If one ever so desired to embark on a challenge of epic portions but with little reward, to meander on the brink of madness … Congratulations, look no further, you’ve come to the right place. The task is really quite simple: compare and contrast the Chase Tone Secret Preamp & Catalinbread Epoch Boost, two pedals based on the same circuit; that of the fabled preamp found within the Echoplex EP-3. For those who like to live dangerously, feel free to add the ClinchFX EP-PRE to this mix (thankfully for my sanity, I did not have one at my disposal).

A very important note before venturing any further: There are countless threads and discussions, here and across the web, fueled with great passion and a touch of fanaticism, to include the insightful participation of their very proud designers (and rightfully so), as to the the level of authenticity of these circuits in comparison to that of the EP-3’s preamp. To this very point, and in writing this review, I just want to be clear that, beyond the cool backstory, I have little interest as to which one is most authentic. As I’ve never owned or played through an EP-3, my focus is on the intended use and resulting effect/end-tone of the circuit within my rig. Authentic or not, it needs to sound good, fulfill a meaningful purpose, and play nicely with the rest of my gear.

[Overall Impressions First]

Why wait to the end to share my conclusions from this exercise? Fantastic pedals of solid build quality and effect, I truly like them both and, as I only have space for one, I’m having a hard time choosing which one stays. More Similar than they are different, choosing between these pedals is like having to decide if one prefers Milk Chocolate or Dark Chocolate -or- Vanilla & French Vanilla. Beyond the inclusion of some bonus toppings (think: features), these pedals start off with the same core flavor, mixed with slightly different ingredients, resulting in very nuanced differences of tone (specifically: different parts of the EQ spectrum are emphasized.) Hoping this all makes sense for those still following along.

Based on hours of A/B testing (details of which provided below), the Chase Tone Secret Preamp (Dark mode) provides a more prominent representation of upper-mids and a dash more high-end, culminating in a tone that feels a bit more punchy and articulate (some users describe this as ‘having bite’). The Epoch Boost, by comparison, emphasizes the lower-mids in the spectrum while leaving the upper-mid to higher frequencies a bit more neutral, thus providing a more flat/mellow vibe with a touch of smokiness (read: smoothness). Important to highlight: the Secret Preamp does offer two additional EQ options , Bright and Mid, which I will discuss a bit later in this review. When either pedal is used on its own (no drive pedals or such), the difference, while discernable, is negligible. When combined with a drive pedal, and dependent on the voicing /EQ thereof, said differences become much more prevalent (Example: the Secret Preamp will punch the mids with added strength while the Epoch Boost adds a bit more growl.) Both are great and have their useful purposes — it really boils down to one’s taste and preferred flavor.

As to the resulting effect, both pedals are successful in providing some healthy warmth and fullness with a touch of articulation that, when combined, serve as a final coat of polish to one’s tone. Once engaged, the signal comes to life, providing some enhanced responsiveness and note clarity – Turned off, everything is left feeling a bit lifeless in comparison. As many have shared, these are the types of pedals that one takes for granted until it is turned off and then sorely missed.

[But what exactly does this pedal do?]

For those not as familiar with this particular effect/preamp, there are plenty of sources to get the history and technical information but, to offer a general overview of what it does: The [Volume] and/or [Preamp] controls on the pedals (as pictured below) provide the same exact functionality; from fully CCW to about 11~12pm, it acts as a volume control when engaged. The preamp accentuates varies frequencies sort of like a preset EQ with some slight compression built-in. After one reaches unity on said control and, continues clockwise from there, the circuit starts to boost the signal by several decibels until it reaches about 3pm on the dial. From 3pm until it is fully turned to the right, the decibels drop again to simulate a worn/vintage Exchoplex unit. The practical effect of these control mechanics is that, as one moves the controls from 12pm and moving fully to the right (5pm), the preamp/circuit will emphasize different parts of the EQ spectrum depending (Example: 4pm on the dial is a bit more flat and lighter feeling vs 1pm which is a bit darker and more mid punchy). As mentioned previously, by having this at the end of the chain or, at least after the drives, it acts as a final sort of EQ polish for your tone, while removing some of the potential brittleness distortion can add. In the same respect, it can also help in better packaging your entire signal allowing the delays and reverbs to better sit in the mix.

[About the Testing]

As to making this simple task more complicated than needed, toying with OCD (and no, I am no referring to the pedal), the following are highlights as to the various ways in which these two pedals were compared: side-by-side and switching back and forth, by themselves for an extended time, in the effects loop, before the amp, on two different amps (Tube and SS), with different drive pedals and effects, live playing of different songs/styles, live playing of same songs/styles, and using a looper with a pre-recorded song or phrase. All together, this project lasted for about one full week, taking plenty of breaks to refresh the palate and rest the ears.

[Utility Features]

If there is a more tangible difference between these two pedals, it is found in their unique utility function/features.

For the Chase Tone Secret Preamp, the user is provided a 3-way switch to select different EQ/Voicing Options: Bright (Early EP3), Dark (Late EP3), and a Mid (Hybrid) option — the names pretty much speak for themselves. In conversations with Kyle Chase, he shared that these options allow for the guitar, if so desired, to better stand out in the mix while still deploying the resulting effect. While this is true, I found that the options make the pedal much more flexible/adaptable to a wider variety of gear to include choice of amps, drive pedals, guitars, and pickups. (example: if you have humbucker in the neck position that is already a bit dark/full, using the mid or bright options can provide clarity.)

The Epoch Boost provides a controllable Boost function in addition to the Preamp, the usefulness of which, depends greatly on but, is not limited to, where the pedal is placed in the chain and then considering, how one chooses to use the pedal. As I use these as ALWAYS ON pedals at the very end of the chain, the boost function did not find much use for me but, I certainly see the potential in other use-case scenarios.

Other design notes/difference: The Secret Preamp has top-mounted jacks and the Epoch Boost provides a switchable buffer on the input.

[Misc. and Final Thoughts]

As always, I will return to this thread to share updates, answer questions, or share new insights. Truly, I’m driving myself crazy as to which one will stay on the board for now – most likely keeping the other around for a change of flavor when so needed. Specific to my preferences of taste, I like the base tone/EQ of the Epoch Boost a touch more (that mellow/smooth vibe) yet, don’t really have use for the Boost function. For the Secret Preamp, I find the voice options much more useful as I switch between guitars and various drive pedals but, have to be mindful of accentuating the mids depending.

Some additional observations that may be of interest or consideration: I found that the extra bit of articulation provided by the Secret Preamp really brought to life finger picked notes and chords (to include hammer on and pull-offs) while, the smoothness of the Epoch Boost seemed to better suited when interacting with the sharper attacks of a pick; this, certainly just an matter of taste.

When reflecting on the personalities of these pedals — again, both great options — In a best of both worlds scenario, I’m left sort of wishing that the ‘Dark’ mode on the Secret Preamp had just a fraction less emphasis on the mids to then be a bit more in line with the voice/EQ and sense of smoothness of the Epoch Boost; this, while still providing its two other modes as more contrasting options (both in EQ and the articulation they provide). Certainly I admit that I’m splitting hairs and thus, we find ourselves back to where we started, ‘What’s the flavor of choice?’.

Footnote: In all truthfulness and fairness, the differences between these pedals is at best nuanced. If I didn’t have them sitting side-by-side for real-time comparison, it would have been much harder to discern the differences thereof.

For those who have made similar comparisons, to include the ClinchFX EP-PRE, l’d love to hear your thoughts and experience. As shared, let’s place focus on the intended effect, resulting tone, and applicable function of these pedals instead of delving into the debate of which is most authentic to that of the original Echoplex Ep-3 (and it’s preamp) that most have never had the opportunity to play with.

[Final Update | 2/6/21]

After a great deal of back and forth and back again, I decided to keep the Chase Tone Secret Preamp and to part ways with the Epoch Boost. Each pedal was fantastic and brought something a touch unique to the table. If budget and space were of no issue, I would have kept them both. In the end, the different voices of the Chase Tone better addressed my current ‘needs and wants’ than the added boost function of the Epoch Boost. Certainly, there will be those that find the boost feature of greater value. Either way, one will have access to that magic pixie dust this EP3 preamp circuit can provide.

*** As always, a special note of ‘Thanks’ to my friends at ZSTRING MUSIC who help to make reviews/threads like this possible; a music store owned by a musician, for musicians, and gear aficionado like myself. ***