tubehead (preamp+poweramp) VS dedicated preamp into impulses

[Deathell]

I would like to know if it is that much of a difference recording with a full tube head getting that extra character 'push' or 'sag' if you will from the power amp section.. instead of just a preamp like the ENGL e530. I've read in another thread (upon search) some say it is THAT MUCH of a difference while some others say it isn't. So really can anyone with experience from both evaluate on more on this? I started looking for another option which is to get a full tube amp and crank up the master into something like Palmers or the new Torpedo Live.

At first I was going to shell out money on the e530 but end up not liking it (want something beefier and more aggressive, saturated).


What do you guys think?

ENGL Fireball 60 -> Palmer PDI-3/PGA-4 or Two Notes Torpedo Live Line out -> impulses

or

ENGL e570 -> Line out -> impulses

*as a side question, if going by the Fireball 60 route, between the Palmers and the Torpedo, is the Torpedo really that much better? It is still pretty expensive. Yes, I've seen Ola's review on youtube, while its blasting and all it sounded great although I've felt some 'digital'ness to the sound. It is like something in between an AXE-FX and the real mic to cab.

 

[Romain_G]

Hi,
If this helps, Keith Merrow has just released a new . It shows you how good it sounds when using (a varity of) real amps.
Cheers!
R

 

[AD Chaos]

If you've never owned a tube amp before (from your question I assume you haven't?) I would suggest you just get one.
Otherwise, you'll always wonder if you're getting 'the real thing', even if using the best or most expensive sims out there.

And if it's too loud, you can always purchase an attenuator later on.
Fwiw my 580 sounds like ass w/impulses, but tits through a PA. YMMV of course.