Best D.I. : Avalon U5 or Millennia TD1

[Joelc73]

i have a td-1 that i use for recording. there is a u5 at the studio and imo the u5 doesn't compare at all. that being siad i always use the the tube section and it has a mullard12at7 in it. one thing though, there isn't a power button. when you plug it in, it's on.

John,
You must have an early model. All of the ones that I've seen have had power switches on the back.

 

[hands5]

I have never tried a Millenia, and I have never even heard of anyone that has. I have tried an Avalon, and I can give you a page of names, both Pro's and amateurs that use the Avalon, that might be a good indication. For my money, the Avalon is the best DI I have ever heard. If I could afford one I'd stick one at the front of my amp just because it sounds so good.

I did just that with the U5,and mind you I did this with my GK800RB/SWR 4X10 rig which is an ok rig (I do have an Aguilar rig-750DB/GS 4X10)but the U5 really made this rig sound incredible.I did go thru a Millenia in the studio,but it was too expensive,and personally It was great,but not that great until I used a TARA LAB cable with it,but that's another story in-itself

 

[John D Harris]

Avalon U-5=8.5 in.x12in.x3.5in.,12 lbs

Millennia TD-1=8.5 in.x13in.x3.5in.,15 lbs

I used to own a U-5,and loved it,until I heard the TD-1! I now own a TD-1 and a STT-1 and am blown away every time I plug into them!

The TD-1 is alot more money than the U-5,but is well worth it.They don't make a rack kit for a single TD-1 yet,but I was able to use a U-5 rack kit by just re-drilling the holes and it worked great!

As you can see,the TD-1 is almost the same size as the U-5.The TD-1 weighs a little more,but it has alot more features ,plus it sounds way better!!

John

[Flashback time!]
John, I know you used to own some Glock gear, how does the STT-1/TD-1 compare to a whatever Glock preamp or head you used?

 

[dsanders]

I can't imagine ANYTHING sounding better than my U5. But if there is I want one...

 

[tombowlus]

I can't imagine ANYTHING sounding better than my U5. But if there is I want one...

You want a TD-1.

 

[jokerjkny]

You want a TD-1.

no, i want a TD-1.

 

[MuzikMan]

Now I want a TD-1! It just never ends :scowl:

 

[dsanders]

Wrong Tom, we all want a TD-1. By chance do you have 4 or 5 laying around in that basement of yours?

 

[dB Music]

Anyone compared both of these units? I am considering which one to pair with my Sadowsky bass, it will be my only signal chain piece so I am looking for a preamp and di

YEP, WE MADE THAT TEST.
We actually do have both units in our studio plus others.
We did a blind test using a Peavey (!) 4-String with Vovox Cable straight into DI's.

Our favourite was the U5.
For grind and that little extra something the Aurora GTQ2 (or GTQC) beat it though.
Tube-tech MP1a was phat but slow.
In terms of clarity it was indeed the U5, that won (which came BEFORE the Avalon M5, which lacks the handy EQ presets - otherwise sounds good too), but shows it's true quality with Mics rather than High Z signals.

We gave the TD-1 the award for best Allround Pre, also the EQ on it imo is m...f...g brilliant. Actually it's one of the finest EQ's we've heard (we have Avalon 2055, Focusrite Blue 315 and others).
When travelling I will always take the TD1 cause it will gave me a range of functions and sounds all in an easy to carrry box.
Results will always be VERY good, if maybe not unparalleled.

Still:
Naked (no treatment) just Bass into DI:
We recommend the U5.
Unbelievable clarity and openness, as well as cleanest low End.

D.