Author Topic: Preamp vs Power amp (Read 5080 times)

everton_fc · « **on:** November 03, 2005, 08:53:46 AM »

Hi - I'm using a master volume Silverface Twin. The way I set it up is to havethe Master Volume cranked and bring up the channel volume accordingly. I find I get a lush sound that way.

However, is that the best way for this amp to operate? I know the master volume was introduced so you could crank the input channel more, but I find cranking the master and bringing up the input channel sounds really open...

I guess the silverface Twin isn't really going to go into natural overdrive by lowering the master volume and cranking the input channel - it's just not that kind of amp in my opinion,

Anyway, if anyone can offer any words of wisdom of how these amps, or any similar amps are to be run at their optimum performance (except with everything on 10) and what the differences will be in performance between cranking master volume or cranking input channel volume, that would be great. Many thanks.

steve · « **Reply #1 on:** November 03, 2005, 10:55:35 AM »

Getting the power amp section to work hard will always give you a fuller warm tone that sounds more musical than having the preamp volume up higher.

TwilightOdyssey · « **Reply #2 on:** November 03, 2005, 11:50:38 AM »

Quote from: steve

Getting the power amp section to work hard will always give you a fuller warm tone that sounds more musical than having the preamp volume up higher.

Theoretically. Not everyone preferes power amp distortion, tho.

math2014 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2005, 05:21:57 PM »

On my Laney LC30 (el84) actually i hate how poweramp distortion sounds.

ie, MV at 7 and gain at 7 and it is buzz city... like the grille is rattling or something.

Having said that, clean channel with MV7+ is VERY nice.

Having having said that :shock: , i am using a hotplate with the LC, and obviously at -16db when i attempt to hit the MV above 4/10, so that could come into play as well, or simple that my EL84 (NAD or TAD something) dont like too much drive.

indysmith · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2005, 06:16:57 PM »

my jcm's poweramps DON'T distort. on full master volume, it is completely completely clean if i have the preamp gain down
is this weird?

steve · « **Reply #5 on:** November 03, 2005, 06:29:23 PM »

Quote from: TwilightOdyssey

Quote from: steve
Getting the power amp section to work hard will always give you a fuller warm tone that sounds more musical than having the preamp volume up higher.

Theoretically. Not everyone preferes power amp distortion, tho.

Of course,not taking into account personnel preference.

math2014 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 03, 2005, 06:50:27 PM »

Quote from: indysmith

my jcm's poweramps DON'T distort. on full master volume, it is completely completely clean if i have the preamp gain down
is this weird?

No if you got the preamp vol down the poweramp wont distort in mine either, it is like having the guitar volume down... it cleans up.

indysmith · « **Reply #7 on:** November 03, 2005, 07:19:20 PM »

well thats good - i just couldn't really have the preamp above 0 (ACTUALLY ZERO - OMG) to test it - its soooo bloody loud, and i have parents and neighbours, hehehe

math2014 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 03, 2005, 07:35:24 PM »

Quote from: indysmith

well thats good - i just couldn't really have the preamp above 0 (ACTUALLY ZERO - OMG) to test it - its soooo bloody loud, and i have parents and neighbours, hehehe

tell me about it man...

the only way for me to experiment with things like these is Hotplate...

indysmith · « **Reply #9 on:** November 03, 2005, 09:46:29 PM »

hotplate is needed by indy. but first a job is needed. meh. i'm already a full time rock star, and i have full time student stuff kinda wrapping round that aswell - i don't have time for a part time job aswell. grrr.
is it worth getting one for the JCM800 yeah? By all accounts i've heard so far IT IS