SWR Studio 220 vs SM400

[Molan]

I had an SM 400 for a few years that I really liked and have often half thought about buying another.

meanwhile I recently spotted a Studio 220 which seems to have a very similar pre-amp set up tot he SM400 but with a less powerful power section.

I'm only thinking of using this at relatively low volume so not worried about the lower power.

I wondered how similar it would actually sound to my old SM?

Must be some SWR guys out there who've owned both

[Rickenbrother]

The SM400 was pretty much like having the power amp sections of two Studio 220 amps in the same unit. Same preamp, same sound, but more power from the SM400.

[IvanMike]

exact same preamp as the sm 400 and the rare groove tubes preamp that looks exactly the same as an sm 220

add to that that all of the original SWR preamps were the same except for the eq and you will have an swr that sounds like an swr.

[agreatheight]

Originally Posted by Rickenbrother

The SM400 was pretty much like having the power amp sections of two Studio 220 amps in the same unit. Same preamp, same sound, but more power from the SM400.

Originally Posted by IvanMike

exact same preamp as the sm 400 and the rare groove tubes preamp that looks exactly the same as an sm 220

add to that that all of the original SWR preamps were the same except for the eq and you will have an swr that sounds like an swr.

+1 to both of these.

[Molan]

Thanks guys,

Bought one today - should arrive this week

[Rickenbrother]

Was it the Studio 220 that you bought?

[Molan]

Yep - looks to be in very good condition too

[Molan]

Arrived today and it sounds exactly like I remember my old SM400

I don't suppose anyone knows where there's a copy of the old SWR owner manuals with their recommended settings?

I seem to remember liking the 'studio' set-up but there were probably others as well.

Obviously I can tweak stuff but it's nice to have a good base to use as a start point.