preamp recommendations

[Jack_TriPpEr]

I am looking for a preamp that has great clean and overdrive sounds. If it also happens to have great high gain tones, that would be gravy, but I am already planning to get my high gain tones from a separate preamp dedicated to that purpose.

I am currently considering the Engl E530 preamp for the clean and overdrive sounds. I haven't tried one out myself yet, but am leaning that way based on how much I liked the clean and overdrive sounds in the Engl Thunder that I had tried.

Any other preamps for clean and overdrive that I should consider instead?

I guess I should mention my budget goal on this: say 550 max, and *used* vs. new.

Thanks

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: preamp recommendations

The 530 is great.

 

[speed2dirt]

Re: preamp recommendations

Honestly, while I was reading your post I thought ENGL. I have the Tube Toner E430 preamp pedal and have had an E520 preamp. Both are great! The E430 is supposedly the E530 in pedal format and would achieve what you want a little better that the E520.

 

[Little Pigbacon]

Re: preamp recommendations

I soooooo want to do the preamp thing.

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: preamp recommendations

I soooooo want to do the preamp thing.

10 years ago I had a pretty sick rack rig --
ENGL 530 preamp, Marshall EL34 100/100 power amp, and a full stack.
Played a bunch of big shows with that rig including 2 March Metal Meltdown festivals opening for Symphony X.

Lugging it around got to be more hassle than it was worth, however, and eventually "downsized"to a Splawn Quick Rod...

 

[dominus]

Re: preamp recommendations

I soooooo want to do the preamp thing.

Great for recording. Real preamp into power amp plugin and cabinet IR sounds better than most amp sims.

 

[El Supremo]

Re: preamp recommendations

The E530 is fantastic for the money. Had it paired with a Marshall 9100 and later on with a Mesa Boogie 50/50. It also has a SS poweramp on board which is nice for practice when volume is an issue.
The older Mesa Boogie preamps can't be beat for me though. If you can get a Studio or a Quad used it will be within your budget.

 

[dominus]

Re: preamp recommendations

If it was for metal, I'd recommend the Peavey Rockmaster. Never tried the clean/overdrive sounds on it.

 

[Gibson 1964]

Re: preamp recommendations

As an ENGL 520 owner...

I woudn't go ENGL for the cleans and lighter overdrive.

Honestly, at that point, I'd get a Frenzel. (Within your budget)

Peavey Rockmaster has a really solid clean channel. Not sure I'd say it has great overdrive. Its more of a metal/clean IME.


I would consider the Soldano SP-77 as well.

 

[Jeffblue]

Re: preamp recommendations

I would have you consider a Peavey Rockmaster tube preamp, if you can find one. I have three and I love them.

 

[El Supremo]

Re: preamp recommendations

I would consider the Soldano SP-77 as well.

If you want a

+1 Forgot I owned one of those. Had a fantastic clean sound and a smooth lead.