Tube Pre-Amp choices ?
I recently purchased ASL AQ2004 + Mini Phono. But now I realize that if both the units were one and had remote, that will make things better and more enjoyable.
Went to their website and found ASL AQ2006, has every thing that I want. Dont go by pages content, they are not correct, as they are for AQ2004. Then started doing some research as there may be more options in that price range.
QS.
1. Have you ever compared your AQ2004 with SS pre-amp or Tube pre-amp ?, I couldnt as I didnt get chance to own any other. Is ASL 7/10 or 8/10 or
2. If all tube stage is better, it is, thats my understanding. But if you look at AR SP16 or CJs PV10B, they only have power drivers tubed. Rectifier stage or AU7/AT7 are not there. I dont know what they do in pre-amp
but they are not there. Any idea or does it imply something or should be taken as indicator.
3. Actualy above mentioned pre-amps can be had in that price range as AQ2006 if I go for used ones. But somehow I feel ASL is more value for money, just a feeling without any basis or logic. 2006 is ASLs best pre-amp while ARs or CJs are theirs most primitive model.
Went to their website and found ASL AQ2006, has every thing that I want. Dont go by pages content, they are not correct, as they are for AQ2004. Then started doing some research as there may be more options in that price range.
QS.
1. Have you ever compared your AQ2004 with SS pre-amp or Tube pre-amp ?, I couldnt as I didnt get chance to own any other. Is ASL 7/10 or 8/10 or
2. If all tube stage is better, it is, thats my understanding. But if you look at AR SP16 or CJs PV10B, they only have power drivers tubed. Rectifier stage or AU7/AT7 are not there. I dont know what they do in pre-amp
but they are not there. Any idea or does it imply something or should be taken as indicator.3. Actualy above mentioned pre-amps can be had in that price range as AQ2006 if I go for used ones. But somehow I feel ASL is more value for money, just a feeling without any basis or logic. 2006 is ASLs best pre-amp while ARs or CJs are theirs most primitive model.
Thanks
Tapesh
Tapesh
Post edited by tapeshc on
Comments
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The 2004 is a great pre amp. I own the same one and I'm extremely satisfied.
Here's my answers to your question and keep in mind that this is my opinion only.
1. Yes, I have done comparisons with my ASL and SS pre amps(NAD and Rotel). The ASL is much better than both ss pre's. Once you go tube you won't go back to ss. For the rating..I'd give the 2004 a perfect 10. The sound just blew me away when I first heard it. I wasn't expecting it to sound this good especially for the price. Teamed with a tube amp, you're taken to another level.
2. A lot of companies are using SS rectifers. Your ASL is also using a SS rectifier. I'm still not sure why a lot of companies are giving up on tube rectification. The AU/AX/AT7 tubes are not rectifier tubes but are there to control gain and signal splitting in PP designs.
3. I guess it's really up to you. I'd go for the ASL. Try asking the folks at www.audiokarma.org and www.audioasylum.com There's a lot of tube freaks there who will be more than happy to help you make a decision on the pre amp.
good luck
Maurice
