Hamptone JFET vs. Tube

NOCCA · 29th March 2006

Well, what do they sound like? The are in my budget, and I need a new pre. (preferably two) The pre that to my ears sounds the best for what I need is the Phoenix DRS-2, but that is about $1000 out of my range.

I know the hamptones have been described as clean, but with a transformer thing... When I hear that I think John Hardy; is that correct?

Then if I do get one of these, which would I want? Tube? JFET?

I will be recording drums(use on OH's or Snare and kick?), Guitar (electric and acoustic), Vocals, and Piano.

Duno if you all can help me but I sure hope so!

>>AG

Jimbo · 29th March 2006

Hi Nocca,

I built the HJFP2 (jfet) recently and have been very happy with it. I can't compare it to the DRS or Hardy preamps because I've never heard them. However, I can confirm that the sound is clean and powerful. The transformers are made by Altran.

I was so pleased with the HJFP2 that I became curious about the HVTP2 (tube) model as well. I found a person who had built both and asked about the differences in sound. He told me that the tube-version sounded like the jfet except that it produces more power and punch on large transients. The Hamtone FAQ http://www.hamptone.com/general_faqs.htm addresses the sonic differences between the two preamps, and mentions that the tube version is preferable for larger transients while the jfet is better for faster transients.

The person who told me about the "punch" of the tube model said that the punchy effect didn't occur unless the preamp had warmed for at least an hour, but after that it was quite apparent. The punchiness would be great for drums (i.e., large transients), but might not be noticeable on other instruments that have a lot of even, fast transients.

If I had to do it again, I would still build the HJFP2. It's cheaper, no tubes to worry about, and I don't have to wait an hour to get the special sonic qualities of the jfet.

BTW, the jfet really does have some cool effects when driven hard. It gets quite colorful at higher gain. At low gain, Scott Hamptone refers to the sound as "tingly". That's about right. It sounds great on stringed instruments.

The DI is really stellar on this unit -- I'm sure the tube model is great as well. Full, fat, bottom end with a razor sharp top -- CRACK! stike

For $575 and about 15 hours of interesting work, it's a bargain. It's still a great deal at $875 preassembled.

I don't think you can go wrong with either model, the circuits are basically the same with minor differences for the gain sections.

- Jim

hopeless_opus · 29th March 2006

I also have the JFET and agree with everything Jimbo said above. It's a great pre and an incrediable deal. Altran, who builds the transformers, also makes them for one of the Old School Audio models.

If you search the message board at www.tapeop.com there is a lot of info and glowing opinions of the Hamptone preamps. There are also a few songs tracked through the Hamptone posted by a guy named dynomike.

There is also a review at www.mojopie.com

over all the sound is "big", "warm" etc.... like a "cleaner" Neve maybe. I've read where someone who owned both said it sounds like a "better" Focusrite ISA. Other people have said it is like a slightly more colored John Hardy, for what that's worth... Everyone does agree that it's really versitale and a great preamp though.

Good Luck!

centurymantra · 29th March 2006

I started a thread on TapeOp that got a decent response.

http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopic.php?t=29556

Ironically, I tortured myself so much over which pre was the "right" one to get that I ended up buying neither! I'm still planning on picking one up, but am waiting to iron out a couple gear swapping issues before determining which one I'll get...probably the JFet.

Coldsnow · 30th March 2006

I made 3 channels of hamptone jfets from the tape op article. I used cinimag transformers on two channels and Lundahls on the other. I think they sound great on drums. Preferable to Neve preamps for drum applications in my opinion. Great circiut.

NOCCA · 30th March 2006

Thanks for the replies!

Iv'e read the glowing posts, I've read the reviews, but what I didn't get from them is where exactly the pres stand compared to others and them selves. This helps some, and maybe I'm thinking about this too hard, if you were doing this would you get one of the Hamptones or the GR ME-1NV?

Jimbo · 30th March 2006

OK, so apparently the title of this thread should be, "Hamptone JFET or Tube or GR ME-1NV"???

It sound like you want a new preamp, have limited resources, and are just trying to get something good.

I have never heard the GR in question. I have never, knowingly, heard an original Neve 1073, either.

So, what the phuck do I know? Well, two channels of prebuilt Hamptone JFET will cost you about a third less than one channel of the GR....but I'm sure you've already figured this out. Also, the sounds shouldn't be too dissimilar. They are both solid state, transformer balanced preamps. I've heard that the GR is a bit more colored than the Hamptone, but I can't confirm this. I can promise you that the circuits (power supply and preamps) as well as the electronics in the Hamptone are top-notch.

If you already have racks of different, great preamps then get the GR.

However, and I have a feeling this is your situation, if this is going to be one of your first quality preamps, I think you'd be crazy not to get two rock-solid channels of Hamptone (either jfet or tube.) The sound (clean with power and punch) is very versatile, and the price can't be beat.

Oh, and to answer your question, first I'd get the Hamptone JFET, then I'd get a DAV BG1, then I'd get a Lawson L251 mic, then I'd get a Heil PR-30 mic, then I'd get to sleep on the sofa for a month because I spent too much damn money.

- Jim

NOCCA · 30th March 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimbo

However, and I have a feeling this is your situation, if this is going to be one of your first high-end preamps, I think you'd be crazy not to get two rock-solid channels of Hamptone (either jfet or tube.) The sound (clean with power and punch) is very versatile, and the price can't be beat.

- Jim

Man, You have a way of seeing right through me!! As soon as I hear back from Scott on what the deal is with availability I will likely make the purchase. And it seems that I want the JFET being cheeper and not needing to warm up. Too bad I don't know about soldering, or even have a decent soldering iron, becasue I wouldn't even be writing this; it would already have been a done deal.

Jimbo · 30th March 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOCCA

Man, You have a way of seeing right through me!! As soon as I hear back from Scott on what the deal is with availability I will likely make the purchase. And it seems that I want the JFET being cheeper and not needing to warm up. Too bad I don't know about soldering, or even have a decent soldering iron, becasue I wouldn't even be writing this; it would already have been a done deal.

Dude, I'm a broke gearslutz too. Been there. Done that. Doin' other stupid shit now.

You've made a good decision. Rest easy.

- Jim

NOCCA · 1st May 2006

*Update*

Got my HJFP2 in. Scott is a great engineer, salesman and all around good guy.

DHL even got my shippment to me a day early!thumbsup

I'll try and give it a good test tomorrow on anything I have laying around. And tuesday I'll record a real musician and post some samples if you all want.

Well that is my update and if anyone has any questions I'll do my best to anwer them!

29th March 2006	#1
NOCCA Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NOLA/NYC Posts: 198 Thread Starter	Hamptone JFET vs. Tube Well, what do they sound like? The are in my budget, and I need a new pre. (preferably two) The pre that to my ears sounds the best for what I need is the Phoenix DRS-2, but that is about $1000 out of my range. I know the hamptones have been described as clean, but with a transformer thing... When I hear that I think John Hardy; is that correct? Then if I do get one of these, which would I want? Tube? JFET? I will be recording drums(use on OH's or Snare and kick?), Guitar (electric and acoustic), Vocals, and Piano. Duno if you all can help me but I sure hope so! >>AG

30th March 2006	#7
Jimbo Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: West Jersey Posts: 2,433	Weird question OK, so apparently the title of this thread should be, "Hamptone JFET or Tube or GR ME-1NV"??? It sound like you want a new preamp, have limited resources, and are just trying to get something good. I have never heard the GR in question. I have never, knowingly, heard an original Neve 1073, either. So, what the phuck do I know? Well, two channels of prebuilt Hamptone JFET will cost you about a third less than one channel of the GR....but I'm sure you've already figured this out. Also, the sounds shouldn't be too dissimilar. They are both solid state, transformer balanced preamps. I've heard that the GR is a bit more colored than the Hamptone, but I can't confirm this. I can promise you that the circuits (power supply and preamps) as well as the electronics in the Hamptone are top-notch. If you already have racks of different, great preamps then get the GR. However, and I have a feeling this is your situation, if this is going to be one of your first quality preamps, I think you'd be crazy not to get two rock-solid channels of Hamptone (either jfet or tube.) The sound (clean with power and punch) is very versatile, and the price can't be beat. Oh, and to answer your question, first I'd get the Hamptone JFET, then I'd get a DAV BG1, then I'd get a Lawson L251 mic, then I'd get a Heil PR-30 mic, then I'd get to sleep on the sofa for a month because I spent too much damn money. - Jim

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29th March 2006	#3
hopeless_opus Gear addict Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 428	I also have the JFET and agree with everything Jimbo said above. It's a great pre and an incrediable deal. Altran, who builds the transformers, also makes them for one of the Old School Audio models. If you search the message board at www.tapeop.com there is a lot of info and glowing opinions of the Hamptone preamps. There are also a few songs tracked through the Hamptone posted by a guy named dynomike. There is also a review at www.mojopie.com over all the sound is "big", "warm" etc.... like a "cleaner" Neve maybe. I've read where someone who owned both said it sounds like a "better" Focusrite ISA. Other people have said it is like a slightly more colored John Hardy, for what that's worth... Everyone does agree that it's really versitale and a great preamp though. Good Luck!

29th March 2006	#4
centurymantra Lives for gear Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 665	I started a thread on TapeOp that got a decent response. http://messageboard.tapeop.com/viewtopic.php?t=29556 Ironically, I tortured myself so much over which pre was the "right" one to get that I ended up buying neither! I'm still planning on picking one up, but am waiting to iron out a couple gear swapping issues before determining which one I'll get...probably the JFet.

30th March 2006	#5
Coldsnow Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 742	I made 3 channels of hamptone jfets from the tape op article. I used cinimag transformers on two channels and Lundahls on the other. I think they sound great on drums. Preferable to Neve preamps for drum applications in my opinion. Great circiut.

1st May 2006	#10
NOCCA Gear maniac Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: NOLA/NYC Posts: 198 Thread Starter	Update Got my HJFP2 in. Scott is a great engineer, salesman and all around good guy. DHL even got my shippment to me a day early!thumbsup I'll try and give it a good test tomorrow on anything I have laying around. And tuesday I'll record a real musician and post some samples if you all want. Well that is my update and if anyone has any questions I'll do my best to anwer them!