What pre for a Demeter VTHF-300?

[EBR]

Hello TBers!
This is my first thread yay!

I have a Demeter VTHF-300M power amp, and am wondering what pre I should pair with it? It seems like the VTBP or a HBP pre would be the obvious choice, but I am not really sure. I would like this to be an all tube setup, and I plan on using the Berg NV-610 for the cab. What do you all think the best choice would be? Also, what are your opinions on the best sounding tube preamps in general(rock to hi-fi). Most likely we will have differing opinions since everyone has a broad range of tastes. I can't wait to read the responses!

Eric

 

[bongomania]

There are so many different types of "tube tone" that you'll need to be a bit more specific than "rock to hi-fi" in order to get useful recommendations. Do you want a range of overdrive capability? Do you want the ability to get a very fat/thick tone? Do you want high headroom or low?

Beyond that, a lot of the non-subjective differences revolve around the features and functions. Are you content with a Fender tone stack, or do you want more advanced EQ functions? Do you care if it has balanced or unbalanced outputs? Do you care if the DI output is transformer isolated? Does it matter if the unit is large, heavy, or runs hot? Are you concerned about new vs. used, and warranty or whether the company even still exists or supports the product?

What's your budget?

While you're thinking about all those things, pop over to Invalid Link Removed and listen to the many clips they have comparing a wide range of tube preamps.

 

[EBR]

Thanks for the reply. I was just thinking how vague I was, and just came back to revise on the post when I saw yours.

I would like a fat sort of growly type tone. At the moment I am using Epifani on the road and glockenklang at home with accugroove cab. Also I use a Fodera bass. I run the Fodera passive almost 100% of the time. So eq is a little important. I usually prefer the sound of a preamp that does not color the sound to much. So I am trying to stay away from amps such as the SWR type tube amps.
There is not really a budget, and I do not care if the unit is heavy or hot or even neon pink. Just care about the sound coming out. A transformer for the DI is somewhat important as well. Over drive is not important either. Just tone.
I will be using the VTHF-300 with the pre so that has alot to do with adding to this tone as well. This amp has a good amount of headroom to it.
Thanks

 

[IvanMike]

the one you like the best.

forget about tube or not tube, just go for what tone you dig the most

fat and growly kinda brings the single space aguilar to mind, definitley the anti swr preamp

 

[EBR]

I really like the Glock sound. I have checked out the bass tasters web page, and from what I can tell the Millennia td-1, UA solo/610 sound the best. After that the gt "the brick", and summit td-100. The later two have a much similar sound to the former though. It seems as though the Millennia would be the best choice given it's options. Tube/SS and two band parametric plus others.... Given this web page does not include the sounds of a room or speaker sound and the change of tone that the power amp will add to the stew of variables.
I have not had a chance to check out much Aguilar stuff Ivan. Everyone seems to rave over the amps. I remember putting one of their OPBs in a bass I had some years ago, and I loved what it did to the instrument.
Back to sitting in this hotel room for me. I should be practicing more since I have this down time on the road in stead of thinking about preamps.....

Eric