VHT ULTRALEAD variations.

[needtopractice1]

Hey guys. I'm looking into getting a VHT Ultralead but there seems to be a lot of variations to the VHT line. I've heard of some having 3 channels while others have 2 channels. Some have the graphic EQ and others Do not.
Price wise do the different features make a big difference to what you should pay?
ANY info on the different ULs would be very helpful!
Thanks a bunch,
Jim.

 

[Phrygian]

I only heard about the non-EQ models after I bought my UL. I'll tell ya, the EQ is clutch for me. I've actually left it engaged and wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[guitarslinger]

I only heard about the non-EQ models after I bought my UL. I'll tell ya, the EQ is clutch for me. I've actually left it engaged and wouldn't have it any other way.

Interesting.

I have a GP3 which is like the Ultra Lead preamp. I almost don't like the graphic EQ. I guess my power amps and cabs already match up pretty well with it. The EQ just doesn't seem subtle enough for me or something.

 

[FortinAmps]

Hey Jim,
I still own my first VHT UL that I bought directly from Stevie back in '97. I know that there have been a few board revisions but that's no biggie. I did ended up buying a backup VHT UL in 2000 when I was gigging a lot and it sounded very much like my '97, very consistent. The only variation I came across was my buddy Terry Syrek's VHT UL. It's an older UL with the plastic engraved VHT logo, the later ones have metal logos. I did retube Terry's a couple times, the plate voltage was much higher than in my ULs and it sounded different, in a good way It also did not have the graphic EQ. When I order mine, the graphic EQ was an option. I'm not sure if that is the case anymore. I also owned a CLX which was an awesome sounding amp as well.

You should call VHT directly and ask to speak with Stevie. He's a very cool guy and takes the time to chat

Cheers,
Mike

 

[Phrygian]

I'm sure there are some guys who can do without the EQ but I found it to be crucial for getting that right sound. I was happy I had the ability to keep it engaged. The 2.3k boost was the real surprise to me. It gave the amp a bit of hair and dare I say a bit more gain.

 

[Anonymous]

I've had both version...with EQ and without EQ.......Without EQ model I couldn't dial it in right for my tone preferrence.......With EQ model I could dial in what I needed but found myself dicking with the graphic EQ more than playing the amp....lol!!! Needless to say...The less an amp has on it...the better off I am to a degree...

 

[jack butler]

The UL without the graphic EQ has a different parametric EQ section. So it's not like just disengaging the graphic, I had a no graphic for many years very easy to get a great sound. I would recomend the CLX though, the EL34 power section is gonna make the amp sound a little more saturated and be a little more forgiving. Although Ultralead sounds cooler than CLX the preamp sections are the same. I think 1995 was the first year of the current circuit design pre 95 apparently don't sound the same, I'm assuming less gain never heard one though.

I'm sure there are some guys who can do without the EQ but I found it to be crucial for getting that right sound. I was happy I had the ability to keep it engaged. The 2.3k boost was the real surprise to me. It gave the amp a bit of hair and dare I say a bit more gain.

 

[needtopractice1]

Good info Sgt.! Thanks.
Jim.

Hey guys. I'm looking into getting a VHT Ultralead but there seems to be a lot of variations to the VHT line. I've heard of some having 3 channels while others have 2 channels. Some have the graphic EQ and others Do not.
Price wise do the different features make a big difference to what you should pay?
ANY info on the different ULs would be very helpful!
Thanks a bunch,
Jim.

Here ya go!

http://www.vhtusers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10

By the way, I have mine up for sale in the classifieds (mint, 2007 model with graphic EQ)