Another this vs that! Monique 700 VS JGR Studio 1200

[atrapp]

I have a Monique pre en route and will consider the conversion to head, am hoping there are some who
have had a chance to compare these either side by side, or at least with first hand experience of both.
They are comparable in price, with Studio 1200 obviously rated at higher output. The added power is probably a non issue as I never push any of my amps to their limits.
Once again I welcome/look forward to thoughts from those who have used both.
If it matters I play Sadowsky NYC 5's and a myriad of cabinets, Tecamp, LDS, Berg, Genz and Aguilar.

Thanks in advance
Toby

 

[Mike Arnopol]

I'm pretty familiar with both. They're both absolutely fantastic.

My take
The Monique is gorgeous sounding. This can be a good or bad thing. "Romantic Tube" is how I'd describe it. I think it works well with cabs that aren't too big and loose in the low end. For instance---the Monique sounds really nice with my Flex cabs.Kindof widens the envelope of the notes. They are very tight and punchy. Opposite of a loose low end. Some guys dig it---some don't. Which is how it should be. With my 46, which is warmer in the mid through the upper bass---it's not a good match. WAY too much of a good thing. The Monique top end isn't very forward sounding---again, it's on the romantic side. So--a cab that is a bit bright in the treble is a nice offset. The function of the eq is more subtle to me. The eq won't change the essential character. The sensitivity control is really cool. That DOES change the sound. You can lean toward solid-state tightness and uber tubey romance. But it still is a warm, romantic sound.

I'm just mentioning my cabs because that's what I've heard them through! None of them are perfect but they do have different characters---so it's easier for me to make comparisons.

JGR's is a different animal. More focused in the lows and more extended in the highs. The Studio 1200 liked all of my cabs. It seemed to bring out the character of each. Tubey, but in a studio focused tubey way. It's pretty cool---it can get closer to a studio hifi sound, but you can push it into the grunge range, too. The eq is much more to my liking---12 o'clock is 12 o'clock. Five bands, I think. Well chosen eq points and less interaction between bands than I would have expected. The 1200 is maybe more to my taste---I'm a pizz funk/fusion guy. No boom for me, please. Focused tight low end. Fast,fast,fast. But more of a hifi take on a 60's or 70's funk/r&B sound.

I'm more familiar with the power amp section of the 1200 as I'm using it in my amp. It slams like the best class a/b. I'm not as familiar with the Hypex module that Jule is using. My experience with the Hypex modules is that they're exceptional.

While JGR's might be my preference, I can't remember when I've had more fun than using the Monique into the 1200 watt Ice and into a Flex 210.

Both are stellar.

 

[BurningSkies]

Why don't you talk to Jule about getting one of the very first 1400w units. Or maybe you'd prefer something in the 2500RMS range.

 

[atrapp]

I'm pretty familiar with both. They're both absolutely fantastic.

My take
The Monique is gorgeous sounding. This can be a good or bad thing. "Romantic Tube" is how I'd describe it. I think it works well with cabs that aren't too big and loose in the low end. For instance---the Monique sounds really nice with my Flex cabs.Kindof widens the envelope of the notes. They are very tight and punchy. Opposite of a loose low end. Some guys dig it---some don't. Which is how it should be. With my 46, which is warmer in the mid through the upper bass---it's not a good match. WAY too much of a good thing. The Monique top end isn't very forward sounding---again, it's on the romantic side. So--a cab that is a bit bright in the treble is a nice offset. The function of the eq is more subtle to me. The eq won't change the essential character. The sensitivity control is really cool. That DOES change the sound. You can lean toward solid-state tightness and uber tubey romance. But it still is a warm, romantic sound.

I'm just mentioning my cabs because that's what I've heard them through! None of them are perfect but they do have different characters---so it's easier for me to make comparisons.

JGR's is a different animal. More focused in the lows and more extended in the highs. The Studio 1200 liked all of my cabs. It seemed to bring out the character of each. Tubey, but in a studio focused tubey way. It's pretty cool---it can get closer to a studio hifi sound, but you can push it into the grunge range, too. The eq is much more to my liking---12 o'clock is 12 o'clock. Five bands, I think. Well chosen eq points and less interaction between bands than I would have expected. The 1200 is maybe more to my taste---I'm a pizz funk/fusion guy. No boom for me, please. Focused tight low end. Fast,fast,fast. But more of a hifi take on a 60's or 70's funk/r&B sound.

I'm more familiar with the power amp section of the 1200 as I'm using it in my amp. It slams like the best class a/b. I'm not as familiar with the Hypex module that Jule is using. My experience with the Hypex modules is that they're exceptional.

While JGR's might be my preference, I can't remember when I've had more fun than using the Monique into the 1200 watt Ice and into a Flex 210.

Both are stellar.

Thanks Mike, I would like to hear your cabs, but to my knowledge none have made it to Portland OR.

BTW, way back in '94 I was listening to KBOO in Portland and a little song came on called Ode To Billy Joe from Patricia Barber. Man did that song grab my attention!
I raced over to Music Millennium bought the disc, took it down to my favorite hi end audio shop to hear it on a set of Aerial Acoustic 10t's, all the ancillary gear was made by Steve McCormack (which I had at home). Sadly a set of Apogee Acoustics Centaur had been hooked up by mistake... $2000 later I was heading home with a new set of speakers... Now I don't blame your bass playing on that track for this, but it certainly got the ball rolling. Maybe we can work out a trade! LOL

 

[atrapp]

Why don't you talk to Jule about getting one of the very first 1400w units. Or maybe you'd prefer something in the 2500RMS range.

Well Mr Gihgawatt! Lol. Because my Fender Super Twin is louder than I need, not to mention all the 900 watt class d amps I have being way freaking loader than I can ever use.

That said, sounds like a great idea!

 

[dukeorock]

Haven't had the pleasure of trying any of Jules products. Hopefully one day!

I have tried 3 different JGR/Reiner setups and currently own one of his 6SL7 pres. Haven't seriously thought about getting a tube pre since, though the S1200 is very tempting