Dared sl2000a Tube Preamp

fishbones
fishbones Posts: 947
edited September 2011 in For Sale (FS) Classifieds
This is the 2011 model. It is in excellent shape. I could only find one tiny blemish, which is pictured. I bought it new. It comes with original tubes as well as 2 sets of NOS signal tubes and 1 NOS rectifier tube (bought from Heiney9 per his recommendation). These tubes were before he found the "Holy Grail" ones, so you could probably improve the performance even further. Also comes with original box and packaging, owners manual, powercord and wood remote control. How does $395 shipped +Paypal sound? This is one of the biggest "bang for the buck" pieces of equipment I've ever had in my system, and kept up with my Cary tube pre (3x the cost) so well and on so many levels, that I have been really hesitant to let it go, but alas, I need the money to buy other equipment. If you've been waiting for a reasonable way to try tubes in your system to see what the hubbub is all about, here it is.

P10400981.jpg

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P10400991.jpg
..... ><////(*>
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,249
    edited June 2011
    I have recently seen this and had a chance to audition it. It sounds great and looks like it just came out of the box. This should be a quick sale, Troy.
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited June 2011
    Why is this still here? Great pre-amp. Sounds absolutely fantastic!

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited June 2011
    I'm with Brock. I would punch a bunny just to have this piece back in my system.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,728
    edited June 2011
    How would this sound with a TFM 45?
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited June 2011
    Anybody on the fence about getting into tubes, this is a great way to do it on the cheap but still get great results. Low maintenance, well built, and tube rolling 12AT7's and variants is a helluva lot cheaper than their 12AX7 and 12AU7 cousins.

    Again, I can't stress enough what a great tube pre-amp this is.

    Ok, enough already, I'm done.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited June 2011
    pitdogg2 wrote: »
    How would this sound with a TFM 45?

    Ummmmm.....I never understand these kind of questions :confused:. It should sound fantastic just like anything else it's hooked up to.

    This is tube rollers dream as it responds very well to different tubes.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • doctor r
    doctor r Posts: 837
    edited June 2011
    As H9 has so well stated, if you have any thughts about getting into a tube preamp this is your BEST chance at both quality and price. I had a Dared sl2000a as my first tube pre and really got a feel for tube rolling. This is a great piece and shold not be passed up in this condition.
    Rick
    integrated w/DAC module Gryphon Diablo 300
    server Wolf Alpha 3SX
    phono pre Dynamic Sounds Associates Phono II
    turntable/tonearms Origin Live Sovereign Mk3 dual arm, Origin Live Enterprise Mk4, Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c
    cartridges Miyajima Madake, Ortofon Windfeld Ti, Ortofon
    speakers Rockport Mira II
    cables Synergistic Research Cables, Gryphon VPI XLR, Sablon 2020 USB
    rack Adona Eris 6dw
    ultrasonic cleaner Degritter
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  • cubdog
    cubdog Posts: 835
    edited June 2011
    Will somebody please buy my speakers so I can buy this pre?

    cubdog
    Shuguang Classic S8MK
    Emotiva XDA-2
    Bel Canto M300 mono blocks
    Bel Canto DAC 1.5
    Squeezebox Touch
    Sony SS-M7
    A/D/S L710
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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited June 2011
    I'm amazed and confused as to why this hasn't been snapped up. I heard
    H9's and had to get one myself. The one I purchased had a crap rectifier in it but once that was replaced it was what I remembered from listening to his.

    Short of Ricardo's Belles I've been waiting for him to sell (if I can afford it:smile:) I have had no desire to flip it. Those who know me know that it is pretty amazing for me to hold on to anything.:wink:

    Buy with confidence that you'll be very happy with it.
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,728
    edited June 2011
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Ummmmm.....I never understand these kind of questions :confused:. It should sound fantastic just like anything else it's hooked up to.

    This is tube rollers dream as it responds very well to different tubes.

    H9

    Well Brock I'm sorry to confuse you.:frown: I guess i should of asked it differently like has anybody used one of these with such and such. I have always wanted the C19 tubed pre from Carver but had to settle for the C16 it's little brother. Even used the C19 still commands a pretty hefty price for a 25yo preamp. With cash tight as all get out 400 frogskins is a great price but just wanted to ask about the SYNERGY aspect of this piece that is all
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  • iskandam
    iskandam Posts: 704
    edited June 2011
    This is a phenomenal value. Used to have a Dared tube amp, rolled in TJ Full Music 12AX7 and the leap in sound quality is startling!
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2011
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Anybody on the fence about getting into tubes, this is a great way to do it on the cheap but still get great results. Low maintenance, well built, and tube rolling 12AT7's and variants is a helluva lot cheaper than their 12AX7 and 12AU7 cousins.

    Again, I can't stress enough what a great tube pre-amp this is.

    Ok, enough already, I'm done.

    H9

    Tell us how you really feel.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited June 2011
    george daniel wrote: »
    Tell us how you really feel.

    Lol......there are certain pieces of gear I just can't contain my excitement. I want someone else to experience the same things. :smile:

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    edited June 2011
    reported post #16 narbarkod22 as spam for removal
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2011
    3 pr inputs and 1 pr output?
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • rromeo923
    rromeo923 Posts: 1,513
    edited June 2011
    Ok very newbie questions.

    What does a preamp really do?
    I have a B&K ref 50 that I use now. However I dont even know why I bought it. Not really sure how or why I bought my amp either. Hmmmm.

    Why is this preamp so nice? Can you use a tube preamp successfully with a Solid State amp?
    I got static in my head
    The reflected sound of everything
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited June 2011
    george daniel wrote: »
    3 pr inputs and 1 pr output?

    2 and 2 George....PM coming your way.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • audiocr381ve
    audiocr381ve Posts: 2,588
    edited June 2011
    PM sent.
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  • rromeo923
    rromeo923 Posts: 1,513
    edited June 2011
    I am considering something like this. Tell me if it will work and if it is a good idea. Tell me what you think.

    I have a B&K ref 50 and a Sherbourn 7/2100A.
    This was set up for home theater mainly. I am doing home theater less as the kids have grown up and more 2 channel listening.
    Would it work if I bought a tube preamp (wanna see what this tube stuff is all about) such as this one on sale. Using it two run the L and R front speakers (SDA 1C) and using the B&K for the rest of the channels. Can that work? How would I do 7 channel movies?
    I got static in my head
    The reflected sound of everything
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  • audio_alan
    audio_alan Posts: 770
    edited June 2011
    I completely agree with the other positive statements about this preamp. I purchased one earlier this year and have been a tube rollin' maniac ever since!

    This really is a special little unit with the right tubes. Besides sounding great, I think the whole process of tube rolling is fun. It's hard to explain why, but I guess it's a combination of the challenge of hounding for the right tubes, scoring a good deal on an auction, the anticipation for them to be delivered, and then finally hearing the magic after you install your new set of tubes. It has really added an extra level of sound quality and enjoyment to my system...

    .... and that concludes my Dared SL-2000a infomercial. :biggrin:

    GLWTS
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  • sda2mike
    sda2mike Posts: 3,131
    edited June 2011
    i always liked the dared...wanted one since i 1st saw them..musta been 2005...i got a good deal on my aric audio pre...the dared is a looker and has mucho positive reviews AND a remote....GLWYS
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  • fishbones
    fishbones Posts: 947
    edited June 2011
    Just getting back to the computer after digging trenches all day yesterday because of a water-main break 3 days ago under the foundation. All is fixed now, and just have to fill everything in. So nice to have running water again. :biggrin:


    PM's answered. Thanks for the interest!

    At this point, it is not sold, but two have expressed interest via PM. In line (by order):

    George Daniels
    audiocr381ve

    rromeo, You would be very happy to hear this unit in your system. The B&K is a nice piece (I had a Ref 30). When you use the "direct" mode it is pretty solid unit for SQ, but the Dared is definitely better. You'll notice more natural tone, more 3-dimensionality to intruments, the highs will be ALOT smoother (more natural, and less fatiguing to the ear - especially when turned up). You will not be able to run all 7 speakers with this, or any 2-channel unit, but when you want to just listen 2-channel style, you just flip the intereconnects around between the two units. Even at asking price (new) this unit is a killer deal!
    ..... ><////(*>
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  • fishbones
    fishbones Posts: 947
    edited June 2011
    SOLD...to George Daniels.


    Thanks George...Enjoy!
    ..... ><////(*>
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,249
    edited June 2011
    Atta boy, George!
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,217
    edited June 2011
    George once you get her set up if need to a good set of tubes to use for awhile I'll send you some loaners I have back-ups for. You may have some stellar 12AT7/ECC81 tubes already, or I can can make some killer rec's.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • doctor r
    doctor r Posts: 837
    edited June 2011
    Congratulations George!

    Hey FB any chance that the water main was damaged by the loud soundwaves of a recent weekend's test sessions?
    integrated w/DAC module Gryphon Diablo 300
    server Wolf Alpha 3SX
    phono pre Dynamic Sounds Associates Phono II
    turntable/tonearms Origin Live Sovereign Mk3 dual arm, Origin Live Enterprise Mk4, Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c
    cartridges Miyajima Madake, Ortofon Windfeld Ti, Ortofon
    speakers Rockport Mira II
    cables Synergistic Research Cables, Gryphon VPI XLR, Sablon 2020 USB
    rack Adona Eris 6dw
    ultrasonic cleaner Degritter
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  • sda2mike
    sda2mike Posts: 3,131
    edited June 2011
    congrats g!
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  • fishbones
    fishbones Posts: 947
    edited June 2011
    Doctor R wrote: »
    Congratulations George!

    Hey FB any chance that the water main was damaged by the loud soundwaves of a recent weekend's test sessions?


    LMAO, no doubt it's possible with the Fathom sub that was brought over. It went so low, there were sounds coming from the house that sounded more like structure groans! :biggrin:
    ..... ><////(*>
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2011
    heiney9 wrote: »
    George once you get her set up if need to a good set of tubes to use for awhile I'll send you some loaners I have back-ups for. You may have some stellar 12AT7/ECC81 tubes already, or I can can make some killer rec's.

    H9

    Thanks guys--Brock--got your pm,, bought a pair from the guy--I love it when a plan comes together--thanks. :smile:
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • inspiredsports
    inspiredsports Posts: 5,501
    edited June 2011
    Nice snag George. I'm glad you pulled the trigger first because this was sure tempting!
    VTL ST50 w/mods / RCA6L6GC / TlfnknECC801S
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 w/mods
    TT Conrad Johnson Sonographe SG3 Oak / Sumiko LMT / Grado Woodbody Platinum / Sumiko PIB2 / The Clamp
    Musical Fidelity A1 CDPro/ Bada DD-22 Tube CDP / Conrad Johnson SD-22 CDP
    Tuners w/mods Kenwood KT5020 / Fisher KM60
    MF x-DAC V8, HAInfo NG27
    Herbies Ti-9 / Vibrapods / MIT Shotgun AC1 IEC's / MIT Shotgun 2 IC's / MIT Shotgun 2 Speaker Cables
    PS Audio Cryo / PowerPort Premium Outlets / Exact Power EP15A Conditioner
    Walnut SDA 2B TL /Oak SDA SRS II TL (Sonicaps/Mills/Cardas/Custom SDA ICs / Dynamat Extreme / Larry's Rings/ FSB-2 Spikes
    NAD SS rigs w/mods
    GIK panels
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