Poweramp Section

[Influenza]

Has anyone ever checked out the differences between the Diezel poweramps? I had the chance to run my Randall RM4 through the Hagen with amazing results (knowing that Hagen itself is a killer). Now, I wonder if there would be any significant differences between Hagen, VH4, Einstein or the Herbert - assuming one would be using the same tubes. Any comparision is highly welcome ...

 

[philbag]

Vh4 has that 'accessible' power amp saturation/distortion from 12 o'clock onward on the master volume. That's really the only feature that sets it apart from the power sections of the other amps you listed I believe.

 

[Influenza]

Ok. And soundwise? Would a Herbert power amp give me a more defined sound than Hagen or a cleaner sound than a VH-4 etc...

Let's rephrase this topic.

Who has good experience by using the power amps of a Diezel? If so, which combination have proved to be great.
I remember a MAK-4 being fed by someone into a Herbert with best results, too.

I'll make a start:
I fed a Randall RM-4, a Boogie Rectifier Preamp and an Engl E570 into Hagen's return.
All I have to say, the results where exceptional with all preamps sounding better than with all poweramps
I tried 'til that day (Marshall 9005, 9200, Boogie 2:90, Peavey Classic 120/120). I wouldn't say, the Hagen sounded
neutral but who cares. It gave me a focussed and transparent sound, that was also really fat. Whow! Also, I would add that the combination is no compromise compared to any head with optimized pre and power amp. I can't say this for the usual combi of preamps and poweramps. Here, it all sounded great.

 

[Ventura]

Ok. And soundwise? Would a Herbert power amp give me a more defined sound than Hagen or a cleaner sound than a VH-4 etc...

Let's rephrase this topic.

Who has good experience by using the power amps of a Diezel? If so, which combination have proved to be great.
I remember a MAK-4 being fed by someone into a Herbert with best results, too.

I'll make a start:
I fed a Randall RM-4, a Boogie Rectifier Preamp and an Engl E570 into Hagen's return.
All I have to say, the results where exceptional with all preamps sounding better than with all poweramps
I tried 'til that day (Marshall 9005, 9200, Boogie 2:90, Peavey Classic 120/120). I wouldn't say, the Hagen sounded
neutral but who cares. It gave me a focussed and transparent sound, that was also really fat. Whow! Also, I would add that the combination is no compromise compared to any head with optimized pre and power amp. I can't say this for the usual combi of preamps and poweramps. Here, it all sounded great.

I've run my Mak4 through my VH4 and it was very tasty sounding. I've yet to run it through the Hagen as anytime with the Hagen, I can't help but just PLAY it.
Having said this, I went with a dedicated poweramp (Fryette 2/90/2) for my Mak4 as it offered maximum headroom, and as per Andrew's recommendations, he said the Mak4 doesn't bode as well with poweramp saturation as some other preamps or complete amps en masse. Considering I swapped out all the glass in the Mak4 to sound best with the Fryette, I doubt I'll start using it as an augment to the switchable loop, for instance, the Hagen. But it most certainly wouldn't sound bad.

Fact is, anything through a Diezel powersection probably sounds good, as the powersections of Diezel's are probably some of the finest in the world, IMHO.

Mo

 

[Influenza]

Is there really no one else, having used other preamps with a Diezel poweramp section? Oops.

 

[Ventura]

Hard thing to do, really - especially knowing that the amp 'as a whole' is just too good as is.

I think it comes down to transformers and powertubes. My guess? All three of the heavy hitters will sound incredible - Hagen, VH4 and Herbert. The Hagen, and I believe the Herbert too, has the switchable loop almost specifically designed for incorporating another preamp into the signal chain.

That's all we got man. As for running my Mak4 through the Hagen, no dice yet, still completely enamored with this amp 'as is'.

Mo