Combo+Preamp

I would think a tube pre-amp would cost as much or more than a new combo.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by boxy, but it sounds like an EQ problem.

You might start by setting all the amps EQ and tone controls flat.
If you have a grapic EQ on the amp, try getting a better sound by adjusting it. Try varying the EQs between 80 and about 350 and seeing if you get more of what you are looking for. Remember that it's valid to turn down a frequency as well as up. Many people will only turn them up because the volume of the amp goes down. Just compensate by turning the amp up. After you get as close as you can with the graphic EQ, then adjust the channel tone controls to see if you can improve on it.

If the amp doesn't have a graphic EQ, you might what to get one and put it in the effects loop.

If you really think a tube pre-amp would help, I would find someway to try it out first. You would hate to spend money on a pre-amp and still not solve your problem.

Note: Your guitar and speakers have a big influence on the tone you get also. Make sure the blame is placed in the right place.

 

If you think the combo really does sound boxy, I don't think any EQ in the world can compensate that. The simplest and most efficient way to cure your problem is to buy another amp. Yes it sucks, but it is by far the best solution. You could try a tube pre, but you'd still be stuck with the same boxy-sounding speaker enclosures.

If you want a quality sound, you need quality stuff, there really is no shortcut. And the Peavey combo 115 isn't exactly top-of-the-line...

 

kelvinf, try a sansamp,it adds beef and punch to your sound. i have an old peavy head and where we practice its very open and very live sounding, my amp sounded to thin in there, i tried a sans amp and the band went nuts. you get a huge,fat,bottom and a punch thats unreal.(its the sansamp bass driver di).

 

kelvinf,

A SansAmp is a stompbox sized combination preamp/direct box. It's full name is a Tech 21 Bass Driver DI. You can get it at music stores like GC or Mars or a local store or by mail order. It is an invaluable tool for a bassist. You can use it direct into a soundboard and go without ("sans") an amp. It retails for around $175.00 or so. If you get one, run your bass into it like a stompbox and run the output into the "Power Amp In" input on your Peavey. This will bypass the preamp circuitry of the amp and only use the power amp. You will be amazed at the sound. You may want to get a stand alone power amp and use the SansAmp and your 2x10 cab. I have no idea what type of music you play or how you use rig, but it is definitely worth getting the SansAmp. It is worth keeping even if you upgrade your amp later.

 

Kelv I was in the same situation as you once. Dont bother running a preamp through the effects loop. Run a cable from the output in the Preamp to the effects in loop on the combo. Works well and completely bypasses the other preamp. I have a Peavey TNT-115, and just bought an ADA midi preamp. VERY nice. I would highly recommend ADA to you, but they no longer exist. Can still buy them used though

 

The sans amp is a great idea. I bought mine from Mars (marmusic.com), american musical supply has them also. You might think about a different combo down the road. The Ashdown electric Blue is an AMAZING combo for $399 (musicians friend), great preamp, good eq and more than adequate volume for small gigs or a stage monitor.

 

Excellent choice Kelvin, you'll love it.

 

let us know how you like it, remember to set the controls on your amp flat(if it has an eq,that also) and adj. your sound with the sansamp.use the first example for fat tube and play around from there. i found the svt setting with a little more bass to be the best for me. good luck