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Genz Benz Shuttle 9.0 Appreciation Thread Part II Shuttle 9.2 included

#62
Going back a couple pages where we were talking about comparing the power amps of the Streamliner 900 and Shuttle 9.0, I finally brought home my Streamliner.

I was going to try the Shuttle preamp into the Streamliner and maybe vise versa to compare the two power sections. While thinking about this I believe I have come up with another way to compare this that might yield a more objective approach.

I am planning on using a Summit Tube DI into both power sections for a more clinical comparison. Now I can either hook each unit up to one 8 ohm Berg 1x12 cab or compare each unit into a 4 ohm load of two cabs. Not sure that one way would be better than the other but it would be easier/quicker to AB the units using one cab each. Then all I have to do is move one cable from the DI to either power amp input.
 
#63
Sav'nBass said:
With just about any other company that would constitute voiding the warranty.. but that is not the case at GB correct? (I am pretty sure it isn't from all accounts I have heard .. just want to clarify..)
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This is correct. Disconnect from the power source before removing cover and changing tube of course.
 
#66
So I got a chance to compare the two power sections for a little while yesterday. As I said earlier I decided to use a tube DI to further eliminate any confusion between preamps. I also ran each amp into one 8 ohm Berg HT112ER cab which allowed me to quickly swap cables from the DI to the poweramp input on either amp.

The differences in tone, loudness, and feel are very minimal.

To me the Streamliner 900 had more low end heft, was rounder sounding, and maybe not quite as loud. The Shuttle 9.0 power section had more in the hi-mids department, a tiny amount less low end, a tiny bit louder, and more in your face. The Shuttle 9.0 sounded like what some guys would call quicker but I think that is not the best way to describe.

In a mix no one would ever know the difference. I think the differences are small yet are accentuated further from the differing voicing of the preamp for each unit. It's the whole package that makes so much a difference between the two.

I may still try swapping power amps between the two (taking the Streamliner pre into the Shuttle power and vice versa).
 
#68
Rick Blanc said:
I know theres lots of different tubes available. Mullards, telefunken, 12ax7a and so on. Whats everyone's fav tube replacement?
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I have a 1955 Mullard Long Plate ECC83 in my Shuttle 9.0. It has been in there since I got the amp and I am really satisfied. I had purchased 6 of these NOS from Charlie at Vaccum Tube Valley back in 2005. We lost a good one when Charlie passed on. :(
 
#69
Red Planet said:
I have a 1955 Mullard Long Plate ECC83 in my Shuttle 9.0. It has been in there since I got the amp and I am really satisfied. I had purchased 6 of these NOS from Charlie at Vaccum Tube Valley back in 2005. We lost a good one when Charlie passed on. :(
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Yeah I bought a few tubes from him for my Demeter.

What difference, to your ears, did the Mullard make?
 
#71
Rick Blanc said:
Yeah I bought a few tubes from him for my Demeter.

What difference, to your ears, did the Mullard make?
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To be honest not a whole bunch. Perhaps a little more rounder/warmer and more solid sounding but no one would ever hear it in either a recorded mix or live setting. The thing I like best about these tubes is they have zero microphonics even in a high gain application and they are long plates so go figure. Very sturdy, solid, and reliable tubes. I paid a fortune for the things. I got them NOS NIB and I was looking for the holy grail tone for Bass preamp tubes. Charlie suggested these and I went with it. I have a pile of other OS tubes as well but these definitely sound the best. Not sure why, they just do.

I have only heard one ECC83 that sounded better in my life. It was a very early production Mullard ECC83 from the first year they were produced. A fellow by the name of Danny Gork popped it into my amp while I had my eyes closed. The sound difference was amazing and magical. The top end was very clarified but sweet and pleasing to the ears. The warmness yet retention of clarity was the most wonderful thing I had ever heard. The tubes I have are not even in the same Universe.
 
#73
Red Planet said:
I would like to hear from some folks that have directly ABed the 9.0 and 9.2 but I can't imagine how there could be more than a dimes worth of difference.
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There is a significant differency but primarily when driven hard and the 3DPM circuit is active. It's maybe a more round, and more articulate semi-compressed but not at all squashed kind of feel. It's actually kind of hard to describe because it's part sound and part feel. At lower volumes the difference is very, very small.
 
#75
Oddly enough I just traded my Streamliner off for a second 9.0. I really like the Streamliner it is definitely one cool amp but the 9.0 just does it for me. I have become like a fighter pilot navigating the Shuttle 9.0 to just where I want it very quickly.

Oddly enough after spending some time listening I was able to get the Streamliner tone from the 9.0. No it does not have the sponginess of the Streamliner but I can get that exact EQ curve out of it.

Also the 9.0 form factor works better for me. I like the size of the thing. I had removed the feet from my 9.0 and installed Velcro. This provides a pretty darn firm grip to my carpeted Berg cabs and also allowed me to install Velcro on my little 1000 watt Yamaha EMX512SC PA head for a total of 1900 watts and about 25 pounds.

Having two 9.0's instead of one Streamliner and one 9.0 is going to work better for me. I have come to prefer the 9.0. I can leave one at church dedicated for that, I can keep one at home/grab and go if needed, and I can bring both should I need an insanely lightweight PA power amp for the PA.
 
#76
Red Planet said:
Also the 9.0 form factor works better for me. I like the size of the thing. I had removed the feet from my 9.0 and installed Velcro. This provides a pretty darn firm grip to my carpeted Berg cabs and also allowed me to install Velcro on my little 1000 watt Yamaha EMX512SC PA head for a total of 1900 watts and about 25 pounds.
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Sounds like a good idea. For mine, I just bought some of that rubbery shelf-liner stuff (can't remember the name of it). It works well also.

IMG_0598.jpg


IMG_0599.jpg
 
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#77
Red Planet said:
Oddly enough I just traded my Streamliner off for a second 9.0. I really like the Streamliner it is definitely one cool amp but the 9.0 just does it for me.
Click to expand...

+1. I had both the Shuttle 9.0 and Streamliner 900. The STM-900 is indeed one cool box but in time I found that the STL-9.0 was more in line with my personal preferences.
 
#78
Did some tube-swapping with my Shuttle 9.2. Tried a Jan-Philips 5751 (didn't like), a Mesa 12AX7 (OK, but a bit dark sounding) and then a Sovtek 12AX7-LPS. Now here we go! The changes with all tubes were subtle, but the LPS added a sweetness and an openness to the top-end that the stock tube, the Jan and Mesa did not provide. Again... it is subtle, but I like it quite a bit. Will be gigging tonight so we'll see if the impressions at home carry on to the gig.
 
#79
The 9.0 is still my primary workhorse. Does exactly what I need. One tweek I have begun using for electric bass gigs with it is to crank the mid control over to somewhere around 120 Hz to 150 Hz and boost that a little bit. It yields EXACTLY the tone I like to use with a Jazz bass type sound. Here is a clip for reference. Great amp.

Different Breed -Son Of A Preacher Man at OKellys - YouTube
 
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#80
I've just pulled the trigger on a 9.0
Used it for 1 gig, & 1 rehearsal so far.
Love it!
I was using a GK MB Fusion, which was cool but I like the Shuttle much better.
I found myself constantly tweaking the Fusion to find 'my tone'.
Whereas I reckon the Shuttle will be more of a set & forget. ie. - find the settings I like and it will sound great in almost any room / venue.
Have been admiring Genz Benz for a while. Good to be finally on board :-)

......next may be some Genz Cab's.......
 

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