VHT Pittbull Ultralead with or without EQ?

[Vin Diezel]

Does one really need the EQ? The UL without seems to be a lot cheaper.

 

[RedB4Black]

I've never played one that doesn't have a built in EQ, but I know I never play mine with the EQ turned off. I'd hold out for one of those. I should try my Mesa 5-band in the loop set the same as I set my built in EQ to see if it sounds the same.

 

[D-Rock]

I had an original '93 GL100 without an EQ and it was underwhelming. Never had one with an EQ compare though.

 

[jsnow]

I've always heard Graphic EQ is a must on those things. Never played one though...but Helmet sounds amazing!

 

[Kevin11]

100% with

 

[Vin Diezel]

I've never played one that doesn't have a built in EQ, but I know I never play mine with the EQ turned off. I'd hold out for one of those. I should try my Mesa 5-band in the loop set the same as I set my built in EQ to see if it sounds the same.

What's the problem without the EQ? Too much midrange?

 

[rottingcorpse]

Must have the eq. If you get one without an eq,you will eventually wish it had one.

Some things are worth saving for.

 

[maddnotez]

I hear the same thing all the time about must have the EQ. I have only had an old UL as well without an EQ but I did have a 100CL with an EQ and TBH I never used the EQ. Didn't need it, sounded amazing without it. Any tweak I made altered the tone in a way I did not need.

Maybe apples to oranges though.

 

[PeteLaramee]

I had an original '93 GL100 without an EQ and it was underwhelming.

I completely agree with this. I had 2 early ones w/out the graphic eq and they didn't do much for me. I later had a 2004 UL with the eq and it was much better. That said I think the newer one sounded better anyways...whether that eq was activated or not. But yes, it did sound best while engaging the eq.

 

[maddnotez]

I had an original '93 GL100 without an EQ and it was underwhelming.

I completely agree with this. I had 2 early ones w/out the graphic eq and they didn't do much for me. I later had a 2004 UL with the eq and it was much better. That said I think the newer one sounded better anyways...whether that eq was activated or not. But yes, it did sound best while engaging the eq.

They made some changes to that amp. The first run is weak in comparison from what I have heard regardless of EQ BUT everyone does say EQ is a must on the UL. I just find that interesting the same did not apply to me with the 100CL.

 

[RedB4Black]

I've never played one that doesn't have a built in EQ, but I know I never play mine with the EQ turned off. I'd hold out for one of those. I should try my Mesa 5-band in the loop set the same as I set my built in EQ to see if it sounds the same.

What's the problem without the EQ? Too much midrange?

Yes

 

[D-Rock]

I had an original '93 GL100 without an EQ and it was underwhelming.

I completely agree with this. I had 2 early ones w/out the graphic eq and they didn't do much for me. I later had a 2004 UL with the eq and it was much better. That said I think the newer one sounded better anyways...whether that eq was activated or not. But yes, it did sound best while engaging the eq.

They made some changes to that amp. The first run is weak in comparison from what I have heard regardless of EQ BUT everyone does say EQ is a must on the UL. I just find that interesting the same did not apply to me with the 100CL.

Makes sense. My old '93 was cool, but it always just seemed almost there. So much potential, a good, original feel at it's core, great boost, shift buttons and a half power switch that all actually did noticable things. KT88, 6L6 and preamp tube swaps had little impact. The amp was definitely on the verge of greatness. Which they obviously ended up accomplishing as the years progressed.

 

[Metlupass2]

I think all amps sound come with a 5 band eq.

 

[Bad.Seed]

I had a 100 cl with and now own a 50 cl without, and I don't miss it at all. I have no problem dialing in an awesome tone with little tweaking without he extra eq. I found myself messing with the eh on the 100 too much and eventually just turned it off.

 

[maddnotez]

I had a 100 cl with and now own a 50 cl without, and I don't miss it at all. I have no problem dialing in an awesome tone with little tweaking without he extra eq. I found myself messing with the eh on the 100 too much and eventually just turned it off.

Guess it's just something different between the 2 amps. Literally everyone says get the EQ with the UL. But yeah the EQ on the CL I found useless. Sounded so good without it on. With that said if I got another, it would have the EQ just because lol.

I had an original '93 GL100 without an EQ and it was underwhelming.

I completely agree with this. I had 2 early ones w/out the graphic eq and they didn't do much for me. I later had a 2004 UL with the eq and it was much better. That said I think the newer one sounded better anyways...whether that eq was activated or not. But yes, it did sound best while engaging the eq.

They made some changes to that amp. The first run is weak in comparison from what I have heard regardless of EQ BUT everyone does say EQ is a must on the UL. I just find that interesting the same did not apply to me with the 100CL.

Makes sense. My old '93 was cool, but it always just seemed almost there. So much potential, a good, original feel at it's core, great boost, shift buttons and a half power switch that all actually did noticable things. KT88, 6L6 and preamp tube swaps had little impact. The amp was definitely on the verge of greatness. Which they obviously ended up accomplishing as the years progressed.

Yep, I had a 94' I think. The biggest change was with the phase inverter if I'm not mistaken.

I remember that UL being much wider sounding than the 100CL but the CL destroyed it. Such a mean amp but I guess at the end of the day I've never played a real UL.





To the OP how much cheaper are you talking? Years back I remember seeing newest Gen UL's with eq going for $1,600 all day long. I'd go with the masses. Anyone who's had the latest ULs demand eq.

 

[Vin Diezel]

Here in Germany ULs are rare. In fact, there is not one for sale with EQ.

IMHO, an amp that needs a graphic EQ is not voiced very well.
Got a Deliverance already and do not feel the need for EQ there.
I would like to have the 3 channels, though.

 

[maddnotez]

Here in Germany ULs are rare. In fact, there is not one for sale with EQ.

IMHO, an amp that needs a graphic EQ is not voiced very well.
Got a Deliverance already and do not feel the need for EQ there.
I would like to have the 3 channels, though.

I see your point. Especially when the company makes a version with and without like VHT/Fryette.

BUT on the other hand. The Mesa JP2C I had was ridiculous and it was because of the Graphic EQ. Man it was sooooo good but I see your point.

 

[Exo-metal]

I was thinking the same thing. The IIC+ kills but it needs the EQ without question.

 

[MetalHeadMike]

If it has a decent loop, why would a UL w/out the global eq not sound just as good, if not better, with a MXR 10 band or similar in the loop

 

[Exo-metal]

I could be wrong and I'm probably not but the eq built into the amp runs at a higher voltage.