Choice of pre-amp: Boogie, VHT, Engl or Brunetti

[Donkey Abdul]

Hi,

I'll skip the introduction.
I have decided to go for a rack system. I will get the Brunetti Silver Bullet power-amp but I am not sure which pre-amp to get. I am considering four options:

*Mesa Boogie Rectifier Recording pre-amp

*VHT GP3

*Brunetti Mille!
http://www.brunetti.it/products.php?prodID=17&lang=EN

*Engl E570
http://www.engl-amps.com/engl-amps/amps/rackgear/e570/default.htm


The Mesa and the Engl have stereo outputs, the Brunetti and VHT pre-amps don't. It's not really a problem, I can always use a Y-split cable.
Which of those four pre-amps is the best?

 

[Burkwieser]

Re: Choice of pre-amp: Boogie, VHT, Engl or Brunetti

Hi,

I'll skip the introduction.
I have decided to go for a rack system. I will get the Brunetti Silver Bullet power-amp but I am not sure which pre-amp to get. I am considering four options:

*Mesa Boogie Rectifier Recording pre-amp

*VHT GP3

*Brunetti Mille!
http://www.brunetti.it/products.php?prodID=17&lang=EN

*Engl E570
http://www.engl-amps.com/engl-amps/amps/rackgear/e570/default.htm


The Mesa and the Engl have stereo outputs, the Brunetti and VHT pre-amps don't. It's not really a problem, I can always use a Y-split cable.
Which of those four pre-amps is the best?

You may also want to check on a Randall RM4 or a Egnater M4. The Randall sound clips don't do it justice. Try one out in a music store.

http://amazingtone.com/generic.html?pid=0
http://www.egnater.com/preamp.htm
http://www.randallamplifiers.com/mts/mts.asp

 

[Young Angus]

Re: Choice of pre-amp: Boogie, VHT, Engl or Brunetti

Engl of course

 

[Zerberus]

Re: Choice of pre-amp: Boogie, VHT, Engl or Brunetti

Of those listed, the VHT. The others either sound flimsy in comparison (IMO) or are made flimsy

 

[some_dude]

Re: Choice of pre-amp: Boogie, VHT, Engl or Brunetti

I have a Recto Recording Pre and it's a great preamp. I can't really do a comparison however as I've never tried the others you mention. I will say though that it was only so-so when used with my old Mesa 50-50, but when I switched to a Mesa 2:100 it really came to life and sounds awesome (if your version of awesome includes Recto tone).

So, from my experience, I'd say that unless you'll be using a 2:100, you might want to look elsewhere.

Where in Afghanistan are you? I spent 7 months in Kabul in late 03 to early 04.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Choice of pre-amp: Boogie, VHT, Engl or Brunetti

Ooo, looks like an even split!
I say: Engl!!

 

[mrid]

Re: Choice of pre-amp: Boogie, VHT, Engl or Brunetti

Have you considered the Mesa Quad? That's a great piece of equipment.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Choice of pre-amp: Boogie, VHT, Engl or Brunetti

Ooo, looks like an even split!
I say: Engl!!

Yeah, I'd have to try both to know. My gut tells me the ENGL or VHT.
I saw the inside of a Brunetti amp once, and it looked like Peavey quality, not ENGL quality. I agree about Screamin Daisy's Mesa 2:100 power amp suggestion. For power amps, I'd go VHT or Mesa. That 2:100 supposedly sounds better than the 2:90.

Another suggestion....buy that ENGL Powerball halfstack that's in the Trader Section.

 

[Young Angus]

Re: Choice of pre-amp: Boogie, VHT, Engl or Brunetti

Another suggestion....buy that ENGL Powerball halfstack that's in the Trader Section.

HERE HERE! Do that dude, you wont look back :cool2:

 

[shroudofimpurity]

Re: Choice of pre-amp: Boogie, VHT, Engl or Brunetti

With out a doubt the Engl e570!!!!! I am about to get one myself, my friend has one and the thing is amazing! The construction on this bad boy is rock solid!! It has great tones from metal to jazz. Here is a clip of some Al Dimeola stuff he recorded direct out with it:

http://www.digitalsoundplanet.com/Members/000126206_000022158.mp3