The Time Traveler series of heads is a significant departure from previous World Tour designs. There are several features that are completely different than our original World Tour amps.

Perhaps the most significant change is the solid state front end. Over the years, we've found that many players prefer solid state preamps over their tube brothers. There was a problem, however, in that most solid state preamps sound sterile. They lack character. We solved this problem with the Golden Ear chip. This chip was originally developed for use in very high end hi-fi and recording consoles, such as the Neve and Harris units. We figured if it was good enough for quarter-million-dollar consoles, it would be good enough for us. And we were right! This IC is several times more expensive than the standard chips used by some other manufacturers, but is well worth it in terms of tone quality.

The Golden Ear chip gives the Time Traveler heads a warmth that is unmatched by other solid state preamps. To make the most of this chip, we added a Warmth switch with Trim adjustment, so users can dial in some extra grit if they want to. For you propellerheads, the Warmth Switch engages the positive half-wave tube-style warmth circuit. The Trim adjustment allows you to tailor the amount of extra grit in your sound.

Another major change in design was to simplify the EQ section. While there are thousands of bassists who love our original 5-band semi-parametric EQ section, some prefer an EQ section that's easier to deal with. In fact, many of our endorsers and long-time users tell us that they really don't use the EQ much at all because our amps sound so great flat. We felt there was enough interest in a simplified EQ that we decided to design one that had fewer knobs, but would still be extremely musical.

The Time Traveler EQ section features Bass, Mid and Treble controls as well as a Mid Shift switch. This switch allows the user to choose either 550Hz or 2.2KHz as the Mid center frequency. You can dial in a great fretless tone by adding just a touch of 550Hz. Think Jaco or Alain Caron. If you want to get a more aggressive Rock tone, switch to 2.2KHz and add a touch there to cut through those guitar stacks. Conversely, for a smooth, elegant Jazz tone, cut a little at this same frequency.

Another change was to recalibrate the Enhance circuit. Over the years, we've learned that 99% of our users ran the Enhance between about 8:00 and 12:00 (on a clock face). Going beyond 12:00 cut too much of the low mids to be useful. So for the Time Traveler, we recalibrated the circuit such that turning the Enhance up all the way is equal to 12:00 on the original design. This allows the user to more finely tune their sound.

The Time Traveler heads are the first to feature our new Dynamic Boost circuits. Remember the Loudness switch on old stereos? Engaging it would boost the low bass and very high treble and was very useful in low volume situations. The reason for this is that, according to the Fletcher-Munson Curve, we don't hear these frequencies as well at low volume as we do when the volume is increased. (If you've already heard of the Fletcher-Munson Curve, you're the audiophile equivalent of a propellerhead.)

Anyway, we really liked the idea of being able to compensate for low volume, but wanted to do something more. First, we incorporated separate switches for Bass and Treble so you can decide which portion of the frequency spectrum you want to boost. Second, we designed the Dynamic Boost to slowly roll off as you increase volume. This means that your tone will be consistent as you get louder. Pretty cool, huh?

Another design change was to give the Compressor its own level knob. This makes it easier to adjust the amount of compression. We also added a Mute to Tune button and multiple patch points. All of these features are based on user feedback so we could give you more of what you want in a bass head.

Currently, we offer the WT405 as a stand-alone integrated amplifier. The CXC combos are powered by the WT330 Time Traveler, and can be special ordered with the WT390. The WT390 was first debuted in the signature version of the DC112XLT combo and is virtually identical to the WT405. The only difference between these three heads is the wattage rating, as follows:

WT330
200 watts RMS @ 8 Ohms
330 watts RMS @ 4 Ohms
420 watts RMS @ 2 Ohms

WT390
235 watts RMS @ 8 Ohms
390 watts RMS @ 4 Ohms
625 watts RMS @ 2 Ohms

WT405
250 Watts RMS @ 8 Ohms
405 Watts RMS @ 4 Ohms
620 Watts RMS @ 2 Ohms

All of this sounds great, doesn't it? But they say the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Here's what some of our users say about the Time Traveler:

Endorser Kim Farrar says this of her WT405 and D112XLT cabinet:

I ordered my WT405 just in time for our debut CD release before 2,000 people in Columbus, Ohio. It did not disappoint! Power, Clarity and Awesome Tone! I absolutely love the settings. They allow me to shape my sound to perfection. I have not found what I want in any other amp. I play a Warwick Corvette and I have a Washburn as a backup axe. With the WT405, I can set it so that both of them sound like "Butter."

Here are a few comments from Edenites on our forum:

I was concerned about not having Eden's signature parametric EQ, but the frequencies provided are well chosen, and it turns out I rarely have to use the EQ anyway.

The low boost switch is more useful than I expected - I use it a lot at small gigs and low-volume rehearsals, like a 'loudness' switch.

The WT-330 is such a sweet amp!! It has drastically improved my tone, which was already very good with my Roscoe fretless and another maker's amp.

I use a WT330 through a 4 Ohm 210XST (encroaching age = smaller gear). It's the best sound I've ever had, and louder than bigger rigs from the past.

I myself am a happy WT330 owner. Highly recommended.

I'm a new WT330 owner. I've only played one gig with it and loved the sound of my bass. It worked hard all night and didn't get hot enough to switch on the fan. The sound is quite neutral - you don't need to use the EQ with a good speaker, but there's lots of control available.

I love my WT330. I think it's the best of the Eden amps out right now.

The sound is tight like a laserbeam burning into your keyster and wiggling your spine.

Recently, in side-by side comparisons, I ditched the bi-amp rig in favor of the WT-330 running both cabs for 4 ohm operation. It's louder, it's cleaner, it's much lighter, it's more versatile and there is no comparison for sound quality. Mind you, I can't bridge it for 1400 watts into 4 ohms, but I really don't need that much power very often. I now use the WT-330 exclusively.

While the Time Traveler amplifiers represent a new direction for Eden, our goal is still the same as it's always been: to offer unequaled tone, performance, reliability and versatility at an affordable price. But now you can choose between our original 5-band EQ and a simpler design, between our legendary tube front end and a solid state design that delivers amazing warmth and character.

We invite you to audition a Time Traveler at your local dealer. We're confident you'll agree that it offers unmatched warmth and tone. And, after all, isn't that what it's all about?

Read more on the WT405 product page.

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