What's your favorite Tube (pre)Amp?

[Darkglass]

I really liked the Alembic F2B! Super similar to the Preamp on the Mesa 400. The latter (probably my all time favorite for rock tones) has a bit more aggressive character... less mids, and more presence, but quite close anyways!

Cheers! -Doug.

 

[fourstringburn]

I like both my Ampegs, The SVP Pro and the SVP BSP Models.

I'm not sold on tubes being the determining factor of what sounds better. I think the lows are tighter on the solid state channel of the BSP Preamp. I usually set most of the tone tone controls flat anyhow and run it thru a high power stereo amp and 2 SVT 810's.

The biggest and best part of the Ampeg rig IMHO is that SVT 810 cab. Any amp I played thru it sounds clear, rich and full! If you have the chance, try 2 -810 cabs for an amazingly powerful loud bass tone!!!

 

[JMac- Wiskerface Designs]

My current fav, is the pre set up in My V-4 which AFAIK is a bit different than the SVT. However, I do like the Bassman stack as well.

 

[JimmyM]

I chose other only because I prefer the B-15 preamp to the SVT's. But not by much.

 

[ryco]

Sunn 200s (pre) > Sunn Concert (post) >Sunn Concert Slave (add) > Sunn SPL 8028

 

[Darkglass]

I chose other only because I prefer the B-15 preamp to the SVT's. But not by much.

Cool answer! Actually the main difference between those two is the Mid controls. Both have practically identical gain structure, and both use the same baxandall for low and treble!
Big lesson when it comes to appreciating the huge impact EQs have on the overall tone and character of a preamp!

 

[crazytmex2345]

older peavey models have great tone, i actually sold my ampeg ba-115 to get an old peavey tko 115 it was the best trade i made.

 

[babebambi]

YUP

Favorite tube preamp?
Aguilar DB680. Hands down.

 

[SVE]

AD200B!!!

 

[yamaha]

Best preamp : Ampeg SVP-CL !!!!!!!!

Just amazing

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

Demeter HBP-1.

 

[JimmyM]

Cool answer! Actually the main difference between those two is the Mid controls. Both have practically identical gain structure, and both use the same baxandall for low and treble!
Big lesson when it comes to appreciating the huge impact EQs have on the overall tone and character of a preamp!

You will find I'm a very cool guy

Just kidding...yeah, I love them both and can get my favorite sounds out of each, but between the 6SL7's and the two band EQ, that just seems to hit my sweet spot.

 

[blindrabbit]

Historically for me, SWR preamps. Currently, I've really been digging Genz-Benz and Traynor tube front ends. I still appreciate SWR and Ampeg too, even Orange. Can you tell I've been amp shopping lately?

 

[enricogaletta]

Have you ever tried the SWR Interstellar Overdrive?
Guys this preamp is amazing, versatile but unfortunately is discontinued, I'm always wondering why because company discontinue their best products.
Cheers. Enrico
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[Munjibunga]

Aguilar DB750.

 

[Tone Meister]

Demeter HBP-1 here

 

[charlie monroe]

Have you ever tried the SWR Interstellar Overdrive?
Guys this preamp is amazing, versatile but unfortunately is discontinued, I'm always wondering why because company discontinue their best products.

I have a Stella, and love it.

I think Fender took it out of production when they took over. Competition too stiff for their preamps?

I often blend it with a dry signal, so I guess I am using it more like an effect than a straight up pre.

 

[jdthebassman]

alembic f1-x. non tube the sadowsky preamp

 

[johnk_10]

UA 6176

 

[JimmyM]

I have a Stella, and love it.

I think Fender took it out of production when they took over. Competition too stiff for their preamps?

I often blend it with a dry signal, so I guess I am using it more like an effect than a straight up pre.

It was discontinued long before Fender bought out SWR.