Opinions on possible trade

Pycroft
Pycroft Posts: 1,960
edited February 2012 in Electronics
Hello all,

I have been offered a trade, and am not sure opinions. There MAY be a chance to demo it, so that will be high priority, but am always nervous when it comes to 'Chinese' made gear because I've owned some lower quality Chinese tube gear and wasn't impressed. I know this is NOT low quality, but know little about the reputation.

Here is what I am using:
Speakers: Sony SS-M9's
Amp: Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono amplifier
Preamp - TAD Signature 150 preamp


The preamp I have been offered in a trade is a Mingda MC-2A3. Both are tube pieces. I will include his original listing, because there is some voltage issue that I am unsure of what is meant: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=101856.msg1046115#msg1046115.

The preamp I have now is very good, so I will hope to be able to hear this before a trade. I'm curious if anyone has gotten their ears on one, and any comments you may have. Is there any difference in tubes? The TAD uses two tubes, this Mingda uses lots more - overcomplicated? Also, any comments on the voltage issue that is mentioned in the ad above would be handy. I think my Preamp may be worth more, so that will come out too. Thanks to anyone who may offer assistance or suggestions.

James
2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player
Post edited by Pycroft on
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Comments

  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited February 2012
    Bump for some help. Thanks all.

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • shawn474
    shawn474 Posts: 3,047
    edited February 2012
    You say that the pre-amp that you have now is very good. I am all for trading out gear and trying new things. But if you can't demo it first AND you have to trade one that you are already happy with, I wouldn't do it. If you can somehow trade other gear and get the new pre with the ability to keep your old one that might be a good alternative. Blind trades and/or purchases rarely work out in my experience unless you are able to audition it, especially if you are already happy with your current set-up.
    Shawn
    AVR: Marantz SR-5011
    Center Channel: Polk LsiM706c
    Front: Polk LsiM703
    Rear: LSI fx
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39pci
    Television: Samsung UN58NU7100FXZA
    DVD Player: Sony PS4
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited February 2012
    Shawn -

    That's the plan. I'm more worried about the voltage issue the owner mentions. For those who know more, it has something to do with the preamp and 110v vs. 120v with some adapter and Chinese gear not always being compatible. I have no idea what it all means, and if that may be an issue in any way with plugging it in.

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • shawn474
    shawn474 Posts: 3,047
    edited February 2012
    I see; that is way above my pay grade!!!!!:redface:
    Shawn
    AVR: Marantz SR-5011
    Center Channel: Polk LsiM706c
    Front: Polk LsiM703
    Rear: LSI fx
    Subwoofer: SVS 20-39pci
    Television: Samsung UN58NU7100FXZA
    DVD Player: Sony PS4
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