two tube preamps, based on sound alone, which would you prefer? is one better at one thing and the other better at another perhaps? I want to record a pretty wide range of sounds - acoustic guitars, vocals, drums, bass, choirs, orchestral instruments, distorted guitars (and distorted versions of everything else), ukulele, synths and keys, pianos, accordions, organs.... not that i want a one-size fits all preamp but which works better for what, or which is better overall?
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
Altec 1566a v. Bellari RP220
- Thread starter Kasey
- Start date
craigmorris74
New member
I've neve used the Altec, but the Bellari with tube and transformer upgrades sounds like a real hi-fi tube pre.
It depends on how much work you're willing / able to put in to it.
As they are in their current condition, the Bellari would probably be your better bet. The Altec is really old, and would likely be in serious need of re-capping. If you're cool with re-capping, and the mic pre is otherwise in good condition, then the Altec would probably be your better option.
.
As they are in their current condition, the Bellari would probably be your better bet. The Altec is really old, and would likely be in serious need of re-capping. If you're cool with re-capping, and the mic pre is otherwise in good condition, then the Altec would probably be your better option.
.
Rodger Hartlett
New member
The Altec might be a little noisey in its raw form. replacing caps will help .Re-soldering the joints with fresh solder will also improve the noise floor . The Altec is a bit more of the 'real thang' as there are only tubes and tranformers in the audio. You could try swapping the 12ax7 for a 12at7 for less gain and cleaner sound if you don't need all that gain.
Judging by the schematic of the Atec , the High/Low gain switch switches out the 1st stage of the first Triode. There might be a phase problem because of this in the low position as each stage of triode does 180degreesof shift and in the 'low' position there are only three stages.
Judging by the schematic of the Atec , the High/Low gain switch switches out the 1st stage of the first Triode. There might be a phase problem because of this in the low position as each stage of triode does 180degreesof shift and in the 'low' position there are only three stages.