UA 610 Preamps - do they all sound the same?

MrVelvet · 15th August 2006

Hi,

I'm just wondering about the UA 610 family of preamps. Some like it, some hate it - saying it has a fizzly low end-quality. Is it possible that not all of them sound the same, e.g. depending on the a) the model (M-610, 2-610, 610 Solo, LA-610, 6176) and b) variations of each unit?

I had an M-610 and it sounded fine, whilst a little aggressive. It had a creamy, "chocolate" quality to it. Tried a Fearn VT-1 as well as several non-tube pre's (Chandler Germanium, Mindprint DTC, Cranesong Flamingo,...) and non could get that sound quality. The Fearn was great on its own, but the cream it had wasn't my cup of tea. The Cranesong was fine, too, but the UA was what I wanted.
Also for DI, it was just great.

Recently, I got the LA-610 with the additional comp and had to sell my other 610 to afford it. I love the LA especially for vocals, very smooth. The pad switch is fine, since it allows to hit the pre harder but actually still have some headroom.

I think my M-610 sounded different with a gritty edge to the sound. I've heard a 2-610 that sounded the same.

I also heard that UA changed the specs in the last few years (tubes etc.).Is that true?

Thanks!

popmann · 15th August 2006

Well, the manual says the LA610 has been "voiced brighter" than previous 610s to make a better mate for the relatively dark opto comp.

bgrotto · 18th August 2006

I've found that the pre-only version sounds the best of the lot; I suspect this is due to the considerably beefier power supply.

15th August 2006	#1
MrVelvet Lives for gear Joined: May 2006 Location: Karlsruhe, Germany Posts: 730 Thread Starter	UA 610 Preamps - do they all sound the same? Hi, I'm just wondering about the UA 610 family of preamps. Some like it, some hate it - saying it has a fizzly low end-quality. Is it possible that not all of them sound the same, e.g. depending on the a) the model (M-610, 2-610, 610 Solo, LA-610, 6176) and b) variations of each unit? I had an M-610 and it sounded fine, whilst a little aggressive. It had a creamy, "chocolate" quality to it. Tried a Fearn VT-1 as well as several non-tube pre's (Chandler Germanium, Mindprint DTC, Cranesong Flamingo,...) and non could get that sound quality. The Fearn was great on its own, but the cream it had wasn't my cup of tea. The Cranesong was fine, too, but the UA was what I wanted. Also for DI, it was just great. Recently, I got the LA-610 with the additional comp and had to sell my other 610 to afford it. I love the LA especially for vocals, very smooth. The pad switch is fine, since it allows to hit the pre harder but actually still have some headroom. I think my M-610 sounded different with a gritty edge to the sound. I've heard a 2-610 that sounded the same. I also heard that UA changed the specs in the last few years (tubes etc.).Is that true? Thanks!

18th August 2006	#3
bgrotto Lives for gear Joined: May 2005 Location: Slum-a-ville, Mass Posts: 6,312	I've found that the pre-only version sounds the best of the lot; I suspect this is due to the considerably beefier power supply. __________________ http://www.bennygrotto.com Mad Oak Studio on Facebook Allmusic.com The best bands in New England, performing Live at Mad Oak Discogs.com

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15th August 2006	#2
popmann Lives for gear Joined: Nov 2004 Location: Nashville Posts: 3,181 1 Review written	Well, the manual says the LA610 has been "voiced brighter" than previous 610s to make a better mate for the relatively dark opto comp.