• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Aguilar DB680 vs. DB659???

jokerjkny

jokerjkny

Jan 19, 2002
13,427
54
NY / NJ / PHL
www.instagram.com
#1
hey all,

for a while now, i've been thinking of letting go of my DB680, cause to be honest, its too much preamp for me. for the crazy tweaker, its a dream, but these days, i just wanna plug and go.

the only thing i really touch on the aggie pre is the 40Hz bass boost, which IMHO, is eerily similar to the boost on my Sadowsky basses. both of which who's tone i completely dig.

so, i'm thinking of downsizing to a DB659. how do you guys dig yours? tonally, how do they differ, if any at all?
 
#2
I have both. I use the db680 as my main stage rig, and I use the db659 for my rehearsal rig and as a back up. The db659 is a very nice preamp. But it can not compare to the db680.
I am not talking about the more extensive eq capabilities of the db680 either, because I hardly touch the eq. But the tone is very different. the 680 is a far more "open" sounding unit. The 659 is very good. But it is not as good as the 680. Of course, very few preamps are!
 
#6
Joker,

If you're down in the philly area, I have a 659 if you want to hear it side by side... and, hey, if you wanna trade :-)

I absolutely love my 659...not saying that I think its the best thing out there, but I ran across it used for a VERY good deal...
...and I don't do much eq'ing on it either... mainly just the bass boost every now and again....
 
#9
I got rid of my DB659 partly because I wanted a more versitile EQ. In the right room and at the right volume it sounded awesome but sometimes it was difficult to dial out twang without getting muddy. My basses are passive so maybe a bass with an onboard active EQ might help.

I just played through a 680 at a rehearsal studio last night. It was easy to get the best of the fat warm clear aguilar sound with its parametric EQ.

I would love a simple plug n play amp that sounds great in every room but I've found that I need some flexibility in an EQ to deal with different room acoustics.
 
#10
I have a 659 & have tried the 680. True the 680 does sound thicker, but the 659 is plenty thick. I barely touch the EQ on my 659 & it sounds tight, deep, & very thick.

Its a great unit. I'm just happy i got mine before the price increase.

Joker...I sent you a PM...Youre welcome to try mine out. I'm in midtown NYC.
 
#11
I had the same thoughts a year ago and sold the DB 680 and went with a Demeter for ease of use. I know they are different animals and with different tubes I was able to warm up the Demeter, you know what I mean, but damn do I regret that move. I miss that Aggie for the harmonics etc...

Don't do it. JMO.

But if you do want to sell it.............PM me first.
 
#12
I have a Demeter 201s and bought if over the 659 I tried. I didn't need to put the NOS Telefunken's in it but I did and it sound very very nice. I never tried the 680 but everyone raves.... I mostly use my Walter Woods Ultra. 7.5 lbs two channels plenty of power and eq if you need. I'm not a tweaker and it's easy for even myself to get a great tone with my passive bass. My Sad P/J4 is on the way in a few weeks though. I can't wait to hear it through my rigs.

Joker, you play a lot and are on the move all over, you should consider a WWU or try one especially with your Sadowsky basses.
 
#13
Even though the DB680 has all the various tweak options, I find I rarely use them as the flat sound with a bit of bass boost is sooooo good.

I too was underwhelmed with the DB659, just didn't jump out at me like the 680 did. Also, while the low end was fine I found the mids kind of woolly.
 
#14
jokerjkny said:
hey all,

for a while now, i've been thinking of letting go of my DB680, cause to be honest, its too much preamp for me. for the crazy tweaker, its a dream, but these days, i just wanna plug and go.

the only thing i really touch on the aggie pre is the 40Hz bass boost, which IMHO, is eerily similar to the boost on my Sadowsky basses. both of which who's tone i completely dig.

so, i'm thinking of downsizing to a DB659. how do you guys dig yours? tonally, how do they differ, if any at all?
Click to expand...


I think the 659 is a little more particular as to what cabs it likes being paired with. Just an observation that i've noticed is that I like the sound of the DB659 with a pair of GS112's opposed to the GS410. The GS410 and my mesa Mpulse seem to make a better pair. Just a thought or observation.
 
#15
I think the 659 is a little more particular as to what cabs it likes being paired with.
Click to expand...
I agree and would add that it seemed to always sound better when I was playing loud. At quiter volumes the limited EQ made it difficult to get a good balance of warmth and clarity.
 
#16
Big String said:
(...) I mostly use my Walter Woods Ultra. 7.5 lbs two channels plenty of power and eq if you need. I'm not a tweaker and it's easy for even myself to get a great tone with my passive bass. My Sad P/J4 is on the way in a few weeks though. I can't wait to hear it through my rigs.

Joker, you play a lot and are on the move all over, you should consider a WWU or try one especially with your Sadowsky basses.
Click to expand...

you have NO idea how hard i've been thinking about one. :hmm: but i heard its pretty sterile. then again, people say the same about my iAMP800. *shrug* if i could fuse the super light power section of the WW, along with the iAMP's voice and EQ versatility, i'd be in hog-heaven!

but congrats on the PJ! :hyper:
 
#18
jokerjkny said:
you have NO idea how hard i've been thinking about one. :hmm: but i heard its pretty sterile. then again, people say the same about my iAMP800. *shrug* if i could fuse the super light power section of the WW, along with the iAMP's voice and EQ versatility, i'd be in hog-heaven!

but congrats on the PJ! :hyper:
Click to expand...

Serile....NOT... you can tweak this thing easy. The bass you're playing really shines through. I wish you were close I would prove it to you. Of course everyone's tastes and interpetation varies...
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back