Recommend some 2 channel preamps

quadzilla

So... I like the new monoblocks a lot. But... my PAS-3 and it's 500K output impedence just isn't a great match. I could get a new line stage and mod it further, but that will cost about as much, or more, as I've got in it already, and I don't really want to go that route. And in the end, it'd still basically be a PAS. So I'm looking for a tube pre that will match well with the 100K input impedence of my amps. Don't have a particular preference for the type of tubes, but am looking for something that won't make me cry when I part with the cash. Also, I have a phono stage, so I don't need one of those, but would like a tape loop since I still listen to cassettes. Other than that, I prefer pretty minimalist preamps... no tone controls, balance is also optional, and I'm not running a balanced rig, so RCA outs are fine.

treitz3

Give Gary Dodd a call and see what he may have for you.

inspiredsports

Many Conrad Johnson pre's fit your criteria and are worth a look as they are all designed with an output impedance of 100K to match their amps.

quadzilla

I ran across a deal in the local craigslist for a CJ PV-2a. Picking it up later. Price isn't that great, but it does have a brand new set of tubes from CJ, so it balances out.

Anyone want to buy a PAS-3? Make you a heckuva deal.

inspiredsports

quadzilla wrote: »

I ran across a deal in the local craigslist for a CJ PV-2a. Picking it up later. Price isn't that great, but it does have a brand new set of tubes from CJ, so it balances out.

Anyone want to buy a PAS-3? Make you a heckuva deal.

That's one of their most highly regarded pre's. Post your thoughts once you've had a chance to listen for a bit.

That PAS-3 was my first tube pre and I'd love to have one again for nostalgia, but have been buying too much gear recently and have overspent the budget.

gdb

Here's a nice one but, time is short(1hr.24min.)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180667279646&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

inspiredsports

gdb wrote: »

Here's a nice one but, time is short(1hr.24min.)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180667279646&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Looks like 9 hungry bidders are pushing the price pretty hard.

gdb

Sigh......I ain't one of them either!:frown:

quadzilla

My intial impressions are are follows. The caveat is that my tube amps are down while I finish upgrading the binding posts, so I'm running my NAD C-270 for a bit.

So far, I've listed to a couple of tracks off Adele's 21, some Doors, Pink Floyd DSOTM, Sheryl Crow, and the Columbia release of the USSR Symphony Orchestra's recording of The Seasons, along with a complilation CD called Baroque Masterpieces (mostly various Bach, Handel and Vivaldi pieces). Got some Steely Dan, John Coltrane, Beatles, Tool, Bach, Grofe, and Rolling Stones queued up, plus whatever else I pull out of the pile later. Maybe I'll toss on some Fat Boy Slim or Beck.

The level of detail retrieval and musicality exceeds my PAS-3 in every way, while not becoming sterile or analyitical in the least. There's just the amount of sweetness in the upper mid-range that I like, so orchestral strings sound gorgeous, especially bunched. Highs have that certain shimmer that only tubes seem to be able to deliver. Each instrument is well defined in space, both to the side and front to back, with said sound stage being enourmously wide and deep. The bass is deep and textured in all cases, with lots of nuance. Transients come through clearly and with real attack. Both female and male vocals are well treated, with female vocals avoiding that overly breathy sound I frequently hear in even so-called "high-end" setups, and male vocals are not chesty in the least.

Interestingly, when I started listening, in some ways, I wanted to not like this preamp. I wanted to be able to say that my PAS was just as good, that I'd wasted my money, and that moving up the food chain in components might improve things slightly, but that the upgrade wouldn't be worth the money and so I'd just flip this preamp and maybe try something else, just to play around. Yeah, not so much. It's such an enourmous upgrade that, while I'm not sorry I bought the PAS, it's defintely been relegated to bedroom system status, or will be sold. Again, I know there's a lot more mods I could do to the PAS to make it sound a lot better, but I'm getting tired of everything I buy turning into a project. It's nice to get something that I can just plug in and listen to and really, really, really enjoy. This CJ PV-2a is that kind of component. I'll probably get around to some tube rolling and whatever after awhile, but for now, it's great to just listen to it.

One thing I really like is that CDs, SACDs, and vinyl are all treated very well by this preamp. And it really likes my Aural Thrills phono stage. Even with only about 20 hours on the tubes now (had about 10 on a new set from CJ when I got it), it sounds absolutely wonderful. But the CJ-supplied set uses GE tubes in the gain stages and for cathode followers, and an EH 12AX7 for... something. I need to call CJ and find out which tubes do what. Anywho... call me a fan of cathode follower designs.

marvda1

here's one that sounded pretty good at the lone star audio feat. the oddwatt, $450 kit and maybe another $100 assembled.
http://oddwattaudio.com/owforewatt.html

mhardy6647

http://www.transcendentsound.com/Transcendent/Transcendent_Sound_Grounded_Grid_Preamp.html

quadzilla

I paid 650 and didn't have to put it together. These usually go for 4-600, but I figured with a new set of tubes from CJ, it was a wash on cost.

quadzilla

This pre is continuing to grow on me pretty strongly. I noticed the very lowest registers didn't seem that strong. This was partly due to trying to control some bass bloat when using the PAS, so I had the speakers about 3 feet from the rear wall. They're now 16 inches off the rear wall, and the low bass is actually just a tad strong. It's like someone turned the bass tone control to about 1.5. My new binding posts will be arriving today, so those will get installed as soon as I get home from work, and I'll see how it sounds with the monoblocks. Either way, bass is still quite tight and textured, I'm just hearing a slight bloom from around 45-50 Hz down.

God I love this pre.

sucks2beme

CJ is right up there with ARC. Tends to be warm sounding.
I've listened to the new stuff, not had a chance to play with older units.
Seems never to be a bad choice.