What pre you using?

Unknown
Unknown
edited June 2012 in The Clubhouse
Just wondering, and might get some idea as to the most popular on this forum, if you post it.
Me?
One of the best I have heard (and I think, it may be their cheapest:eek:).

I have had it for a couple of years and have other decent ones to compare, but never short of amazed everytime I fire it up.
Hand made.:cheesygrin:



Atoll003.jpg
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    I know there are guys using ALOT BETTER, but I would like to hear about it.:cheesygrin:

    Please!:wink:

    Lets list them for future reference.

    May get a reference of SQ from the pre's listed on this thread.
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited June 2012
    People are all over the place with their pres here. From the low end to the "ridiculous", from two channel to HT, etc. As for me I'd have trouble spending more than 350 for a two channel pre-amp (used) because my wife would evict me.

    Probably too rich for my blood if that pre-amp, above, is "new"! lol

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    cnh wrote: »
    People are all over the place with their pres here. From the low end to the "ridiculous", from two channel to HT, etc. As for me I'd have trouble spending more than 300 for a two channel pre-amp (used) because my wife would evict me.

    Probably too rich for my blood if that pre-amp is "new"! lol

    cnh

    LOL!
    Nice!:cheesygrin:

    I know a bunch of guys on here are using some killer sh$t, hopefully they will chime in.
    If they are like me, their pre is the pride/workhorse of their system.

    I would like to be able to flip through this thread, and when in question about a pre, I would know who to contact.:twisted:

    Low end, high end, we would know who to ask.
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  • brgman
    brgman Posts: 2,859
    edited June 2012
    France?!?!?
    A pre from the French?!?!?!?
    Well i guess that explains a lot Pepster
    Main Rig-Realistic AM/FM Record player 8 track boasting 4 WPC

    Backup Rig-2 CH-Rogue Audio Zeus w/Factory Special Dark Mods,Joule-Electra 300ME Platinum Preamp,OPPO-105 w/Modwright Tube Mod, Auralic Aries G2.1,Polk 2.3TL,3.1TL's,Dreadnought,RTA-15TL's,1C's All Fully Modded,2xRTA-12c's ,Benchmark DAC3 HGC,Synology NAS,VPI Scout w/Dynavector DV-20XH and Rogue Audio Ares Phono Preamp,Sony PCM-R500 DAT,HHB-850 Pro CDR,Tascam CC-222SLMKII Cassette/CDR,MIT S3.3 Shotgun Cables,Shunyata Hyra-8,Shunyata and Triode Labs Power Cords

    I’M OFFENDED!!!!
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    ^^^^They "surrendered it to me":cheesygrin:
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    brgman wrote: »
    France?!?!?
    A pre from the French?!?!?!?
    Well i guess that explains a lot Pepster

    Beats that cheap RadioShack you use!Attachment not found.
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,957
    edited June 2012
    Now thats frickin' funny ^^^.

    Haven't had a dedicated 2 channel pre since my Sonic Frontiers days many moons ago, but I am in the hunt since the kids have left the nest. The older SF stuff, series 1,2 and 3 seem to have gotten better with each step but still had a slight hint of that 80's tubey low end.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    Actually, I know very well what pre brgman uses, and I would cut off a limb to hear it.
    He is just being a Bastoid!:cheesygrin:
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,602
    edited June 2012
    Flame Linear here! :cheesygrin: For 2 channel. Older Sony DD pre/pro for surround.

    And I still miss my cheapy Onkyo P301! R.I.P :sad:
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    halo71 wrote: »
    Flame Linear here! :cheesygrin: For 2 channel. Older Sony DD pre/pro for surround.

    And I still miss my cheapy Onkyo P301! R.I.P :sad:

    Athanku sir!
    I am looking/hoping this can be a thread for people to reference when in the market for a pre.
    Then they would know who to contact for info.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    halo71 wrote: »
    Flame Linear here! :cheesygrin: For 2 channel. Older Sony DD pre/pro for surround.

    And I still miss my cheapy Onkyo P301! R.I.P :sad:

    Oops, double post.:eek:
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    halo71 wrote: »
    Flame Linear here! :cheesygrin: For 2 channel. Older Sony DD pre/pro for surround.

    And I still miss my cheapy Onkyo P301! R.I.P :sad:

    I actually have a HK receiver that is pretty damn good as a pre.
    I cannot remember the number right now, but could go look real quick, AVR 20 maybe?
    For a pre, it is decent.
    With good cables, it is better than decent.
    I have had the B&K Reference 20, 30 and 50, and they are all pretty good.
    I think the 30 was the best of the bunch, but only because the 50 was SOOOOOOOO FREAKIN hard to figure out!
    SUPER OVER ENGINEERED!
    Don't get me wrong, it sounded excellent, but took 48 minutes to get that sound!
    BS!
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  • halo71
    halo71 Posts: 4,602
    edited June 2012
    I was using a AVR5 as a pre. It was okay, not as nice as the Oinker imo...before it died. I still have it but, the volume control is squirrely. And I never could find a replacement for it.
    --Gary--
    Onkyo Integra M504, Bottlehead Foreplay III, Denon SACD, Thiel CS2.3, NHT VT-2, VT-3 and Evolution T6, Infinity RSIIIa, SDA1C and a few dozen other speakers around the house I change in and out.
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited June 2012
    For my home system in GA I'm using an Anthem Pre-1L with upgraded caps (V-Caps) and Phillips Miniwatt 6922 tubes. For my work apartment system I'm using two; a Luminious Audio Axiom Passive Pre that sounds great with rock and faster, harder edged music and a kit-made ThiVan Airpower tube preamp that I use for jazz, vocals, classical, and other more melodic stuff. I bought it for $150 from CL in Atlanta from a Vietnamese gentlemen and apparently these are very popular and made in Vietnam. It uses a pair of 6JC tubes (Mullards) and a pair of 6C4s(currently trying between RCA Blackplates and Mullards). It sounds surprisingly good for what it is. It doesn't sound as good as my modded Anthem, but it's not bad. I'm currently running your power cord that I bought from you on it Pep and it has made a difference in detail and clarity over the Pangea AC-14 I was running with it.

    I just bought a YS Audio Symphonies + R Remote tube preamp with extra tubes from Underwood Wally. It should be here early next week. This particuliar pre has gotten excellent reviews. It is apparently YS Audio's upgraded version of the Symphonies preamp with a better power supply, upgraded caps and resistors (Clarity I believe), better quality, point-to-point wiring, and upgraded JJ 12AX7 tubes. It also comes with some extra RCA 12AX7 Blackplates which I'm very found of, and some Sylvania Blackplates. I can't wait to hear it!
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    That is what I am talking about........... a thread with real answers that you can come back to and reference, with honest opinions as to sound, functions, and usability.
    Thanks Steve, perfect example!:cheesygrin:
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    I just bought a YS Audio Symphonies + R Remote tube preamp with extra tubes from Underwood Wally. It should be here early next week

    Post your impressions here.
    I am looking forward to it.
    I have read about YS Audio, but never heard it.
    Pm me if you have to, as I would LOVE to hear about it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!1:cool:
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,494
    edited June 2012
    I've owned some notable pres and also had quite a few visit, but the ModWright Signature SWLP 9.0 SE is still the one for me. Mine has the tube rectified power supply. It is a high current, extremely low distortion design. Signature means it has Dan's blend of Teflon caps in it. The LP denotes ModWright's built in SWP 9.0 phono stage.

    ModWright SWL 9.0 series with the 5687 tube isn't your typical tube gear; it leans more toward being SS sounding. I totally agree with Dan's description "The unit is voiced to offer a full, fast and accurate recreation of the entire frequency range. Bass is deep, tight and authoritative and high frequencies sparkle." IIRC retail was $4500 ducks, and I think it punches way above its price point. It got some nice comments at a Chicago area Polk Fest we had some years back. Turntable used was a Nottingham Space Deck with Sumiko Blackbird cartridge. I felt it was special enough to deserve a Blue faceplate.

    218_78_big.jpg?rand=929725514

    Not mine, but here is an innards shot snagged from the web.

    index.php?PHPSESSID=5717ljdn68afn8mei3hf2kfrqrq8cqlq;action=gallery;sa=view;id=11723
    SAM_0251.JPG


    The next best pre amp I liked was an InnerSound iPre with InnerSound iPhono stage. Think rebadged Coda jfet design. That was some very neutral sounding gear. Here is an innards shot of the iPhono; the iPre amp was similar looking.

    attachment.php?attachmentid=22198&d=1169906443
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • Dawgfish
    Dawgfish Posts: 2,554
    edited June 2012
    Thanks Paul! I'll be glad to. I'm planning on writing a full review on it after I've had a chance to listen to it for a little bit and do a little tube rolling. The review will probably be coming towards the end of next week or next weekend if it gets here Monday like is is supposed to. Stay tuned...... And BTW SCompRacer, that is one seriously AWESOME pre! One of these days I'm going to try a Modwright Pre. I've known a few folks that have had them and they always gush over them. One of these days......
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    I've owned some notable pres and also had quite a few visit, but the ModWright Signature SWLP 9.0 SE is still the one for me. Mine has the tube rectified power supply. It is a high current, extremely low distortion design. Signature means it has Dan's blend of Teflon caps in it. The LP denotes ModWright's built in SWP 9.0 phono stage.

    ModWright SWL 9.0 series with the 5687 tube isn't your typical tube gear; it leans more toward being SS sounding. I totally agree with Dan's description "The unit is voiced to offer a full, fast and accurate recreation of the entire frequency range. Bass is deep, tight and authoritative and high frequencies sparkle." IIRC retail was $4500 ducks, and I think it punches way above its price point. It got some nice comments at a Chicago area Polk Fest we had some years back. Turntable used was a Nottingham Space Deck with Sumiko Blackbird cartridge. I felt it was special enough to desreve a Blue faceplate.
    ^^^^Thank you, thank you very much!
    I am not sure why this thead will not work the way I planned, but I have talked to a couple of members who did not want to comment, that I have known along time.
    007!

    Much appreciated, I appreciate your response!

    Now I have to prepare to go break into the houses of the members that would not comment (that I know and asked to comment)!
    Give me a minute, I have to go buy some fake Swat uniforms!!!!!!!!:lol::lol::lol:
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  • Oldfatdogs
    Oldfatdogs Posts: 1,874
    edited June 2012
    I have been using a nad t743 as my pre,it sounds good to my ears and will stay for ht.But for my 2 channel I'm going to go with the Dared 2000a I have to try the tube experience.It gets excellent reviews so I will give that a try.
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2012
    Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE.

    7lCQI.jpg
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    H-E-L-L TO THE Y-E-A-H!

    Freaking sweeeeeeet Face!:smile:
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  • Drenis
    Drenis Posts: 2,871
    edited June 2012
    Face wrote: »
    Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE.

    Jelly. Would love to try W4S gear.

    I use a Parasound 2100.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    SAM_0251.JPG


    THAT SIR, IS THE SHINNIZLE!!!!
    That is killer!:cheesygrin:

    Why, oh why do I find myself saying "that is the shinnizle" about your equipment all the time Carl?
    Constantly!
    I can't have nice shinnizle evidently!!!!!!!!:cheesygrin:

    Dude, that is the sh$t!
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  • headrott
    headrott Posts: 5,496
    edited June 2012
    I'm using a BAT VK-3i with 2 Bendix 5992 tubes and 4 1964 Amperex (USA made) 7308 tubes. There are definately better, but this one is quite good. Obviously the pictures are dated as the tubes are different to what I am using now...

    VK-3i 028 - Copy.JPGVK-3i 029 - Copy.JPGVK-3i 031 - Copy.JPG
    Relayer-Big-O-Poster.jpg
    Taken from a recent Audioholics reply regarding "Club Polk" and Polk speakers:
    "I'm yet to hear a Polk speaker that merits more than a sentence and 60 seconds discussion." :\
    My response is: If you need 60 seconds to respond in one sentence, you probably should't be evaluating Polk speakers.....

    "Green leaves reveal the heart spoken Khatru"- Jon Anderson

    "Have A Little Faith! And Everything You'll Face, Will Jump From Out Right On Into Place! Yeah! Take A Little Time! And Everything You'll Find, Will Move From Gloom Right On Into Shine!"- Arthur Lee
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    headrott wrote: »
    I'm using a BAT VK-3i with 2 Bendix 5992 tubes and 4 1964 Amperex (USA made) 7308 tubes. There are definately better, but this one is quite good. Obviously the pictures are dated as the tubes are different to what I am using now...

    VK-3i 028 - Copy.JPGVK-3i 029 - Copy.JPGVK-3i 031 - Copy.JPG


    Awesome Greg, simply awesome!
    Would love to hear it my friend!:cheesygrin:
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  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited June 2012
    I'm using a pioneer sc-25. :redface: I love it as an ht pre, but I feel like its lacking sometimes in the two channel department.

    I hope to obtain a pre with ht bypass this fall. If not start to build a dedicated two channel...
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    codyc1ark wrote: »
    I'm using a pioneer sc-25. :redface: I love it as an ht pre, but I feel like its lacking sometimes in the two channel department.

    I hope to obtain a pre with ht bypass this fall. If not start to build a dedicated two channel...
    ,

    Sweet, now if someone reads this thread, they will know who to ask when looking for a SC-25!

    I appreciate it Cody!:cheesygrin:
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2012
    Drenis wrote: »
    Jelly. Would love to try W4S gear.

    I use a Parasound 2100.

    Now we know who to contact about a Parasound 2100!
    Thanks Andre!
    Much appreciated! :cool:
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  • codyc1ark
    codyc1ark Posts: 2,532
    edited June 2012
    pepster wrote: »
    ,

    Sweet, now if someone reads this thread, they will know who to ask when looking for a SC-25!

    I appreciate it Cody!:cheesygrin:

    Yeah, but I can only comment if there using one of those green ogerish power cords! :cool:
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