amp. Power sections don't really colour tone at all unless its tube.

[EAdanikDG]

Ok, thank you very much. Sounds like the BTA 400 is perfect then. ABM preamp and all valve power amp. Looks better than the all-tube Small Block 427 too.

[tom once dead]

let me know how it sounds, that thing looks killer.

[EAdanikDG]

Don't worry, i won't be getting it for a while, if they even get them into Australia. Sorry.

[rodl2005]

Originally Posted by EAdanikDG

Ok, thank you very much. Sounds like the BTA 400 is perfect then. ABM preamp and all valve power amp. Looks better than the all-tube Small Block 427 too.

Why does it look better than the 427? As stated a TUBE power amp MAY colour yr sound....... So MAY be different, but yes SHOULD be full of tube GRUNT!

[tom once dead]

Billy Hydes would probably be able to get ahold of one, I know they can get heritage series ampegs.

[chadds]

Originally Posted by tom once dead

Pre-amp. Power sections don't really colour tone at all unless its tube.

Politely, that's not even true. The characteristics of pres and pwr amps are how we distinguish one manufacturer's amps sound from another.

[Sten]

I'd say 98% of solid state power amps sound the same to everyone when in a band mix. In case of SS and hybrids, preamp is what colours the tone. In a full tube amp, both are responsible

Anyway the ABM preamp does have one 12AX7 in it according to my knowledge.