Pushing a preamp on a hybird...

[SeraphimTN]

The H&K has a pure signal into a tube preamp then into a solid state power amp. My thought is why couldn't I push the preamp for some warmth?? I tested it at low volumes, not much difference. Tested it at high volumes and it was night and day! Added warmth and an amazingly present top end, not shrill at all. Kinda like a blanket being lifted off the cab. Now there may be another explanation for this, i dunno. All I know is that the preamp pushed all the way at louder volumes sounded better than when not pushed. Here's the outcome...scuse the few mistakes.....
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/songInfo.cfm?bandID=408886&songID=4942535

 

[astrozombie]

Re: Pushing a preamp on a hybird...

I have a Marshall Hybrid, and it does sound better turned up.

maybe a new tube would also change it around a bit?

 

[SeraphimTN]

Re: Pushing a preamp on a hybird...

I have a Marshall Hybrid, and it does sound better turned up.

maybe a new tube would also change it around a bit?

Which one? The AVT's and VS series have a tube but it's pretty much not in the path from what I see of the schematics.

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: Pushing a preamp on a hybird...

The H&K preamps definitely behave like full tube amp pre's. If you push the preamp hard and reduce the master volume you'll get a very different sound. I've noticed this on my old Attax preamp (the basis for most of their subsequent hybrids) and also on the Tube 50 we have at church. I realize the Tube 50 is a tube power amp, but the relationship between the pre and power amp is the same. Cranking the pre makes for a blastier, more in your face tone, and running it low makes for a fizzier, thinner sound.

 

[baritone]

Re: Pushing a preamp on a hybird...

I like that tone. Power amp tubes, preamp tubes, and even solid state preamps fuzz up a little more when pushed. Sometimes I'll even run a clean boost into an overdrive pedal in order to overdrive the overdrive, and I end up with unique tones. Most hybrid amps don't sound much different from solid state amps, but H&K sounds good.