Jule Amps Monique part 5

[tombowlus]

Cleaned up with a new rack…..

View attachment 5236154

I love everything about that rig! Well-played, sir!

 

[JimS]

I love everything about that rig! Well-played, sir!

As an ode to the M700, my EA 2x10 cab (circa ? 2001) is very inefficient. My old Crown K2 1,250 watts per channel into 2 ohms had to be cranked; the M700 power dwarfs the K2.

And the Crown K2 was brutally heavy and off-centered with the weight distribution. It was a major pita to lug my old 6 space rack to gigs.

 

[g4string]

Ok. If you had 3k to spend on a new amp….used not an option, would you rather a Monique 700 or DB751, and why? I know your answer will be subjective. Lol. But try to be as objective as possible. Same question posted on the “other” club thread.

 

[1983L2000]

Monique 700 - love the tube preamp, especially its responsiveness (some find it a bit too vintage-y/dark - but I honestly don't get it), the Hypex-based power amp hits hard (and can cope with 2.67ohms, delivering 1.2kW+ ...), and while not lightweight, the whole is NOT 23kg/50lbs.

 

[gtirard]

Ok. If you had 3k to spend on a new amp….used not an option, would you rather a Monique 700 or DB751, and why? I know your answer will be subjective. Lol. But try to be as objective as possible. Same question posted on the “other” club thread.

Excellent question. I don't think I would spend 3K without listening to both alternative, but off course it would be difficult to A/B test them.

But anyway, if I wanted an amp that would stay permanently in my basement, I would probably get the DB751. If I wanted an amp that I can move to different rehearse and gigs locations, I would buy the Monique 700. I think the reasons are pretty obvious.

 

[1983L2000]

@juledude I have a Tardis version - how hard would it be to convert it to the standard rackmount version (i.e. would that require shipping across the Atlantic or could I purchase parts from you and do it myself)?

Cheers!

 

[31HZ]

I have a db680 with NOS tubes (as well as an AG700 and a TH700), and have had two Monique Tardis versions (a 700 and an 800). I'm not sure how much similarity is between the sounds of 751 and the 680, but the Aguilar "house sound" strikes me as substantially different than that of Jule's creations.

 

[1983L2000]

I have a db680 with NOS tubes (as well as an AG700 and a TH700), and have had two Monique Tardis versions (a 700 and an 800). I'm not sure how much similarity is between the sounds of 751 and the 680, but the Aguilar "house sound" strikes me as substantially different than that of Jule's creations.

For sure - for me the 751 has this special and uncanny combination (and of course can't put the right words on it...) of unlimited heft, warmth and fullness in the low mids. I play through a QC into the Monique now and often use a couple of the DB751 captures to give a decent glimpse of the real thing (which special voice I do miss).

 

[Wasnex]

Ok. If you had 3k to spend on a new amp….used not an option, would you rather a Monique 700 or DB751, and why? I know your answer will be subjective. Lol. But try to be as objective as possible. Same question posted on the “other” club thread.

Pretty sure these two amps are voiced very different, and the choice should come down primarily to the tone you want. The DB751 is significantly bigger and heavier.

I own an Monique 700. Wanted to see what all the fuss was about. To me the core sound is similar to an SVT with all of the tone filters turned off. IMHO, the Monique is a bit more focused, nuanced, and subtle.

I have not played a DB751. I have played a DB750. I put it in the periphery of the Fender tone universe, but much bigger lows (massive heft!) and the perception of infinite headroom. I found it very hard to hear the pitch of low notes without blowing out the room. Seemed sort of industrial to me. Big and powerful, rather than subtle and nuanced. Very cool amps, but not really my sound, and the tone controls are not particularly versatile....and yet I am still considering adding a DB751 to my collection if I find a decent deal. Current used prices seem to be in the low to mid $2K range, which is more than I am willing to pay to satisfy my curiousity.

One big concern is I have a seen a lot of DB750s that needed shop time. No idea if the DB751 is more reliable. But I believe the output FETs are no longer made and will soon become unobtanium. My perception is it's difficult to get a DB750 repaired at this...I have seen posts that suggest Aguilar is no longer supporting the model. No idea if the 750 and 751 use the same output devices. It's possible they do and Aguilar is saving remaining stock for the 751--To be clear this is supposition, and I could certainly be wrong.

 

[g4string]

Does the Tardis 700 have the same heft/punch/authority on the note delivery as the DB750/751. To me, this is where the DB amps reign supreme. Nothing I've played comes close. The TH500/700 comes close in tone, but NOT the way the note is delivered. How does the Hypex module on the Jule amps compare? This is what I most curious about. Does the Hypex hit hard like a lead sled when compared to the ICE modules other class D amps are using

 

[Wasnex]

Does the Tardis 700 have the same heft/punch/authority on the note delivery as the DB750/751. To me, this is where the DB amps reign supreme. Nothing I've played comes close. The TH500/700 comes close in tone, but NOT the way the note is delivered. How does the Hypex module on the Jule amps compare? This is what I most curious about. Does the Hypex hit hard like a lead sled when compared to the ICE modules other class D amps are using

The Jule has really nice solid lows with a bit of bloom, but I don't think it's in the same category as the big Agg regarding massive heft. Massive heft is sort of a unique and stand-out quality of the DB750 and DB751. IMHO you won't find exactly the same quality in any other amp.

 

[1983L2000]

The Jule has really nice solid lows with a bit of bloom, but I don't think it's in the same category as the big Agg regarding massive heft. Massive heft is sort of a unique and stand-out quality of the DB750 and DB751. IMHO you won't find exactly the same quality in any other amp.

Agreed - and I think a little part of that is how the preamp is voiced. Compared to ICE module based amps however, Hypex is a clear improvement in the fast/heft area in my opinion and experience.

 

[Arrow]

Yesterday I did a gig with IEM only. The bass through the PA-system was a bit boomy (12 bass-bins was overkill!) So I turned down the bass on Monique a bit and the sensitivity at 15:00...perfect! You can make such big differences by making some small changes! It is good to have much control over the sound you send to the FOH.
So happy with her! Thanks Jule for this gem!!
Tomorrow I'll be picking up a Barefaced Super Twin here in Holland to match my Monique/Baby Sumo combination.
So excited!!

 

[peterpalmieri]

Ok. If you had 3k to spend on a new amp….used not an option, would you rather a Monique 700 or DB751, and why? I know your answer will be subjective. Lol. But try to be as objective as possible. Same question posted on the “other” club thread.

Can I take a Monique Dovecage and put it on top of the 751 and use both?

Seriously I’d order the Monique 700 and if need be when it arrives a DB751 from Sweetwater keeping the return policy in mind and make a decision. The folks in this thread are in love with Monique, doesn’t necessarily mean you will too.

 

[juledude]

@juledude I have a Tardis version - how hard would it be to convert it to the standard rackmount version (i.e. would that require shipping across the Atlantic or could I purchase parts from you and do it myself)?

Cheers!

It can be done. It requires complete disassembly and then reconstruction. The rackmount chassis expense is not large, but the time to do it is. I would expect an excellent, experienced, technician would require possibly two full days to complete the work.

 

[juledude]

Thank you so much for the detailed answer. That pretty much sealed the deal on me getting one. Now I just need to save up some more to do so.

"... there's more!" Not only do I remember the pocket fisherman, I think I still have one somewhere with my fishing gear. When I did a lot of marsh fishing in the Grand Isle, LA area I'd use it to test spots along the road before setting up with the full gear.

Kind of off the subject, but I think we should all fish (or at least wet a hook) every day.

 

[juledude]

I don’t mind the Dove. I am gas free after finding the Jule Monique. Clear as you want. Phat as you want or both simultaneously. Warm lows and mids with perfect clarity.

When gear is right my experience is you turn it on, play, turn it off. No turning around mid set to ask “what’s going on?” Joy of music coming first and last!

I’ve said this before every time live the sound people smile during soundcheck.

That smile is a wonderful payback for what we all invest in music.

 

[hilo]

@juledude: I almost threw up what I had for lunch a minute ago.... - two days of technician over here in Europe (not Eastern Europe, though) would set one back by 1800 to 2300 USD.
How much would you expect a US technician to charge for 16hrs? And oh, I still *love* my soon-turning-into-a-teenager Monique to bits. – What a great new (and lasting) "flavor" of bass sound you created for us low-enders. Thank you!

 

[dmrogers]

Ok. If you had 3k to spend on a new amp….used not an option, would you rather a Monique 700 or DB751, and why? I know your answer will be subjective. Lol. But try to be as objective as possible. Same question posted on the “other” club thread.

Although not a direct comparison of the two (but indirectly, it is), maybe this will help:
I had always wanted a DB750/751 so one day on a business trip, I went to the Atlanta Bass Gallery to check one out and buy it.
They had both a DB751 and a Thunderfunk TFB750. I played both and I couldn't decide! I kept going back and forth. My wife was with me and we were both trying to decide which amp to pick. Finally, we asked another customer if he would switch between the amps while I was turned away from the heads so we could make an unbiased decision. The choice was unanimous between my wife and I. I brought the Thunderfunk home (the decision was much easier when we were listening with our ears and not our eyes). I still have that Thunderfunk head in addition to a TFB550B. However, my Monique 700 is my main rig and has been for a long time! In fact, I bought mine before the 700 was released. I sent my pre back to Jule to have the 700 module installed.
Monique will always be my main bass rig. The EQ is amazing (you can't get a bad tone from it).
That, along with the Sensitivity control makes Monique number one in my book! There is nothing like it.
I hope this helps.

 

[peterpalmieri]

Another great sounding night for me, love that head.