Author Topic: Aguilar DB 680 (Read 137 times)

willie · « **on:** November 17, 2008, 12:12:28 PM »

I was considering getting a Aguilar DB 680 Pre Amp. Anyone have any opinions or experience with these?
Willie

2400wattman · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2008, 12:32:36 PM »

I have one and it's been my first piece of very high end bass pre amps. I absolutely love it's ease of operation, tone and reliability.
They don't make them anymore but I think the used market for them is around $800.00-1,000.00.
If you can get your hands on one get it and you won't regret it.

willie · « **Reply #2 on:** November 17, 2008, 01:07:27 PM »

Do you have an Alembic F-1X and if so how do they compare?

2400wattman · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2008, 06:31:27 PM »

Yes, I have an F1-X as well. They both have X-overs but the Ag. has level controls for the lows and highs where the F1-X has a control only for the highs. It also has blend controls for the effects loop, tuner output and other goodies. It has some features that the F1-X does not have which are very useful if not mandatory (in my opinion).
However, I use my F1-X and Super Filter in it's efx loop as my main rig. Now the F1-X is a great preamp by itself but, with the Superfilter in the signal chain and the sounds they provide together is why I use this set up over the Aggie. I really like the sounds that filtering provide. It's(the superfilter) operation is similar to parametric e.q.'s but the sound is drastically different.
I know it sounds like I'm really pushing the Alembic stuff here but the Aguilar IS a fantastic pre amp. With it's two bands of fully parametric e.q. bass and treble controls it has tons of gutsy studio quality sound.
You could get an F1-X and Superfilter used for probably the same amount or maybe a little more than the Aguilar but, Superfilters rarely come up for sale on the used market as opposed to the F1-X whisch come up quite often.
Again, if you've got a line on a good used DB 680 pick it up as it will be one of the best investments in your rig.

willie · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2008, 07:27:30 PM »

Actually I'm already using an F1-X with an SF-2 in the effects loops as the the heart my main system. I was just considering the 680 as something different. 10 tube stages gotta sound good

2400wattman · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2008, 09:26:35 PM »

10 tube stages do sound very good and it is different and a gratifying piece of gear.

lbpesq · « **Reply #6 on:** November 18, 2008, 07:47:24 AM »

Didn't they make a Nigel Tufnel signature model with 11 tube stages? hehehehe

Bill, tgo

2400wattman · « **Reply #7 on:** November 18, 2008, 08:30:44 AM »

Bill, I saw that you posted here and I knew there was something sarcastic coming!;)

lbpesq · « **Reply #8 on:** November 18, 2008, 09:34:08 AM »

Sarcastic? Me thinks not, just an attempt at humor. (Nigel Tufnel played guitar for Spinal Tap).

Bill, tgo

dnburgess · « **Reply #9 on:** November 18, 2008, 11:32:56 AM »

I thought he was an English cricketer.

lbpesq · « **Reply #10 on:** November 18, 2008, 12:35:17 PM »

Isn't that a big Buddy Holly fan from Manchester?

Bill, tgo

willie · « **Reply #11 on:** November 18, 2008, 02:34:49 PM »

Still not sure whether to try for the DB680 or not or how it sounds

LMiwa · « **Reply #12 on:** November 18, 2008, 03:38:40 PM »

Personally, for something I'm interested in, I check for feedback to avoid the truly awful stuff, but then I buy it at a good used price and try it out. I have to use it in my musical context - in a store, other people's opinions, etc. don't really tell me how it will work for ME. Then, if I like it, I keep it. If I don't, hopefully I bought it at a price where I can resell it for only a slight loss.

The DB680 is certainly a good piece of equipment. If you can pick it up for a decent price, go for it. If you don't like it, put it back on eBay!

lbpesq · « **Reply #13 on:** November 18, 2008, 04:38:49 PM »

Willie:

Here is a link to the reviews of this pre-amp at harmony-central.com. This is the best gear review site I know of. I always check here before buying new equipment.

Bill, tgo

briant · « **Reply #14 on:** November 19, 2008, 03:56:33 PM »

I own a DB680. It kills. Buy one. You won't be disappointed. It is by far one of the best sounding preamps I've ever played through. Nice tubey goodness all around. It reacts wonderfully when you overdrive the input - that grinding Entwistle tone happens like magic when coupled with an Alembic bass.

My DB680 is currently sitting in a rack with a Stewart World 1.6 power amp and it drives a 4 Ohm Markbass 4x10. This setup weighs less than my Mesa Boogie Venture combo amp and it destroys it in the tone department - and I love the tone from the Mesa Boogie. The Aguilar is just that much better.