Naiant Tinyhead vs. CA-Ugly (new samples)

[Todd R]

Looks like I like the CA-Ugly the best

Preamp 2 for me too. Has better HF response and overall better tonal balance to ME

I like preamp 1 better. Has a better low end and fuller sound, while at the same time maintaining a crisp highend

Sorry Bean, you seem more like a flip-flopper.

I just had a chance to download and listen.  These samples are much closer to one another in sound to my ear.  Harder to discern the differences in this latest comp.

Overall though, I think I'm a flip-flopper too, just opposite of Bean.   I liked preamp 1 in the first comp, this time around, I think I have a slight preference for preamp 2.  I still feel like I'm hearing more pronounced mids in preamp 2, but in this latest go-around with this latest material, the more pronounced mids sit better with me.  Again though, I'm sure with a very slight EQ on preamp 1, I could get that more pronounced mid sound. 

Either preamp is very nice, I'd say.  Each sounds better than the other, depending on the material and what your ear is tuned to.

[adrianf74]

Either preamp is very nice, I'd say.  Each sounds better than the other, depending on the material and what your ear is tuned to.

I think we've learned that both devices have their uses and that neither is a clear winner. 

[bryonsos]

I was a bit surprised how similar the 2nd set sound too, I was expecting them to be more discernible from each other. I agree, the Tinyhead has more pronounced mids overall, but I didn't find them to be hyped or unpleasant. I think they bring some clarity particularly on vocals. The Ugly is flatter to my ears which I like since it will probably take EQ a bit easier. I'm pleased to have both of these in my gear bag!

[it-goes-to-eleven]

OK, sorry there's been a lull on this, but in 2 outings I had taper error and in one case the samples just sucked.

It's time to fess up.  These threads are all about learning from mistakes, vagaries, and stuff.

What was the taper error that happend twice?

[F.O.Bean]

OK, sorry there's been a lull on this, but in 2 outings I had taper error and in one case the samples just sucked.

It's time to fess up.  These threads are all about learning from mistakes, vagaries, and stuff.

What was the taper error that happend twice?

Im curious too!

[Gutbucket]

I downloaded and listened to the second set of files last night, on speakers the same way as with the first set, and was reassured to find they didn't sound very different to me at all.  It was a quick listen.  I was quite fatigued from a long day at a trade show and figured I should listen more closely on headphones when I was fresh, but haven't had time.

I think it highlights the necesity for multiple comps, and the need to resist the temptation to draw premature conclusions before there is enough data.

[bryonsos]

OK, sorry there's been a lull on this, but in 2 outings I had taper error and in one case the samples just sucked.

It's time to fess up.  These threads are all about learning from mistakes, vagaries, and stuff.

What was the taper error that happend twice?

Ha! Only one error, the 2nd attempt was a wonderfully muddy tape of an inattentive crowd having social hour. Those samples weren't suitable for critical listening. The first time I forgot my 10' mini plug extension cable, so I couldn't mount the mics properly. 

I think it highlights the necesity for multiple comps, and the need to resist the temptation to draw premature conclusions before there is enough data.

Agreed. Multiple comps have greater value, plus it's fun to play with our toys!

[F.O.Bean]

Agreed. I would listen to a comp everyday of the week

[hoppedup]

I wasn't going to listen, but I got curious.  I have to be contrary and go with #1, better HF rendition there.  Pretty dramatic difference actually, maybe the largest I've heard in an amp comparison.  I have no idea which is which though.

[F.O.Bean]

I wasn't going to listen, but I got curious.  I have to be contrary and go with #1, better HF rendition there.  Pretty dramatic difference actually, maybe the largest I've heard in an amp comparison.  I have no idea which is which though.

I went back 2 nights ago and relistened on my better playback, and I chose Number 1 for both comps Chris will be happy about that