Aguilar DB 924 vs DB 925 External Preamp

[skej21]

So after picking up a classic Aguilar DB 924 from Basschat (thanks again @Chimike!) a little over a year ago and then the subsequent release of the DB 925, claiming to offer a similar 2-band external preamp with broadband boosts (bass at around 40hz and treble at 4kHz), I decided to pit them against each other and see how they compare. Might be of interest to some of you if you’re wondering what the DB 925 might have to offer! 
 

 

[fretmeister]

I can’t get over £180 for a tiny 2 band preamp 

[paulo m]

The DB 924 is battery driven carn't remember if its one or two..? to my ears' of the two it sounds richer in tone both are boost only & @ the same freqs 40hz & 4k... &  remember originally in the early days Aguilar made the Preamps for Sadowsky basses.  Excellent comparison test this with quality sounds & info... 👏👏😉

[skej21]

1 minute ago, paulo m said:

The DB 924 is battery driven carn't remember if its one or two..? to my ears' of the two it sounds richer in tone both are boost only & @ the same freqs 40hz & 4k... &  remember originally in the early days Aguilar made the Preamps for Sadowsky basses.  Excellent comparison test this with quality sounds & info... 👏👏😉

Yeah I agree. The only dilemma is the DB 924 being 2 x 9v batteries only so hard to use it and be consistent. Thanks for the feedback on the demo too 🙂

[phagor]

Nothing to add on the DBs, but just wanted to say your videos are awesome @skej21!

Just watched a bunch of them. Great content and editing. Deserving of many likes and subs. 

[skej21]

8 hours ago, phagor said:

Nothing to add on the DBs, but just wanted to say your videos are awesome @skej21!

Just watched a bunch of them. Great content and editing. Deserving of many likes and subs. 

Oh thanks mate, that’s very kind. I doubt I’ll ever get that many view/likes/subs with a “no talk, just tone” approach but frankly, that’s not why I do it. All I’m trying to do is create a reference library that’s truthful and informative so I can help people who are thinking about parting with their cash!

[jimbobothy]

… just nabbed a DB 925 from PMT for £91 (sale), should fit onto my mini gig board quite nicely tbh 👍🏼

[JPJ]

To my ears listen through mk1 AirPods the 925 sounds a little compressed and a little bit brighter?

[bakerster135]

I'm assuming the 925 doesn't have a voltage pump to convert 9v power to 18v? The 924 runs at 18v with the 2x9v batteries, so if the 925's running at 9v then there's going to be a headroom difference which may account for the 924's clear/richer tone?

[jimbobothy]

… either way for my needs (and space on a mini gig board) the 925 does the trick nicely 👍🏼

[Undertone]

925 to me sounds like the mids are very slightly less prominent. The note transients seem more percussive too. All slight though.

[Undertone]

(for the same settings)...

 

[lee650]

Fantastic video! I want that P bass, what a tone!!! Very nearly bought the new mini one recently, but the lack of volume control put me off. I wonder if it makes any difference in this comparison?

I bought a Sadowsky SB2 in the end and sounds fantastic, adds weight and clarity (in a subtle way) I'd love to hear a comparison of that and the Aguilar, seeing as they share some DNA 😁