My amp is OK... but I hate it's preamp!!!

[raphaeldc]

Hi everyone!

I have a hybrid amp head, with a class A tube preamp (it has 3 6BQ7 tubes inside). The EQ section is quite simple, with 3 band active eq and 3 filters: low boost, high boost and bright. The manufacturer doesn't provide information on the frequencies that each control operate.

My issue is that I can get a nice vintage tone with it, but when I need more punch, I end up very unhappy. I have a Bass POD XT Live, that sometimes I use as a preamp, but I'm looking for something a little more compact and easy to use.

What do you recommend?

Thanks!

[JimmyM]

I recommend getting something else My favorite hybrid these days is the SVT 7 Pro, but best thing to do is go music store hopping and play through a bunch of stuff.

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by JimmyM

I recommend getting something else My favorite hybrid these days is the SVT 7 Pro, but best thing to do is go music store hopping and play through a bunch of stuff.

+1
The sound coming from the pre amp is the sound of the amp, so it's time to start saving and shopping.

Ric

[bassgod0dmw]

It may help telling us what your amp actually is.

[RickenBoogie]

What amp is it you're hating? Would help to know what you don't like, if you want suggestions for something different.

[sad_katz]

The cheapest is to get an EQ pedal. The easiest is get a different amp.

IIRC, you can also get a separate preamp unit and send it into the amp via FX loop In. Never tried it myself so I'm not sure.

You would get more specific helps by letting us know what amp/cab you are using.

[raphaeldc]

Thank you all for the inputs!!!

My amp: Meteoro (brazilian company)

I was thinking about getting another amp, but right now i don't have this --> $$$!!! I guess i'll wait a little bit and save some money to get anything new.

BTW, I was using the Bass POD plugged into the bass FX loop and was quite happy with that, but it started to show some grounding problems and then I came with the idea of getting a new preamp, instead of a new amp, something like a Sansamp RPM or RBI. What are your thoughts on that?

[raphaeldc]

Another thing: has anyone heard of this tubes? I read somewhere they are not totally recommended to bass applications. I keep thinking the tubes are the amp's problem... Anyone?

[raphaeldc]

bump

[staindbass]

6bq7 have been used in some expensive stereo amps, so i dont see why it would be them. you could try some old vintage rca or sylvania or ge 6bh7 to see if it helps. i see your amp has an effects loop, try plugging into the return. ( this will put your bass signal right into the power amp and bypass the preamp, and be sure to plug the cord in the bass before plugging in the return) that way you hear just the power amp. if you dont like the power amps sound, no need to go further with tube experimentation.

[newbold]

seems like you have a great neutral clean pre in that amp and you need more whomp. I would try an eq pedal or some kind of pre/boost if you don't care to get another amp.

[raphaeldc]

Originally Posted by staindbass

6bq7 have been used in some expensive stereo amps, so i dont see why it would be them. you could try some old vintage rca or sylvania or ge 6bh7 to see if it helps. i see your amp has an effects loop, try plugging into the return. ( this will put your bass signal right into the power amp and bypass the preamp, and be sure to plug the cord in the bass before plugging in the return) that way you hear just the power amp. if you dont like the power amps sound, no need to go further with tube experimentation.

I did the "plugging into the return" thing once... I'm gonna do it again...

Are these tubes you recommended hard to find?

[raphaeldc]

Originally Posted by newbold

seems like you have a great neutral clean pre in that amp and you need more whomp. I would try an eq pedal or some kind of pre/boost if you don't care to get another amp.

I guess I'm leaning towards this direction, before buying another amp. Unfortunately, here in Brazil we don't have a lot of options to choose from. We don't even have stores that have more than one or two options. You wouldn't believe if I say that it's really hard to find tech 21 products here... they're rare and expensive!

[Ric Vice]

Originally Posted by raphaeldc

I guess I'm leaning towards this direction, before buying another amp. Unfortunately, here in Brazil we don't have a lot of options to choose from. We don't even have stores that have more than one or two options. You wouldn't believe if I say that it's really hard to find tech 21 products here... they're rare and expensive!

Raphael dc.
I have encountered the same thing in the U.S. There are interesting bass amps by Hevos and Leig, that are hard to demo by in the us. In my experiences, trying to get a different sound with a pedal or stomp box hasn't turned out to well. If I buy something like a Roland Bass EQ pedal it can give me a different sound, but it's going to add line noise. If you lay out the cash for a EBS micro Bass (which is a great pedal) then you're about half way to the cost of a brand new head, and even it you could get one it retails for @$400.00 dollars in the U.S. Personally, I'd live with what I have for a while, or go new amp shopping. Just my opinion though.

Ric

[NKUSigEp]

The Boss GEB-7 eq pedal is a quick, easy and cheap solution to try. Other than that, possibly a new amp?