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Post by Ward on May 28, 2018 6:54:29 GMT -6
Since there isn't one concise thread on Pultec Cloines, I am starting this one. I sincerely hope that's ok with Johnkenn and not creating clutter. So what have you got? And what do you recommend>?? I have two Warm EQ Pultec Clones and two Klark Technic clones. Observations: I just spent $140 on one Warm replacing parts and some dodgy wiring things to get it functional again. My tech (a noted tube preamp builder whose inventions I'll be discussing in the coming weeks) calls it the shoddiest wiring he's ever seen and components are of questionable quality. He is not a fan . . . The Klark Technics are marginally better. As for sound? Well, they both do the low-end alignment fairly well, almost convincingly. What about the rest of you guys? What have you got, what's the quality like and what's the sound like? Kindest regards, Ward |
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Post by EmRR on May 28, 2018 7:19:31 GMT -6
(2) Analog Allstars EQP1S5's here. 500 series, like a SS Pultec, extra frequencies as is common. Curves seem to match real Pultecs properly, unlike what's been shown of the Warm and K-T. Does it sound like a Pultec? I mean a set of Triad and/or Peerless transformers? No, it doesn't, it sounds more like Wima caps and a modern transformer winding. But it does the basic thing well. I would recommend them. They've had favorable mentions from people who own real SS Pultecs. It's been a long while, but I used to have access to original tube and SS Pultecs, so there's a bit of memory imprint about what they sound like. Also have had a good number of devices with Peerless and Traid transformers, which share the characteristic tone.
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Post by stam on May 28, 2018 7:46:35 GMT -6
I will be offering the Cinemag Peerles output transformer replica on my SA-EQP1A for an extra fee.
It is made with the original laminations and similar can, it certainly has that Pultec famous colour.
NOS tubes also get you closer.
It's all about the mids.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on May 28, 2018 9:09:19 GMT -6
Since there isn't one concise thread on Pultec Cloines, I am starting this one. I sincerely hope that's ok with Johnkenn and not creating clutter. So what have you got? And what do you recommend>?? I have two Warm EQ Pultec Clones and two Klark Technic clones. Observations: I just spent $140 on one Warm replacing parts and some dodgy wiring things to get it functional again. My tech (a noted tube preamp builder whose inventions I'll be discussing in the coming weeks) calls it the shoddiest wiring he's ever seen and components are of questionable quality. He is not a fan . . . The Klark Technics are marginally better. As for sound? Well, they both do the low-end alignment fairly well, almost convincingly. What about the rest of you guys? What have you got, what's the quality like and what's the sound like? Kindest regards, Ward Shocked 😳 Well not really, mass produced, massive ad budget built to a price point well they have to cut corners some place! At least we do have other cost effective alternatives but your not going to get one down at the corner MI shop without serious compromises. |
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Post by Ward on May 28, 2018 9:13:15 GMT -6
I will be offering the Cinemag Peerles output transformer replica on my SA-EQP1A for an extra fee. It is made with the original laminations and similar can, it certainly has that Pultec famous colour. NOS tubes also get you closer. It's all about the mids. I'll probably end up getting a pair of those off you too, after I get my ADGs and 1073EGs from you!! |
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Post by jamiesego on May 28, 2018 9:43:06 GMT -6
What parts did you replace? I have a Retro Powerstrip that is really cool, and I've used a vintage MEQ-5 and I still am glad I got the Warm pultec.
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Post by Ward on May 28, 2018 9:46:54 GMT -6
What parts did you replace? I have a Retro Powerstrip that is really cool, and I've used a vintage MEQ-5 and I still am glad I got the Warm pultec. My tech replaced the pots, some switches and 'wiring harnesses' (let's just call them that for want of a more appropriate term) |
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Post by jamiesego on May 28, 2018 9:56:56 GMT -6
That's a bummer. I've thought about getting a second one. The pots on mine have come loose a little bit. I do like the way it sounds though. Used Retro 2a3's seem like a good bang for the buck in my opinion. The build quality is fantastic on my Powerstrip. I use it all the time on anything you can imagine.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on May 28, 2018 10:15:11 GMT -6
What parts did you replace? I have a Retro Powerstrip that is really cool, and I've used a vintage MEQ-5 and I still am glad I got the Warm pultec. My tech replaced the pots, some switches and 'wiring harnesses' (let's just call them that for want of a more appropriate term) Yeah that’s the easiest way to bring the cost down cheap pots and switches, always figured that should be the first upgrade to any Warm product! |
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Post by Vincent R. on May 28, 2018 10:16:38 GMT -6
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Post by Ward on May 28, 2018 11:06:34 GMT -6
Thanks Vincent!
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ericn
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Post by ericn on May 28, 2018 11:20:42 GMT -6
I keep looking at the AML kit or prebuilt.
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ericn
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Post by ericn on May 28, 2018 12:35:03 GMT -6
They don’t mention wiring harnesses or pots at all. |
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Post by Vincent R. on May 28, 2018 13:41:11 GMT -6
They don’t mention wiring harnesses or pots at all. You are right. I guess you’d have to reach out and ask specifically about those. Hmmm. Sorry, I just remember seeing a mod for it while looking at some of their other mods. |
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Post by bram on May 28, 2018 13:42:23 GMT -6
I will be offering the Cinemag Peerles output transformer replica on my SA-EQP1A for an extra fee. It is made with the original laminations and similar can, it certainly has that Pultec famous colour. NOS tubes also get you closer. It's all about the mids. Are these transformers available to upgrade for those of us who pre-ordered early on? What's the upgrade price? |
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Post by stormymondays on May 28, 2018 14:34:54 GMT -6
My Retro 2A3 is spectacular really. Got an incredible deal on a used unit, but I’d save up for a full price unit if I needed to.
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Post by indiehouse on May 28, 2018 17:00:10 GMT -6
I will be offering the Cinemag Peerles output transformer replica on my SA-EQP1A for an extra fee. It is made with the original laminations and similar can, it certainly has that Pultec famous colour. NOS tubes also get you closer. It's all about the mids. Are these transformers available to upgrade for those of us who pre-ordered early on? What's the upgrade price? Same question. I’m in for the upgrade. |
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2018 0:13:46 GMT -6
I have the Thermionic Culture Pullet and love it, but have never compared it to the real thing or other clones.
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Post by Ward on May 29, 2018 7:24:05 GMT -6
They don’t mention wiring harnesses or pots at all. Well the switches and pots are DEFINITELY weakest links in these units. So, if they don't include that in the upgrade, perhaps they should |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on May 29, 2018 7:57:54 GMT -6
They don’t mention wiring harnesses or pots at all. Well the switches and pots are DEFINITELY weakest links in these units. So, if they don't include that in the upgrade, perhaps they should Yeah I agree but pots and switches are expensive compared to resistors and caps, and just not as sexy. This is why STAM, Audio- Scape and AML are such bargains! I hate to be that guy, but Ward my friend, more and more I’m thinking DIY as the affordable option because I get to choose where I am going to cut corners or go all out! Don’t get me wrong I think Josh is doing a great job, and WARM and KT have to be scaring a bunch of higher end manufacturers, but come on 1% metal foil resistors in a Pultec? Those things hard Carbon that spec’ed at 5% and I bet if you measured with a digital VOM would be closer to +- 12%! It’s funny how brand parts sell gear to guys who wouldn’t know a resistor from a transistor. |
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Post by spindrift on May 29, 2018 8:12:42 GMT -6
I've got a pair of the Warm EQP-WA that I got directly from Revive Audio with their mods. Unfortunately, I can't compare them to the un-modded units as I've never heard them. I put NOS tubes in from bowie and that "softened" them a bit in the high mids....it cut a touch of the crunch out of the mids. As others have indicated, the Retro 2A3 gets first call though...it's a great EQ. |
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ericn
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Post by ericn on May 29, 2018 8:22:12 GMT -6
I think we really need to look at Warm and KT as pro-cumer and realize these things were designed for the weekend warrior. Pots and switches all have duty cycle ratings. Simply go to Mouser and take a look at what ELMA and Grayhill switches cost compared to the generic stuff you find in WARM and KT!
Also remember the Warm Pultec lacks the interstage transformer in the real Pultec, it sounds damn good for the price, but it is built to the price point!
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Post by stam on May 30, 2018 14:22:01 GMT -6
Upgrade NOS email's are being sent out today
Also some nice news!
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Post by drbill on May 30, 2018 15:22:47 GMT -6
They don’t mention wiring harnesses or pots at all. Well the switches and pots are DEFINITELY weakest links in these units. So, if they don't include that in the upgrade, perhaps they should I dunno....the switches on the KT are gnarly huge ones like 1950's gear. I'd be surprised if they don't last thru my KIDS lifetimes. Bigger and beefier than the ones on my : AML, Audio-Scapes, JLM, Moog, Eisen, CAPI, and Serpent gear. No one seems to complain about those brands switches..... |
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Post by stam on May 30, 2018 17:14:28 GMT -6
Btw, remember to check your junk inboxes, all emails go from info@stamaudio.com now!
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