Author Topic: Tone comparison between Eden Metro and F1-X/F2B circuit (Read 154 times)

lothartu · « **on:** December 03, 2005, 09:51:04 AM »

I currently have an Eden Metro combo amp but I'm thinking of ditching it and going with an F1-X/F2B poweramp setup.

For those that have been able to listen to both circuits how would you describe an Eden Metro tube channel (channel 2) as compared to the F1-X/F2B circuit?

I've never been able to check out a F1-X/F2B in real life and there isn't anywhere within a few hundered miles of me where I might be able to see one in a store.

ty in advance
-Jim

son_of_magni · « **Reply #1 on:** December 03, 2005, 12:59:18 PM »

Hi Jim, I can't help you with your question but when it comes time to get rid of your Metro, I do take donations!

gbarchus · « **Reply #2 on:** December 04, 2005, 06:48:06 AM »

Jim,

I have an Eden VT 300 and an F2B that I use with a Mesa Boogie M180. I know the VT 300 is different than your Metro, but I would say that both of my rigs are very similar in sound. In fact, the greatest difference is probably that the Eden uses 6550 tubes and the Mesa Boogie uses 6L6s. How to use the EQ on the F2B is quite diffferent and takes a little time to figure out because the treble, mid and bass are interactive.

Gale

cosmic · « **Reply #3 on:** December 07, 2005, 05:56:07 PM »

Jim,

i have tried both and own an Eden wt800 head. The Metro used only a 12Ax7 preamp tube and a solid state power section.
The Alembic preamps use 12AX7 pre tubes, and then whateverp poweramp you choose to mate it to.

I do not think you can go wrong with either. In fact, I was in the market for both and got the Wt800 because I got a deal on it and the price was significantly lower than the cost of the Alembic pre-amp+power amp schema.

That said, I would still like an Alembic preamp in my rack to have the option because it is a wonderful sounding preamp.

You really cannot go wrong with either.

On the differences, the Eden amp by itself will give you more options in regards to EQing. The Eden EQ is excellent and is very versatile. I would think with -- and correct me if I am wrong -- you may want to add a SF-2 filter to the Alembic system in order to open up more tone possibilities in regards to EQ options. Remember the Alembic tone stack is like an old Fender. You have bass, middle treble, and any adjustment to one affects the other. With the Eden each control is mutally exclusive of the other.

Sometimes, keeping it simple is a much better approach.

It is really hard for me to suggest one or the other. It depends on your needs, size of the system you wish to build etc. If you're buidlign up a big rack system and may wish to add many cabinets to them -- then the Alembic pre + a replaceable poweramp may be the key.

As far as sound goes -- consider guys like Phil Lesh and Roger Waters both used the Alembic F2B throughout the '70s and got some of the best bass tones in the world. Lesh uses an Eden now -- but you have to consider his tone has always been great using either one of the presamps. As well, guys like David Gilmour have made the F2B (modded with an extra 12ax7 tube) a staple of their sound for decades now. And dont forget Sting's tone -- also great -- who currently runs and Alembic F1x as his preamp.

Point is, you cannot go wrong with either and when I have the time/money/etc I plan on having both systems.

jlpicard · « **Reply #4 on:** December 08, 2005, 06:39:16 AM »

Jim, I have been using an Eden WT300 since '94 and a SF-2 in combination for the last five years through a Euphonic Audio VL-208 and VL-110 and the combination has been extremely versatile. The tone is very natural, warm and full, not to mention easy to get around. I use the Eden to set my basic tone and then tweak the room with the SF-2.

jlpicard · « **Reply #5 on:** December 08, 2005, 06:44:18 AM »

Jim, I have been using an Eden WT300 since '94 and a SF-2 in combination for the last five years through a Euphonic Audio VL-208 and VL-110 and the combination has been extremely versatile. The tone is very natural, warm and full, not to mention easy to get around. I use the Eden to set my basic tone and then tweak the room with the SF-2.

lothartu · « **Reply #6 on:** December 09, 2005, 04:50:33 AM »

Great, thanks for all the info everyone.

I do like my eden metro a lot, it really sounds great, but my back isn't what it used to be and the metro comes in at 80+lbs. It has casters installed so it rolls fine but dead lifting it is a problem for me.

I was picturing using a F1X/F2B with a two space poweramp in a rack which should come in at under 50lbs (much less if I went with a QSC PLX). Then I could run a couple of 1x12 cabinets. This setup would allow for using either 1 or 2 cabs depending on the situation and everything can be easily carried and not break my back.

I picked up an Aguilar GS112 recently so I thought that maybe I could sell my Eden Metro for enough to cover the cost of picking up a F1X/F2B and a good power amp. This would have me up and running with only the need to get another 1x12.

-Jim

cosmic · « **Reply #7 on:** December 09, 2005, 07:12:37 AM »

Totally understand the back thing Jim!

I havemy wt800 rackmounted in a 6 space w/power conditioner, tuner and 2 space drawer. It can be rather heavy. Then I have a 410 cab which is a back breaker.

i have also considered, like you, getting two 1-12's. This would give me a modular rig of a 1-12, 2 -12's or a 410 when needed.

Eden makes a really nice 1-12 if you have not checked it out yet.

Good luck with the rig.