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Demeter VTBP M 800D @ NAMM

#61
re "mid scoop" in the 201 preamp vs the bp preamp, the hbp preamp "uses the same preamp as the 201, with the H series parametric eq added," so, I'm not clear that the either the 201, or this, will have "more baked in scoop than the hbp model.

"The HBP-1 H Series Tube Bass Preamplifier by James Demeter uses the same all tube front end found in his classic VTBP-201 Bass pre-amplifier and combines it with the revolutionary H Series circuitry found in his professional audio H Series line. "
 
#62
Arthur U. Poon said:
Argh, Mid Scooped doesn't work for me, -at all. I much prefer the parametric in the HBP-1. Now my wish is Jim offers an HBP-1 version.
Click to expand...

I asked about an H-series head, and James said that there was no way the HBP-1 preamp would fit into that box. Fortunately, he does make a powered version of the HBP-1 (which we are in the midst of reviewing for BGM).
 
#63
Chef said:
re "mid scoop" in the 201 preamp vs the bp preamp, the hbp preamp "uses the same preamp as the 201, with the H series parametric eq added," so, I'm not clear that the either the 201, or this, will have "more baked in scoop than the hbp model.

"The HBP-1 H Series Tube Bass Preamplifier by James Demeter uses the same all tube front end found in his classic VTBP-201 Bass pre-amplifier and combines it with the revolutionary H Series circuitry found in his professional audio H Series line. "
Click to expand...

Perhaps, but side by side, the 201 has a bit of a mid scoop, slightly bigger/deeper lows, and definitely more high end sheen/sparkle. By comparison, the HBP-1 is slightly warmer, and a little thicker. Very nice in the lows/highs, but not quite the same as the 201. The 201s makes this difference even more noticeable with an increased scoop in the mids (relative to the 201).
 
#64
OK; but; is there enough sweep on the mid control of the 201 series to make them sound the same as the H series?
Or, is that with the mid control dimed on both units?
 
#65
Chef said:
OK; but; is there enough sweep on the mid control of the 201 series to make them sound the same as the H series?
Or, is that with the mid control dimed on both units?
Click to expand...

At least IME/IMHO, I am not able to make either my 201 or 201s sound exactly like my HBP-1, nor am I able to get the HBP-1 to sound exactly like a 201/201s. You can get ballpark, but not the same.

The 201 has plenty of mids for me - and I like my mids. The 201s sounds glorious, but I do sometimes wish it had the ability to dial in more mids.

Listening to the VTBP-M-800D, I think it'll have more than enough mids for most cats. It freakin' rocks!

YMMV, of course.
 
#68
If I recall on the 201s James said the mids were flat around 2 o'clock with the lows and highs flat in the 10-11 o'clock range (sorry can't remember exactly but that's in the ballpark).

Didn't love the 201s with my Berg HD212.... sounded great on it's own but the lows were a bit overly dominate in the mix. I think from the description of the CN series it would be a better match.

Back in the day I ran a Stingray 5 thru an early 1.5 space VTBP-201 & Eden 410xlt..... it was glorious! I bet this new head and a Berg CN?12 would be a killer combo. Haven't played thru the Baer cabs but I suspect that those may also be a good match.
 
#69
rmars said:
Back in the day I ran a Stingray 5 thru an early 1.5 space VTBP-201 & Eden 410xlt..... it was glorious! .
Click to expand...

I recently lent my old 201 to friend who uses an Eden 212 while his amp was being repaired and swears it is the sweetest tone he has ever heard. I think Eden cabinets have a certain mid presence built in which the 201 enhances nicely. I also have Telefunken Tubes in mine which to me mellows it out a little.
 
#70
And then this needed to come out after I grabbed a Prodigy and (recently) was able to snag Ken's DeMonique Tardis! I've always loved Demeter gear, and would have never sold my HBP-1 except that I was shedding the whole rack setup. But man I'd love to put one of these through its paces and compare it to the Mesa and the DM!
 
#71
The Demeter Preamp is very clean and pristine.. My friend had a second generation one back in the early 80s... First generation had the BLUE rack chassis...
If you are one that likes to tone sculpt allot. I dont think this is a preamp that you would want.. I found the BMT control did not alter the tone as much as lets say an Alembic F2B..
However, it does work great as a studio pre where you may not want to alter tone drastically or you have a nice cab for live that wont need allot of EQing...
I opted to use my '77 Alembic F2B since it offered more chance to change the voice for the gigs that i was doing.. ..
 
#72
tombowlus said:
I asked about an H-series head, and James said that there was no way the HBP-1 preamp would fit into that box. Fortunately, he does make a powered version of the HBP-1 (which we are in the midst of reviewing for BGM).
Click to expand...

Great, I'm looking forward to reading that review. Then I'll consider that for comparison with my DB 659 based rig.
What issue number will have the review of the self-powered HBP-1 ?
 
#74
This seems like a logical step given his collaboration with the Jules Monique "Birdcage" stuff. I had a Demeter preamp a while back (when I did the pre/power/rack thing) and it was darn nice. I'm sure this is a nice amp.
 
#75
Sure looks like a modern classic to me. This one should be the game over model for Demeter, in a good way. I'm a upright and electric guy. I own one of the original Demeter tube pre's since the late '80's, love it, but have never enjoyed the rack component set up for gigging. The EQ is very very flexible once you understand how it works (took me awhile:)). There are some guys on the DB side talking about mating the favored Headway EDB-2 pre with the Demeter 800 amp, but to me this rig will be more appealing than that, simply because it's self contained.
 
#76
Chef said:
Part of only having one volume/gain control is that the Demeter sound philosophy is clean pure tone.
So, there's no need to input and master to drive the preamp tube to saturation as that's not their tone goal.
Click to expand...

My original pre had a trim pot inside that was for adjusting the output to match various power amp inputs. I had that replaced when I figured out the intermittent problem I was having with signal failing was the trim pot. Anyway, my tech removed that little trim pot, and installed a full size pot on the rear of the unit. I always leave it at max output. Works great!
 
#77
tombowlus said:
I asked about an H-series head, and James said that there was no way the HBP-1 preamp would fit into that box. Fortunately, he does make a powered version of the HBP-1 (which we are in the midst of reviewing for BGM).
Click to expand...

I really look forward to read the review! Please crank it up with a 5-string; I want to know how well it's lightweight power section does under stress.

I'm so fond of my HBP-1, if the powered version proves gigging volume worthy, I plan on leaving my current one in the rack with my CA9, and buy the powered version to use with my 2 Aguilar GS112's for small to medium rooms.

Thanks for all you do, Tom!

-And Chef, I notice you changed your profile pic, looks cold! Where was it taken?
 

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