Compressor or Big Headroom?

[bigredbass]

I want to wade into a big question.
 
What do you all think of this:
 
Trace-Elliott (back in the pre-Gibson, pre-Ashdown days) made the premise that with big headroom, compression was not needed.  While that is technically true, big headroom does not 'pull up' the less-surely played parts of a tune that a good compressor would.  Yet while doing that, I've given up some dynamic range by using the compressor to sound smoother.
 
So, in your experiences, what do you prefer? Big headroom (big amps, that is) without the 'smoothing' effect of a good compressor, or a somewhat 'smoothed' sound with the accompanying slightly 'squashed' feel?
 
I would appreciate all of your advice.  Mentally, I've chased this one around the block many times and can't come to a finality.  
 
I know some of you may say 'you have to have the RIGHT compressor', but I'd rather hear your feedback as an 'either/or' case.
 
Thank You All,
 
J o e y
 

[rockandroller]

IMHO its not actually the compression (upwards expansion) that kills your dynamic range... its the limiting (downward contraction).
 
I think a compressor/expander/gate 'correctly set up' along with MASSIVE amounts of headroom is the ideal solution...

[dannobasso]

I only use compression for recording. With the accuracy of Alembic's basses and preamps, you can practice playing evenly. I find that without processing, I can play with whatever nuance I need.   I know they are unforgiving of unusual performances.This can be demonstrated by allowing any other player try your gear. Good technique give good tone. The opposite is also true. Many sound men have a few processors in their racks to deal with whatever you give them. (Usually squash the hell out of it anyway)  Right now I use a F1X, QSCplx1602 Acme B2(4 ohm) and Epifani 310 (5.3 ohm). I only loop a Korg DTR-2 into the preamp. No crossover, just fullrange out, amp set to parallel. To each his own, that's what Alembic is all about.