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Demeter Club

#341
bucephylus said:
The preamp is pretty much in the same ballpark.

The main difference is that the Bass 400 (and Bass 800) use a SS component to drive the power stage; while the VTBP-M-800D uses a 12AY7 to drive the power stage. The result is that, side by side, the 400 is just a little bit quicker and not quite as thick. But, you need to be in a quiet studio and really listening to hear the difference.

I find the Bass 400 is actually pretty practical. On a cab, it punches well above what you would think that power section would do. I’ve actually put it on my Berg NV610, and it drives that cab just fine; well enough to do gigs. Also, the Bass 400 makes a fantastic ampless preamp/DI; but, if possible, get the Jensen option.

The Bass 400 is a great piece of kit. It is NOT as awesome as it’s bigger brother VTBP-M-800. But, it’s small size and versatility make it really useful. IME.
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Exactly how I use my 400D . But I run Radial DI off preamp out to get the Jensen . .
 
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#343
CaptainWally said:
*sigh* Now I'm back to the 800D. Must..have...tube-drive power section.
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I know where you are coming from. But, I will just point out that the tonal influence of V1 is strongly affected by the choice of tube, while the influence of V2 is far less affected by different tube choices. I’ve had extensive discussions with James D about this aspect, which he will explain is intentional. So, as I said, the 12AT7 feed to the ICEPower module does make the amp sound slightly thicker; but, the difference is not so large that you will tend to notice in a practical mix. IME
 
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#346
J.Wolf said:
hbp1 and vthf300m
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hbp1large-999x999.jpg


vthf300mlarge-999x999.jpg
 
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#348
murphy said:
Or this ... with any power amp .... and with my Peavey Classic Tube amp.....is punch you in the gut with unrivalled clarity!!

View attachment 4051819
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I just bought an old VTBP-201. So excited to have one again. MANY years ago I had two. Still one of my all time favorite sounding preamps.

Also, for anyone interested....
I had written to Demeter fairly recently about the smaller version of their preamp. They were going to release something and then I didn't see anything about it. They said that they could make one in the same size as the 400D. I also noticed it only has a single tube, and I wanted a recreation of the original VTBP-201. I asked why the one tube and never heard back.

Then I emailed with Micah from Arkham about shrinking the VTBP201 into a smaller box. Turns out it's possible, but it isn't cheap. Between $600 and $800, depending on a few things that he wouldn't know until he has the preamp in hand. I'm having a difficult time justifying the cost, but if that old preamp is as good as I remember than I'm still considering it. Just wanted to let folks know that the old pre can be shrunk to a more convenient gigging size. Would be great to see James offer this himself. A smaller, non rack mount VTBP201 has been a dream of mine for years.
 
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#350
murphy said:
Or this ... with any power amp .... and with my Peavey Classic Tube amp.....is punch you in the gut with unrivalled clarity!!

View attachment 4051819
Click to expand...
I am also an addict; have two of those, one with the internal Minnie. Should probably have my head examined.

On a blasphemous note...

With COVID and all going on and no gigs, I’ve been spending appreciable time addressing gear concerns / ideas. One big success is that I am finding the Shift Line Olympic MkIIIs pretty much scratches the same itch that my Demeter preamps do (for those who may want to try them).:greedy: Just sayin.

771C4851-71B9-4955-B3D3-DBB413808DEB.jpeg
 
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#351
emjazz said:
I just bought an old VTBP-201. So excited to have one again. MANY years ago I had two. Still one of my all time favorite sounding preamps.

Also, for anyone interested....
I had written to Demeter fairly recently about the smaller version of their preamp. They were going to release something and then I didn't see anything about it. They said that they could make one in the same size as the 400D. I also noticed it only has a single tube, and I wanted a recreation of the original VTBP-201. I asked why the one tube and never heard back.

Then I emailed with Micah from Arkham about shrinking the VTBP201 into a smaller box. Turns out it's possible, but it isn't cheap. Between $600 and $800, depending on a few things that he wouldn't know until he has the preamp in hand. I'm having a difficult time justifying the cost, but if that old preamp is as good as I remember than I'm still considering it. Just wanted to let folks know that the old pre can be shrunk to a more convenient gigging size. Would be great to see James offer this himself. A smaller, non rack mount VTBP201 has been a dream of mine for years.
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What a great idea.....
The cost seems silly and shame we just cannot buy the box and instructions for the transplant.....

My first thought is we want to avoid any overheating issues
 
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#353
I realize this is a broad question but I’m a total newb to the Demeter world and just grabbed an 800D in great shape...LOVING IT so far but I want to get some high quality replacement tubes ASAP...which tubes would you guys recommend?


Thanks in advance...
 
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#354
CTC564 said:
I realize this is a broad question but I’m a total newb to the Demeter world and just grabbed an 800D in great shape...LOVING IT so far but I want to get some high quality replacement tubes ASAP...which tubes would you guys recommend?


Thanks in advance...
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For literally years, I used (pricey) top shelf NOS tubes (mainly Sylvania Gold Brand 5751’s) in the V1 position. The choice for V2 is not as critical; but, needs to be 12AT7 if directly feeding an onboard power module.

More recently, I moved to Electro Harmonix 12AX7 current production tubes, which Demeter ships as stock; a good choice. And, most recently, I have settled on Genalex Gold Lion 12AX7’s, which are a good bit more costly and just a little bit more detailed and potent. Hope that helps. They tend to be different flavors of great. Just stay with quality tubes and you’ll be set.
 
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