In reading the description at the spl-usa.com website, they mention that the gain of the separate solid state amp and tube amp is additive. That is 30dB ss plus 26dB tube plus 7dB Lundahl transformer for a total of 83dB gain. Am I interpreting this correctly?
SG
Comments
Steven, I have never used one of these but from looking at [[url
Steven,
I have never used one of these but from looking at [[url=http://[/URL]="http://www.fullcomp…"]the blurb at Full Compass[/]="http://www.fullcomp…"]the blurb at Full Compass[/], it appears to be everything that one would expect from a good preamp ...
The blurb states "The tube preamp can be used additionally to the solid state stage to add the tube saturations, for clean recordings it can be switched off..."
It is not very clear as to if the tube and solid state sections can be used seperatly or not, If not, this not my favorite way of putting tubes in the path, I think it would be so much cooler to be able to use it in tube only or solid state only modes ... stacking a tube section after the solid state section only adds tube distortion to already ugly solid state distortion uneven harmonics but who knows, in use this design may sound good, it's impossible to say without hearing it ... but this makes me a bit wary.
The inclusion of an A to D converter is not my favorite way to go about this ... a good pre can be a lifetime investment but slapping a converter in there only ties the preamp to technology that is destined to be obsolete. I prefer to keep my pres and converters seperate.
It uses the Lundahl transformer and is an op amp type pre, like API's and Focusrite Red Range, so it seems to be in very good company. A FET limiter (same type as an 1176) is included. From this precursory look at the Gain Station, I would say there's nothing to complain about as far as the concept of the design other than what I already mentioned... weather it is well executed is another question I cannot answer but it certainly bears checking out.
Features
Separated Solid state and tube preamps. The tube preamp can be used additionally to the solid state stage to add the tube saturations, for clean recordings it can be switched off
Peak/FET Limiter
Switchable Mic Input Impedance (200 Ohms, 1, 2 & 10 kOhms)
Custom-designed and built, fully discrete, class A op-amps (no off-the-shelf stuff here). The GainStation''s op-amps feature 60-Volt operating voltage - twice as high as most common op-amps - for an incredible dynamic range
All switching functions are handled by encapsulated relays with gold-plated contacts
A no-compromise power supply with extensive additional shielding and seven separately wound and regulated voltages
Internal 24/96 AD converter, Lundahl input transformer, SPL GainBag and rack mounting frame optionally available
List Price: $1,199.00
I heard from the SPL-USA representative, who stated that the Gai
I heard from the SPL-USA representative, who stated that the Gain Station has over 90dB of gain. I don't recall reading anyone's comments about this pre an the forums. Anyone with any experience with the SPL Gain Station?