Author Topic: Will i hear a great difference...? (Read 127 times)

dubalbal · « **on:** April 27, 2009, 09:36:45 AM »

...following a previous thread , i just bought an Aguilar db-680 preamp . Will i hear a great difference in the sound if i choose a mosfet power amp instead of an all-tube power amp ( db-728 Aguilar )to feed it ?

Thank's !

Alain

bsee · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2009, 10:02:58 AM »

I expect that it is possible. With a high quality solid state power amp, you should hear the character of the instrument and preamp with no tonal contribution from power. With tubes, you have to expect that you will get some contribution to tone from the natural power tube compression.

Of course, most speaker cabinets will impart their character to the tone as well. Selecting gear is really like the tone controls of the passive tone stack. The components all interact and you might have to tweak more than one knob to get what you're hoping for.

Personally, I would go with a sizable solid state power amp and let the pre have a larger voice in determining the final tone. It should result in a more portable and efficient system. It should also be more reliable with less maintenance in the long term.

dubalbal · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2009, 11:29:07 AM »

...i was thinking about a QSC or Lab Gruppen as i've been recommended...i hope that with a high quality solid state power amp , the difference of sound or tone will be minor...

In terms of maintenance and weight of course , i think it will be more comfortable as well with a solid state .

chalie_holmes · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2009, 12:42:43 PM »

Hey Alain,
Personally, I use the QSC 2450 power amp.
In addition I use the SF for bottom and the FX for the treble. I love the power and clarity of the QSC. As far as pre-amp I guess you can always set it flat just to get the pure sound of your axe, but for me, owning an Alembic, I had to use their pre-amplifers because it's like hand and glove bread and butter aurally speaking of course. It all hinges on what you actually looking for aurally. If you are in a position to tryout what you are intrested using then you should do so as it will save you money in the long run. You can view my rig on showcase, then go to distillate basses then go to Chalie's Distillate.