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Replacement for Aguilar DB751

Chiefbass

Chiefbass

Oct 27, 2003
80
21
Helsinki, Finland
#1
Hi!

I've had the big Aguilar DB751 for five years now, and I think it's time to say goodbye. I like the massive low end and the endless power, but I feel like there's not enough high end, and the eq is somewhat limited.

I have been playing EBS HD350 & TD650 heads now, and I like the "hifi" sound of them. They dont have similar massive bottom that the 751 has.

Is there some amps that would have both? Big low end, and very nice hifi treble. I've tried these and didn't find what I was looking for: Aguilar ag500sc, Tonehammer 500, Thunderfunk 420, Markbass TTE-501.
 
#3
Chiefbass said:
Hi!

I've had the big Aguilar DB751 for five years now, and I think it's time to say goodbye. I like the massive low end and the endless power, but I feel like there's not enough high end, and the eq is somewhat limited.

I have been playing EBS HD350 & TD650 heads now, and I like the "hifi" sound of them. They dont have similar massive bottom that the 751 has.

Is there some amps that would have both? Big low end, and very nice hifi treble. I've tried these and didn't find what I was looking for: Aguilar ag500sc, Tonehammer 500, Thunderfunk 420, Markbass TTE-501.
Click to expand...

Have you changed the tube in the 751? That amp should have plenty of high end. Something leads me to believe that amp isn't functioning correctly
 
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#9
Chiefbass said:
I haven't changed the tubes. The DI output has also a very low output. I'll have to try new tubes if it would help.

What tubes do you suggest? There are four tubes in it I think.
Click to expand...

If you've owned the amp for 5 years, i would definitely look into swapping some tubes. I don't really have a preferred brand of tubes(I know I like Old RCA Phillips and Mullard tubes, but they're not cheap at all, so i wouldn't recommend going that route unless your rich or like me and stumbled upon a sweet stash of NOS tubes), though I generally avoid modern chinese made tubes (JJ). Check out tube amp doctor, their tubes come with a 6 month warranty and they're a good balance of tone and longevity (The best sounding tubes die quickly and the longest lasting don't sound great, TADs seem to be a great middle ground)

From what I see, that amp utilizes 12ax7 tubes (three according to the site). Consult Aguilar, see what they recommend? Search these forums and see what other TB users have swapped into the 751s (a lot of guys have/had those amps at one point). Im curious if and what the results of swapping in 12AU7 and 12AT7 tubes in those spots would be. Tube rolling can be a bit of a rabbit hole haha
 
#15
Chiefbass said:
Is there some amps that would have both? Big low end, and very nice hifi treble.
Click to expand...

What you describe is exactly my tonal preference and the sound I strive to achieve.

I'm able to achieve that sound with a TecAmp Puma 900 or Puma 1000 ;) Amps - TecAmp

Edit: Also, if you don't mind a lead sled, a Mesa M6 Carbine or M9 Carbine can get that sound as well. Although I previously owned an M6 Carbine, I get closer to the sound in my head with the TecAmp Puma heads.
 
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#16
Chiefbass said:
Hi!

I've had the big Aguilar DB751 for five years now, and I think it's time to say goodbye. I like the massive low end and the endless power, but I feel like there's not enough high end, and the eq is somewhat limited.

I have been playing EBS HD350 & TD650 heads now, and I like the "hifi" sound of them. They dont have similar massive bottom that the 751 has.

Is there some amps that would have both? Big low end, and very nice hifi treble. I've tried these and didn't find what I was looking for: Aguilar ag500sc, Tonehammer 500, Thunderfunk 420, Markbass TTE-501.
Click to expand...
Years ago I was really into SWR and their amps had some of those qualities but the tone you describe is exactly what I get out of the Avalon. Nice deep low end with great hi fi treble. Amazing clarity all around. Been playing through various rigs for more than 20 years. I didn't know this level of clarity was possible outside of the studio. I don't know if I'd recommend it to someone who uses no pedals and passive basses. Because it doesn't have a huge variety of settings. There's a eq preset dial with a few different eq curves, I actually prefer the tone of it with the eq turned off. Bass flat so everything is set as flat as it can for my clean tone and I really only add eq for my dirty sound which I do on the Darkglass alpha omega. The setup is surprisingly affordable. I picked up the Avalon used off eBay for $390, crown was in the $300-400 range. Gator rack bag was $99. So way under a grand.
IMG_3301.JPG
 
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#17
I have a Ebs Fafner TD 600 blue stripe in very good condition I have been considering selling..it has a massive low end and uber hifi treble your looking for and IMO sounds better than the fafner II..pm me if your interested I can send pics and we could figure something out if your interested
 
#20
Chiefbass said:
I haven't changed the tubes. The DI output has also a very low output. I'll have to try new tubes if it would help.

What tubes do you suggest? There are four tubes in it I think.
Click to expand...

NOS Telefunken is what I'd recommend, they certainly opened my DB751 up noticeably.

Ultimately though, my DB751 was replaced with a Jule Monique 700: similarly massive and even more three dimensional sound with added clarity at a fraction of the weight :thumbsup:
 
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