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SWR GP questions

Discussion in 'Amps and Cabs [BG]' started by adouglas, Jul 14, 2003.

  1. Jul 14, 2003 #1
    adouglas

    adouglas

    Jun 23, 2003
    Bridgeport, CT
    Seeing as how I can't affort an Aguilar 680, I'm going to get an SWR Grand Prix to tide me over while I squirrel away 90,000 pennies or so.

    Some questions if anyone knows:

    Anybody know when the GP was introduced, and when it was discontinued? Did the design change during its production run? Is there a preferred tube for it?

    TIA...
    Andy Douglas
     
  2. Jul 14, 2003 #2
    nickelseye

    nickelseye

    Jun 6, 2003
    Fairbanks, AK
    GRAND PRIX
    taken from swr web site:


    The Grand Prix was SWR's first foray (following the GT Preamp) into preamp only design and was considered state of the art in design and features for its time. 7 segment dot bar display, two band semi-parametric EQ, switchable high pass filter, side chain effects loop, effects blend control, tuner send, stereo headphone amp with separate volume control, balanced XLR record out with ground lift, pad and mute function, unbalanced line out (pre master), balanced XLR and unbalanced line outs, rack mountable.

    Dimensions: 19"W x 1.375" x 8.875"D
    Weight: 5.25 lbs.

    Production Period: 1991 to 2001
    Final Retail Price: $799.00
    No similar model currently available
     
  3. Jul 14, 2003 #3
    adouglas

    adouglas

    Jun 23, 2003
    Bridgeport, CT
    I didn't find that on the SWR site... guess I didn't look hard enough!
     
  4. Jul 14, 2003 #4
    nickelseye

    nickelseye

    Jun 6, 2003
    Fairbanks, AK
    no problem...it doesn't tell a whole lot but it gives you some info.

    there's a link on the swr site to vintage products. Click on that and it'll give some info on discontinued swr products.
     
  5. Jul 14, 2003 #5
    Mcrelly

    Mcrelly

    Jun 16, 2003
    Minnesota, USA
    GRAND PRIX

    The Grand Prix was SWR's first foray (following the GT Preamp) into preamp only design and was considered state of the art in design and features for its time. 7 segment dot bar display, two band semi-parametric EQ, switchable high pass filter, side chain effects loop, effects blend control, tuner send, stereo headphone amp with separate volume control, balanced XLR record out with ground lift, pad and mute function, unbalanced line out (pre master), balanced XLR and unbalanced line outs, rack mountable.

    Dimensions: 19"W x 1.375" x 8.875"D
    Weight: 5.25 lbs.

    Production Period: 1991 to 2001
    Final Retail Price: $799.00
    No similar model currently available

    http://www.swrsound.com/products/vintage.html
     
  6. Jul 15, 2003 #6
    junglebike

    junglebike

    Feb 14, 2003
    San Diego, CA
    I've got one for sale -- e-mail me if interested. I'll probably put it up on e-bay soon.

    It's a good preamp with a very versatile eq. If you like the SWR sound, it'll float your boat -- I believe it's the same preamp (possibly with an extra band of parametric mid) as is featured on the SM-900 (???)
     
  7. Jul 15, 2003 #7
    adouglas

    adouglas

    Jun 23, 2003
    Bridgeport, CT
    Sorry, junglebike, I've found one locally (we've already exchanged emails on this...)

    The EQ isn't quite the same as the 900, but it is similar. The SM900 has a three-band semi-parametric, while the GP has a two-band. The lesser heads (e.g. 350, 550, 750) have a one-band semi-parametric.

    Anyway, I got hold of Kelly on the SWR factory board. Based on the date code and serial number, the one I'm buying is from the first year of production.
     
  8. Jul 15, 2003 #8
    junglebike

    junglebike

    Feb 14, 2003
    San Diego, CA
    oops -- didn't recognize your username! Thanks for the info regarding the SM900...

    Did you get the local one? How do you like it?
     
  9. Jul 15, 2003 #9
    adouglas

    adouglas

    Jun 23, 2003
    Bridgeport, CT
    I'm going to get it on Saturday.

    I anticipate good things. I know I like the SWR tone based on past experience with a few amps (I once played through a Basic Black at a jam session, and have tried a few SWRs in stores). The Aural Enhancer isn't for everyone, but I like what it does.