Engl E530 preamp!

[mase12]

Just scored one of these from ebay and all I have to say is holy ****! This is a nice preamp for the price. I have a Egnater Tweaker and love that too, but the ENGL is the real deal! Cleans are well...clean. That is the only way I can explain it. Your not gonna get fender,vox chime etc... That is not what this preamp is about, but for sure get a good clean tube signal through the clean channel. The lead channel is where this thing roars! Very clean gain with lots of clarity thru the strings pending on pickups used etc... Never tried rack gear and this is the first piece of rack gear I have acquired. Searching for a good budget tube power amp. Have looked at Peavey 50/50 and Mesa dyna 20/20. Any other suggestions would be helpful. Thanks

 

[Marc Roy]

If you could get your hands on a used VHT power amp, you would be set.

 

[nullin]

I love my VHT 2/50/2. But yes, a Peavey 50/50 gives you a lot for your dollar. Those Engl's are great preamps, and very cool that they don't cost an arm and a leg. I definitely need to add one to my rig sometime.

 

[Randy]

The E530 is a great preamp, and very sensitive to tube changes. Put a NOS Mullard in V1 and it will make a world of difference.

 

[Rena Rune]

Yes, in some ways those are great value for money... you're getting a full on Engl amp for a fraction of the price.

 

[mase12]

I totally agree with all you guys. This preamp has to be a treasure in the amp community for the price. Killer sustain and really works well with your picking dynamics. VHT would be my first choice if I could afford one. I play a japanese fuji gen epiphone les paul custom with Rio Grande pups. Texas bbq bucker in the bridge and a genuine texas in the neck. Sounds fantastic! can't wait to try some active pups for the heck of it. Gonna add a TC Electronic Gmaj2 for effects. The hunt is on for a power amp! Thanks for all the suggestions fellas. This is getting addicting!