Bass Head Preamp question

[jakehooker]

Okay, I just bought an all-tube Traynor YBA200 head, and I also have a GK1001RB. I was also offered a good deal on a tube preamp, but it ocurred to me that both amps have preamp in and out jacks. I feel it's a safe assumption that I could get a nice hybrid effect by using the Traynor's preamp section through the GK's power section using an instrument cable from the Traynor's preamp out to the GK's amp in jacks, both amps powered on. (verbose, I know, but I want to be specific to save my gear). If this would work, I assume the GK would be routed to my speaker cab. I also assume the Traynor will need an ohm load, yeah? Idears? Anybody else chaining amps?

[The4455]

You can do that, you should use speaker cables not instrument cables or it won't work and it's not good for your amps, but like I said you should be able to do that, some pictures of the amps you talking about would be helpfull. And you could always buy a preamp to use with your tube preamp and that would be your head, so you should atleast try your idea.

[jakehooker]

That's cool, especially considering I just had some speaker cables made. I guess really I'm trying to figure out if I need 2 cabs, or if the tube head is fine powered on with its only output being through the preamp out. Just playing it safe.

Thanks!

[The4455]

That's cool, especially considering I just had some speaker cables made. I guess really I'm trying to figure out if I need 2 cabs, or if the tube head is fine powered on with its only output being through the preamp out. Just playing it safe.

Thanks!

As long as you match teh impeadence of the power amp, You could also set up both amps through their own cabinets (essentially two stacks) and usa a ABY to go to both, I use a delay in stereo with the time all the way down.

[nad]

It'd be cooler if you ran the GK preamp into the Traynor power amp.

PS: Never run a tube head without a cabinet connected.

EDIT: Because if you do The Gates of Hell literally open (a wee bit).

[McSpunckle]

Tube amps need a load on them, or you could burn up the output transformer (among other things). You either have to emulate a speaker, or connect one. ... or install a switch to switch off the power section and just run the preamp.

Otherwise, your plan would work... but might not end up as cool as you think it will.

[whalesong]

How about nice tatty! :

[bigchiefbc]

You definitely CAN do this, but it definitely won't sound as good as you think it will. Keep in mind that the awesome tube-y sound that you were looking to get out of the Traynor is primarily the sound of overdriving the power section, not the preamp section. Preamp tubes give you a harsher sound than most people think. There are a number of tube preamps you can buy for cheap-ass money, and running them into a solid-state power amp doesn't give you the "overdriven tube amp" sound (as anyone who ever played with the EHX English Muff'n can attest to). As was already mentioned, I'd actually recommend you chain them the other way around (GK pre into Traynor power).

[jakehooker]

Thanks, errbody! I tried it with the Traynor's preamp into the GK's poweramp, and i really dug it. I will try it vice versa at another date... For safety, I had each head connected to a separate cab, and I think as long as the GK was on, the Traynor's cab made no sound, which may or may not be evidence of what someone told me- "The Traynor's power section will be bypassed, so you wouldn't need a dummy load", eh, I still ain't too comfortable with that...

Actually, I was offered a killer deal on a Steamboat tube preamp, handmade in Houston, I may grab that and use it with the GK as my backup amp. That Traynor sounds super rad, and only cost $575, used!

Thanks on the tattoo compliment! That was done by Cara Massacre, who I believe is currently at True Blue in Austin. She's awesome, but I haven't been in touch for awhile...

P. S. I finally recorded demos for my AlgRoar and my Jaguar bass with built-in Fuzzhugger phantom Octave!

[tuffteef]

bass amps use speakon these days right?
out of curiosity and vaguely misguiding the question

[The4455]

bass amps use speakon these days right?
out of curiosity and vaguely misguiding the question

Yes most do ahve speakon connectors, mine does not

[SmallEQ]

bass amps use speakon these days right?
out of curiosity and vaguely misguiding the question

I think there is an EU policy that says anything handling over 300 watts is supposed to be speakon. Have no idea where I heard that, so I could be completely wrong.