Tube Pre VS Amp with built in Tube Pre

[rnilson]

So I was all set to get a DHA VT1-EQ to give me a nice tube pre and DI and then a Genz-Benz Shuttle came up on Craigslist for a good price. Now I think for $150 more I could have an amp with a tube pre built in and use that as my DI also.
Any one have opinions as to what you would do.

BTW I run a Genz Benz ML 210 combo right now for stage monitoring and go that DI to FOH. I have a BBDI but the mids are rubbish IMO especially if I use my P-Bass

[JimmyM]

your theory would work if all tube preamps were equal. never tried the dha pedal, but i have tried the shuttle, and from the description of the dha, it looks like a whole different thing from the shuttle's pre.

[IvanMike]

Not all preamps are equal, nor are all DI's (built in or standalone). FWIW, don't get hung up on tubes or not tubes. See what you like the sound of. There are so many design variables that it's best to close your eyes and listen.

[lomo]

IME the DHA pedal pre sounds nothing like the Shuttle pre........at all. I prefer the DHA by a mile.....you may or may not.

[RickenBoogie]

+1 to all. Use your ears, not your eyes, and it's all true about those 2 products not sounding anything alike.

[Volume4]

I agree that "use your ears" is the best advice

Here is why

Over the years, I've found hybrid amps (amps with preamp tube or tubes) and the tube pedals fall into 3 categories

The tube is a fully functional integral part of the design/tone
The tube is barely contributing to the tone
The tube is a pilot light...often joined by an actual led pilot light to create a tube glow illusion.

But here is the catch, any of the above can sound great.

If Tech21 incorporated a "pilot light tube" into it's VT pedal, wouldn't it still sound like the same pedal so loved by many?

And we'd all probably swear its the tube also.

Just because a pedal or amp is using a useless tube as a marketing gimmick doesn't mean it's still not a great amp or pedal...... just a dishonest one.