Alembic FX-1 or Demeter VTBP-201S?

[s_wood]

I’ve owned both, and at the same time. I sold the Demeter, though I wish I hadn’t (how TB is that!)

These are 2 of the finest preamps ever made! They don’t sound the same, and so which one you might prefer is purely a question of your time goals. To my ears, the Alembic’s natural tone is warm and incredibly musical. The Demeter is less warm and more “hi fi” or neutral. Let me quickiy say that’s’ not a criticism at all - the Demeter sounds great. I tend to love basses with a brighter tone… Alembics, MTDs, Spectors… all with roundwounds. Those basses pair perfectly with the F-1X.

I don’t agree with those who say that the Alembic is mid-scooped. As others have noted, flat on the EQ is 2-10-2. If you run it at 5-5-5 (all knobs at noon) there is a pronounced mid-scoop, and I suspect that’s why some people describe it that way. The Demeter’s EQ is more intuitive, and more flexible because it allows for mids to be boosted. There is no way to boost mids on the F-1X. That doesn’t bother me because I rarely boost mids, but I can see how that would be an issue for those who do.

Bottom line: these are both great preamps. Which one you like is a matter of what you want to hear.

 

[IvanMike]

It’s funny. Since the time that the original thread was created… 20 years ago! I had to sell my original F1 X, sold the original demeter, and then got a 201S in 2010 that I used for years until I sold it a couple of years ago. I wish I hadn’t. But, I managed to buy another one of the original rack and a half 201 Demeter and quite recently Another F1 X.

The 201 was my primary amplifier for a very long time and in my experience I just don’t agree that the EQ was flexible. It operated with a narrow range and everything sounded great. I certainly didn’t need more than the range that it had. It’s still a favorite.

Using the F1 X I just can’t agree with the idea that the EQ is limited. It has tremendous range. You just have to learn how to use it. I wouldn’t agree that it’s bass heavy, I think usually people get that idea because they don’t understand where flat is. however, it does have a kind of old-school warm sound, which can really soften harsh sounding instruments, but also, if you aren’t careful, it won’t cut through in a live situation as well as the 201.

i’m looking forward to using the two of these a lot more again, but so far it seems like I prefer the F1X in a situation where the bass has room to breathe sonically. Where it’s not really fighting for a spot in the mix. On the other hand, I prefer the 201 when you need to be a little bit more aggressive in terms of claiming your spot in the mix.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

I used an F1-X for many years in my gigging rig. It’s one of the pieces of gear that I truly regret selling.

I’ve never owned a Demeter VTBP-201S, but I do own a Demeter HBP-1, which I still use in one of my gigging setups.

I know this is an F1-X vs VTBP-201S threads, but I have to throw the HBP-1 into the discussion. Its 2-band parametric EQ is spectacular, IMHO.

If I personally had to choose between the F1-X between the HBP-1, I’d choose the HBP-1.

Yes, the F1-X is more organic sounding. Its tone is glorious. The HBP-1 is cleaner sounding. I always refer to it as: “Quick”. Due to it’s parametric eq, I feel that’s it’s a bit more versatile.

 

[Wasnex]

I prefer the Alembic, but honestly they both sound great. IMHO, the Kern IP-777 is even better.

 

[IvanMike]

You know the thing for me with the HBP one is that it was hardwired to 120 Hz in the bass control. I’ve vastly prefer the 60 Hz option on the 201. Even when you’re not actually touching the bass knob that just changes the voicing of the amplifier. For me that was too bad, because I really liked the semi parametric EQ on that amplifier as well.

 

[bucephylus]

I still have both VTBP-201 (w/ and w/o the onboard Minnie 1 1/2 space) and the F1X. Def different flavors of great.

I prefer my Dems with my Fender-ish basses, most of which sport Delano JMVC pickups going into Sadowsky preamps.

The F1X really shines with my Nordy Zen Blade / Pope preamp drive trains. And, of course, the Alembic Series I.

I can certainly taste the different flavors; but, the diffs are in the cork sniffing ballpark.

 

[pepj]

Big fan of Demeter and I think they just enhance a good sounding bass. I like its subtlety that befits its heritage.
It does not have ridiculous tone shaping ability but I like that, because if you need that, then you are on the wrong path anyway.

Haven't got much time on Alembic and wasn't knocked out with one, but I wouldn't argue they are not quality pieces of kit