Ideal preamp for Acme/Eden stack

[calmb4tehpwn]

So, I'm working on my dream stack. Acme low B4, Eden 210 XLT with a QSC 2450. Now, I'm missing something. I've recently gotten some experience with a couple Preamps, and found out a little bit. I like clean sound, with a hard whump, but not necessarily and overabundance of low-end. The best Preamp I've run through this rig is the Gallien-Krueger 2001RBP. It sounds good, it brings the amps to life, but I know it can't be the only option available to me. I know there's a world of preamps out there, so TB, I ask for your help. Relieve me of some of this ignorance. What preamps are comparable to the GK2001RBP? One thing I would like to keep is the in-house Db pad. My bass has no volume knob and runs especially hot, so I'll need a pad. Obviously, if the right preamp screams at me, it's too easy to get a Pad in pedal form.

So what's out there? I would like something under 500 dollars, and I'm fine with used. I'm just looking for the direction I should be heading. I see all these preamps on the market, and I have no idea what sort of sound they'll put out.

[calmb4tehpwn]

Also, I'm in no hurry. I wont be in a place to afford anything more than 200 for probably 6 months, but I have something to cover me in the meantime, just trying to find out what I'll be looking at when the time finally comes.

[chucko58]

I have a similar rig (pair of Low B-2s, PLX power amp). I went through several preamps before getting a used Demeter HBP-1. What I like best about the HBP-1 is the flexibility of the tone controls. I find I need to turn the gain up to about 11 o'clock before it really sounds good with my gear.

[BassmanPaul]

To power my B2s I used several different power amps. These I drove with a microphone strip ART Tube Channel, a tube pre-amp I designed and even different ART Tube MP series pre-amps. Wanting to go lighter I replaced everything with a Carvin BX1500. Into my 4Ω Acmes this amp will deliver 450W each with one per channel. The amp is also bridgeable into 4Ω for 1500W. Weight about ten pounds.

[Big B.]

I have run a similar rig and I would recommend an Eden Navigator. Great tone with tons of eq options. It also has multiple outputs and D.I. sends as well as stereo outputs in case you ever choose to run your rig in stereo.

[Rockit]

I've been using a Sansamp RBI that I got used for $150 for a few years paired with a Stewart World 1.2 amp with different cabs & different basses with great results. Lots of punch and bottom and the drive adds some great grit to my sound. They run about $300 new and I wuldn't hesitate to buy another if I had to. Currently using a Markbass 4x6 cab and a Dr. Bass 112LF cab and the sound is awesome. Every bass player who uses that rig loves it.

[calmb4tehpwn]

I got some time with the RPM, and though I could find a great sound with it, it didn't quite match the GK 2001RBP. I plan on getting an RPM until I have the money to really lay down and get my dream rig.

I will take a look at the Eden Navigator and Demeter. I just wish I could get some face time before putting money down, you know?

Maybe I can find someone local to try them out with.

[calmb4tehpwn]

I don't know what it is about it, but that Eden Navi is calling to me.

It's just... gorgeous.

[superdick2112]

I've been wanting to try out the SWR Marcus Miller pre. I have an SWR Headlite that I use both as a live Taurus pedal amp and a home/smaller gig amp, a Baby Blue for recording, and I've loved just about every SWR amp that I've tried. An interesting preamp, but bit more than $500...

[Son of Bovril]

The nav is a great preamp, very versatile with some nice features (strangely quite similar to the Marcus Miller pre)

[calmb4tehpwn]

Now I just have to find someone willing to trade a Navi.