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Demeter 1.5 U preamp?

#6
I prefer the original. The older Demeter VTBP 201 has all switchcraft metal jacks, the single space uses the plastic jacks. Bass Player did a review and said that the preamps sounded similar but not identical. I'd be amazed if the newer model was any cleaner than the older model with good tubes. Can you improve on perfection?:)

Chuck
 
#8
The old ones have 2 12AX7's vs. 1......
That's a difference. I have to say, the original (which I've owned) was as close to perfect as I can imagine.....it's a rare thing when an audio design loses a tube,doesn't change price after 10 years and sounds "better".

But having said that, I haven't heard the current version.
 
#10
fretlessspence said:
I have an older one and if it were stolen I would buy two so I wouldn't have to be without it ever again. The two of them would never travel together (like the president and VP). A fantastic pre.
Click to expand...

Thanks guys, for your responses. Fretless, have you heard or tried the newer, silver one?
 
#13
Gruuv, yes I had the two side by side. The older one sounded better IMO. No way to really put into words how it sounded better. All I could say is it sounded closer. Make any sence? I also tried out a Kern. The Kern was also great, but a little dark. Even after turning down the bass knob.

Keep in mind, my tone is not your typical modern sound and I love it that way. Elrick SC Fretless in passive mode (I had a friend build me a little passive tone box that I use sometimes to roll off the highs)--->Demeter--->Stewart--->1x12 cab for small gigs, 2x15 Big Bertha + 1x12 cab for bigger gigs.

I'm not a fan of the uncolored EA sound. Don't care for the scoopy mid slap sound. I use as little high end as possible. My tone is just regular bass tone. I do get comments on it all the time. From bass players and non-bassplayers alike. To me it just sounds real. Hope this helps.
 
#14
As I've never tried a newer unit, my 1.5 space Demeter Blackface is the bomb...seriously speaking. Just incredible - through a nice transparent power amp the tone is very, very close to a "quicker" all-tube sound (if that makes sense).

I've been impressed every time I use it...just a super preamp with a perfect D.I. (Jensen) to give it all the flexibility it needs.

Jay
 
#15
Cool, thanks fretless and vj. I am pretty sold. . . I had a silver faced newer one a while back that I sold when I got out of the pre/power game for a while. I got offered an older one and just wasn't sure if there was anything that I'd be "missing" going to that from the one I had. I LOVED the tone mine got, so I can't imagine going wrong either way. Just curious. . .
 

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