Preamp+Power Amp vs Amp Head? Pls help!

[Supertanker]

The DB680 wa discontinued some time ago; the 659 is still in production...

The DB659 has been discontinued for few years.

There ain't nothin' wrong with the DB750. Plenty of power, and if the tone suits you, there's really no reason not to use it.
It's 2 ohm ready, so you can run damn near whatever combination of cabs you would ever need with it.

The DB750 kicks arse!
The tone is sublime, but it has two major downsides IMO:
1. The weight - the 750 + a rack is about 55 pounds
2. The cost - new they're about $2400, used about $1600~$1800

 

[Supertanker]

About preamps: I really like a clean, strong sound (like the Aguilar DB750...

You'll probably like the DB659 (i paid $525.00 for mine).
Of course you'll have to buy a used one, but it's a great investment.
The 659 IMO is smoother and tighter than the DB750.
If it comes with the original tubes you'll want to toss em.
For $30.00 you can get much better sounding tubes (12AX7's).

The AGRO is a distortion effect from the AG500, probably not what you're looking for...

 

[Chef]

I didn't know the 659 was discontinued as well...looks like Ag don't make a preamp anymore.

I'll agree the 659 and 680 are tighter than a stock db750, but tube swaps can tighten up the 750 substantially as well...it's been documented here, somewhere, maybe by Tombowlus?

I've never messed with the tubes in my 680.

 

[Chef]

if you're really shopping for a 680, there's several here at tb right now.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/search.php?searchid=7907563

 

[Supertanker]

For a power amp, a lot of guys seem to use Carvin and QSC. Any characteristics I should take into consideration when buying a power amp?

Almost any good power amp will do the job.

Crest, Crown, QSC, Carvin, Mackie, Yamaha.

I would stay away from the lower priced brands (Gem, Soundstage, Nady).
I look first at an amps reputation, second wattage, third - how much it weighs.

The Crest CA9 is the reigning Power Amp King of TalkBass.
It's a beast at almost 70lbs, but who among us doesn't need 2000 watts?

 

[tombowlus]

I'll agree the 659 and 680 are tighter than a stock db750, but tube swaps can tighten up the 750 substantially as well...it's been documented here, somewhere, maybe by Tombowlus?

Yes, this has been my experience. I am not sure why, but even with the same tubes, my DB 750 sounds tighter/better when I feed the output section with my DB 659, as compared to using the 750's own preamp section (which appears to be nigh identical to the 659).

Tom.

 

[booch]

Hey guys,

thanks for all the answers! Great info from everyone, I'm really grateful for all your input...

I'm kind of sad Aguilar discontinued all their preamps. Is it reasonable to buy a used preamp on eBay or somewhere? Or should I stick to new gear?

Cheers!

 

[the_hook]

I originally started with an Acoustic B200H amp and a 4 ohm Bag End 2x10. I just picked up another Bag End 1x18, but it's 8 ohms. So I'm thinking of getting a QSC or Crown dual channel power amp (8, 4, 2, ohms) to handle the cabs.

What I'm not sure about is whether I can use the Acoustic amp direct into the power amp to be soley used as the bass EQ, or if I have to use my Sansamp DI pedal into the amp instead?

Eventually I'd like to get a dedicated bass EQ into the power amp, but for now I can only afford a power amp.

 

[HogieWan]

a bass head is a pre and power amp in the same box

 

[the_hook]

a bass head is a pre and power amp in the same box

True, but can you send a line out from it to a pure power amp and use the EQ on the bass head, or is it mutually exclusive to have it's own amp running?

My Acoustic amp can't power both BE cabs because it's max is 4 ohms, I'd need a 2 ohm head to do this. The QSC can send one 8 ohm channel to the 1x18, another 4 ohm channel to the 2x10.

 

[BassmanPaul]

True, but can you send a line out from it to a pure power amp and use the EQ on the bass head, or is it mutually exclusive to have it's own amp running?

This is possible but it depends on the level being send out of the line out and the input sensitivity of the power amp. If they don't line up you may we not be able to get the power amp loud enough. Line levels are generally in the 1-200mV range while most power amps are looking for 0.5 - 2V area.

Paul