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tridelica · 27th June 2012

I performed an a/b test between the Twinfinity - set all the way to 'tube' - and a very well respected solid state pre that is known by its 3 initials.
My signal chain into either pre was: male vocal -> SM7B -> Cloudlifter -> Pre -> API 527 -> Converter.
The Twinfinity beat the high-end solid state pre.
On the UA, I had the Gain set to about 7.5 and the Output set to about 7.5, and the vocal, compared to the solid state pre, sounded deeper, clearer and richer, with its transients rounded (all-tube setting).
I actually was rather disappointed with the solid state pre. And, I have to admit, I don't like fast transients, especially on vocals.
I think that a big factor in preferring the UA, is that, with the UA, I can drive the tube hard by using the gain knob.
The Twinfinity is a great value for the money. When this topography came out as a four-amp rack mount version, I knew my purchasing decision had been vindicated.
Perhaps tubes do rule.
As a note: I almost always use the UA set all the way to 'tube.'
The solid-state side kind of bores me.

27th June 2012	#4
tridelica Gear nut Joined: Jun 2011 Posts: 119 My Recordings/Credits 2 Reviews written	Twinfinity Beat the 3 Initials I performed an a/b test between the Twinfinity - set all the way to 'tube' - and a very well respected solid state pre that is known by its 3 initials. My signal chain into either pre was: male vocal -> SM7B -> Cloudlifter -> Pre -> API 527 -> Converter. The Twinfinity beat the high-end solid state pre. On the UA, I had the Gain set to about 7.5 and the Output set to about 7.5, and the vocal, compared to the solid state pre, sounded deeper, clearer and richer, with its transients rounded (all-tube setting). I actually was rather disappointed with the solid state pre. And, I have to admit, I don't like fast transients, especially on vocals. I think that a big factor in preferring the UA, is that, with the UA, I can drive the tube hard by using the gain knob. The Twinfinity is a great value for the money. When this topography came out as a four-amp rack mount version, I knew my purchasing decision had been vindicated. Perhaps tubes do rule. As a note: I almost always use the UA set all the way to 'tube.' The solid-state side kind of bores me.