Anyone tried the new $99 Samson C-Class Series Tube Pre-Amp?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jeffree
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J

jeffree

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I just picked up a Studio Projects B1 mic for my Yamaha aw16g. Alas, the old problem--not enough input gain--so I'll need a cheap but useable pre-amp for my modest home system, and I've read some good mag reviews of this new $99 Samson. I own and like Samson's C-Class headphone amp, which is small and perfect for my desktop system. Now, before I buy, I'm wondering if anyone out there has tried the new pre-amp. Looks good on paper, but...

Thanks for any experience you can share.

J.
 
My guess is that it'll sound EXACTLY like a $99 toob pre..... ick!

YMMV.....
 
You'd be better off with a dual channel M-Audio DMP3, if you can "haggle"
one for $119 at Guitar Center, or the Studio Projects VTB-1 (my preference).
I think the VTB-1 is still $129 at www.bpmmusic.com with free shipping.

In line as to what the "Bear" indicated, commiting to a toob sound on ALL your
tracks is way too much. A starved plate design like this relies upon distortion
to create its "sound" BTW. Once in a while it can be a cool effect, but for most
amateurs (like me), it's better to leave it as an option during mixing, not tracking
-if at all!

Chris

P.S. Are you monitoring with just headphones and/or "computer" speakers?
 
Thanks, guys. Maybe I should just pick up an M-Audio Audio Buddy for $80 and forget about the tubes for now.

Chris, I'm doing a rough mix on phones before using small monitors (M-Audio BX5s).

Thanks, again, for your thoughts~

J.
 
J., originally I was planning to do this over the Holidays, however...

If you are interested in my VTB-1 (excellent condition), we can discuss
purchasing it within your $99 budget via "PM" (private message).
This would include "free shipping" in the price BTW.

It is noticably superior to an Audio Buddy (quieter/more gain).
The starved plate "tube blend" feature can be deleted by not
engaging that control knob-then it works purely solid state.

Let me know if it's O.K., and I'll PM you by tomorrow or sooner.

I have another mic pre, the DBX 760X, which is inferior to the DMP3
and VTB-1, that will be sent to www.audioupgrades.com to be modded
through Jim Williams ($300), by the end of the year.

The 760X is good enough to get me by in the meantime.

Chris
 
chessparov said:
J., originally I was planning to do this over the Holidays, however...

If you are interested in my VTB-1 (excellent condition), we can discuss
purchasing it within your $99 budget via "PM" (private message).
This would include "free shipping" in the price BTW.

It is noticably superior to an Audio Buddy (quieter/more gain).
The starved plate "tube blend" feature can be deleted by not
engaging that control knob-then it works purely solid state.

Let me know if it's O.K., and I'll PM you by tomorrow or sooner.

I have another mic pre, the DBX 760X, which is inferior to the DMP3
and VTB-1, that will be sent to www.audioupgrades.com to be modded
through Jim Williams ($300), by the end of the year.

The 760X is good enough to get me by in the meantime.

Chris
Click to expand...
Why are you dumping the VTB-1? It has sounded like you've been very happy with it.
 
Because it sucks!

Only kidding, it's an excellent product.

The VTB-1 a good, quiet pre, however, I like to experiment a lot and rotate the "inventory" :D at home occasionally.
Sometimes, the "tube blend" feature on it is cool too.
Mates well with the SP B1 I have, and especially "200 Ohm"
dynamic mirophones, like a M88 or 421.

The most I'll be out is about $30, if I get a VTB-1 again.
That could very well happen if and when I pick up an RCA
77DX ribbon eventually (supposed to be killer with VTB-1 per Harvey). If I''m blowing $1000+ on a mic like that, it ain't no
big deal.

I had a total of 4(!) Joe Meek's that were bought/sold over the
years (2 VC3Q's, VC6, VC6Q), for example, and although there
are none "in stock" at the moment, because I just "track" at home so far, they were good boxes IMHO also.

Chris
 
Oh. I wish I could do that. I have a compulsive pack rat mentality, and a house and garage full of shit. I still have my Fender Bassman and Bandmaster amps that I bought used over 30 years ago, even though I only play double bass any more. At least they've appreciated in value.
 
RE:"appreciated in value"

Like you're ever going to sell those amps!
(glad to hear to got a great deal :))

I have a strong pack rat AKA "collector" streak also.
If something going to be a PITA to duplicate, it usually stays at home.

My dumbest move, however, was giving away a pair of Altec-Lansing
"Voice of the Theater" speakers in mint condition (home version).
Worth over $800 (didn't realize how $$$ they were).
Wife didn't like how big they were!

Chris
 
Up late working last night = lack of sleep.
Meant "glad to hear you got a good deal" on last post.

Chris
 
J., after further consideration, decided to keep my VTB-1, at least for the time being. Still think you'd be better off getting that model, or at least the DMP3, over the Audio Buddy.

Best of luck with your selection,
Chris
 
Re: RE:"appreciated in value"

chessparov said:
My dumbest move, however, was giving away a pair of Altec-Lansing
"Voice of the Theater" speakers in mint condition (home version).
Worth over $800 (didn't realize how $$$ they were).
Wife didn't like how big they were!

Chris
Click to expand...

I have a pair of University Acoustic Baton speakers that my wife thought were too large also. I had to move them to the garage for a few years, and when the kids moved out and made some room, I brought them back in. She looked at me in shock and told me she thought I'd gotten rid of them. Like I ever get rid of anything.
 
I have a set of Klipsch Bells my wife would like me to get rid of...like thats going to happen.:rolleyes:
 
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