150.00 vs 500.00 preamp - much difference?

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Member Since: Jul 06, 2002

I have a Blue Tube preamp (cost 150.00) and wanted to know if one for around 500.00 would make THAT much difference? Thanx for any help..

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Contributor
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jul 06, 2002 08:21 pm

i personally think so.. my friend here in town has an art preamp.. that does sound pretty good, but i can tell a difference between his art and my hhb.

its all about the quality of the internal components. and in general, if you are going to pay the money, the components should be better.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jul 06, 2002 09:19 pm

The better preamps have better tubes (if a tube preamp, of course) usually more options as far as the units it can interface with. Consumer and pro gear run at different levels many times, most higher-end gear can run with both. You can see these by them having a -10/+4 switch to run at consumer level or pro level. SOme of the better ones will have more tonal control and better, cleaner, more transparent circuitry producing a more accurate sound.

In short, 'yes'.

Member
Since: Jul 06, 2002


Jul 06, 2002 11:23 pm

Thanx guys. I was hoping for the answer you gave, since i'm not to happy with my Blue Tube. If tubes is a major factor in having a good sound then heck i'm just might buy the Behringer T1953 and replace their stock tubes with some high quality ones. Collapse, what does hhb stand for?
Thanx again for the replies..

Art

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jul 07, 2002 01:30 am

Oh Yow! Be carefull with that approach! Yes the tube used is important but not everything! Just replacing tubes can be a little difficult too depending on the circuit design. One way to reduce price in a unit is to use fewer tubes and make each tube work harder. Another is to use low tolorance componants and "sloppy" circuit design which often lends to noise. Downloading the specifications is one place to start. There is no substitute to listening. You can also hit a few professional studio's on the net as well. They often advertise the gear they use in an attempt to differientiate from the competition. See what they use. Behringer is really pushing the envelope right now for cost and quality. Some others are riding out their name. Soficitation is not always a good indicator either as many simple circuits work better than the complicated ones that where developed to get around the patent of the simple ones.

Good Luck!, and plese let us know what you decide on and why!

Member
Since: Jul 06, 2002


Jul 07, 2002 03:02 am

I will. Thanx Walt!
The Behringer T1953 seems pretty 'simple'(no eq, comp, enhancer, etc). The Art stuff looks pretty good for around 500.00. The new Joemeek VC1Q is VERY enticing. Anyway, i'll inform of my decision. Thanx for the help all!

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jul 08, 2002 12:25 am

In order of the quality, JoeMeek unit is the butt kicker of those 3, the Berhinger is a close second, but like Walt said, they are riding the edge with some of their gear. I use Berhinger heavily here, and will continue to do so, as I have had not one lick of trouble with their gear.

And I will second his opinion on LISTEN. go to a good gear store if you can and take a serious listen to the piece's youa re considering. It is your ear that will decide. If you are not confident about listening, bring someone who is.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jul 08, 2002 07:16 am

ah-ha, WILT, I think ol' Walt has a new nickname!

Member
Since: Jul 06, 2002


Jul 08, 2002 01:37 pm

Thank God for the 'Edit' button!!!

Sorry bout that Walt..

Art

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Jul 08, 2002 11:40 pm

NO , Wilt was good. We have had worse typo's made here. Wilt even made one a week or so ago. I believe it was refering to one of the beverly hillbilly's.

Contributor
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jul 09, 2002 03:58 pm

www.hhbusa.com/FMPro?-db=...=USA&-find=

theres the link to the hhb product i have.. its a pretty nice preamp all around. as said, it does have a few more features built into it: eq, gate, compression.

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer
Member
Since: May 10, 2002


Jul 09, 2002 09:55 pm

Ah yes. It is wonderfull to be loved! Don't sweat the small stuff. My wife will love the nick name. I am sure she will get a lot of milage out of that one! Ole Wilt fat fingers a few on ocassion too, usually with less humourous results. My whit fails me. I am thinking of the viagra add where everyone notices the profound difference in the office environment. I just can't seem to make anything out of it. Must be walthimers....or wilthimers?

Member
Since: Jul 06, 2002


Jul 10, 2002 02:19 am

Great forum! Thanx for all the help guys! From what i've learned so far, from this thread and other forums, my choice will probably be the HHB Radius 10/40, possibly the Presonus MP20 - both around 500.00.

Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jul 10, 2002 05:40 am

My typical "support the community" links:

HHB Radius 10: service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear

Presonus MP20: service.bfast.com/bfast/c...mp;bfmtype=gear

couldn't find an affiliate link for the Radius 40 :(

Contributor
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Jul 10, 2002 03:27 pm

yea i noticed that.. they do carry that piece.. but its not listed on their website or the print catalog. dunno whats up with that.

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