Boogie preamps

Ki swordsman · #1 06-12-2003, 02:04 AM

Formula?, Quad?, Studio?, V-twin?

yes i still haven't decided on a preamp, i was buying an Engl e530
but that deal fell through

so any info on the mesa gear above would be handy

from what i've read the studio pre is the best followed by quad then formula then v-twin

Platypus · #2 06-12-2003, 07:09 AM

I would change the order to Quad followed by the Studio.
I used to own a Triaxis but I sold it to get a Quad instead and I haven't regretted it for a second. IMO the Quad is the best preamp Mesa has ever put out, it's way more dynamic and less compressed than the Triaxis on high gain sounds. The Triaxis is a little better at getting those super slick clean sounds though but that's the only thing it does better.
They stopped production of the Quad more than ten years ago but like all Mesa gear they're built like tanks so there are lots of Quads out there in excellent shape. If you get one without the floorboard you'll need something like a MIDI Octopus to control it.

Ki swordsman · #3 06-12-2003, 08:16 AM

actually just then i emailed a guy who is selling a quad for $350

7 Dying Trees · #4 06-12-2003, 01:36 PM

None of the above. Get a Triaxis. Bit more expense yes, but it's well worth it in my book, and you'll have a hard time getting bored with the sounds it produces, there's always room to play!

Mandrak · #5 06-12-2003, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7 Dying Trees

None of the above. Get a Triaxis. Bit more expense yes, but it's well worth it in my book, and you'll have a hard time getting bored with the sounds it produces, there's always room to play!

Yes. I´ve tested the Quad recently and tsc tsc tsc...
Same thing for the Vs and Formula.

But just take a look at the Recto Recording Preamp, just in case

Gearjunky · #6 06-12-2003, 07:41 PM

Well I would have to say that the Quad and the studio are the best preamps Boogie ever put out. I also own 2 Triaxis preamps that I never really use. The Triaxis is not capable of putting out a super high gain sound without becoming muddy, but they are great for blues stuff.
You are much better off with the Engl. It is better than any Boogie ever made.
Boogie amps have become such garbage in the last few years since they started mass producing the cookie cutter style amps.
The trouble with a Quad or Studio, or any Boogie for that matter is that you have to find a "GOOD" one.
Before you buy one, definately try it out.
In my experience 75-80% of Boogie amps sound very muddy with no bottom end definition, and a buzzsaw like cheesy distortion like a rectifier.
You would be happier with a JMP1

Ki swordsman · #7 06-12-2003, 10:31 PM

now i'm not sure what to do

the triaxis and recto are too price heavy

i have read about alot of people replacing a triaxis with a quad anyway

trying anything out is not possible
the only music shops i can get to don't sell hardly any rack gear

i'd definitely get the engl if i could i'd also love an IE4 but the trouble is finding one online
and at a good price

help me out guys do you think i should still try to get this quad?

Mr Orange · #8 06-13-2003, 02:02 AM

Hmmm.... for $350 Quad is not bad at all. Check it out, if it works ok, buy it, swap in some new tubes and off ya go.

Ki swordsman · #9 06-13-2003, 02:31 AM

yeah i will if i can

i gotta admit though i don't like the fact it takes up 3 rack spaces
thats 6 filled up with just pre/FX/poweramp!

somata · #10 06-17-2003, 11:59 AM

i know this is quickly becoming my default preamp answer :P , but i'd suggest the hughes and kettner access, triaxis features and sound for quad price...do a seach on some of my other posts about it.