Members Cosmic_Osmo Posted September 29, 2006 Members Share Posted September 29, 2006 Ok, I'm in the process of putting together my dream rack (slowly). I finally got the VHT poweramp I wanted, now it's time for a preamp. There's a ton to choose from obviously, and it looks like the CAE3+SE is at the top of the line. I really like some of the tones that the CAE OD-100 is capable of. I'm assuming the 3+SE is similar? I'm basically looking for nice cleans and a good crunch channel, but with the most emphasis on chewy, thick singing lead tones (ala Queensryche on Empire). Other options for me would be a Soldano X series or perhaps a Mesa, Voodoo Labs, etc. Suggestions? I'm really new to rack gear in general. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members ashjn Posted September 29, 2006 Members Share Posted September 29, 2006 Never played it, heard it is similar to the OD-100/50 head. Check www.hugeracksinc.com, LOTS of people over there have it/have played it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Cougar Hunter Posted September 29, 2006 Members Share Posted September 29, 2006 killer preamp. I've never played one, but, "good enough for 'symphony of destruction', good enough for me. I hear there's a CAE4+SE in the near future. You might want to wait. I like my triaxis, but I like my Hughes & Kettner access more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members craigp Posted September 30, 2006 Members Share Posted September 30, 2006 Give the Kasha RockMod A listen also as this is the best sounding pre I have ever heard!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members rosssurf Posted October 4, 2006 Members Share Posted October 4, 2006 egnater ie4 is great as well. Four channels midi controlable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Jack Luminous Posted October 4, 2006 Members Share Posted October 4, 2006 Be sure to try it before you buy and don't trust hype. It's all a matter of taste in the end. I know I tried a 3+SE numerous times and even an OD-100 at a music fair some weeks ago. It didn't make me want to dump my Soldano preamp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Napoleansolo Posted October 4, 2006 Members Share Posted October 4, 2006 I own both the CAE 3+ and the 3+SE preamps.The older 3+ unit has a unique 2nd channel that is thick and just very hi-fi.The 3rd channel is Pure hot rodded plexi.The SE version has a dryer sounding 2nd channel ad a bit more gain on channel 3.Both have the best clean channels with the exception of my favorite preamp:Bogner FishYou'll get the same overdrive on channel 3 from Both Preamps (gain wise) as the OD-100 head,but I use VHT 2100 Classic Poweramps with EL-34s to get the tones i like.The OD-100 has 6l6s(or actually 5881s) in it and I dont like those powertubes.You'll love the CAE preamp-and as stated earlier-try one before you buy one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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