looking for a Tube Pre w/remote

trav0810
trav0810 Posts: 1,056
I am in the market for a tube pre. Newer/vintage...doesn't really matter. I prefer a "full" tube as opposed to a hybrid, but might be interested in either. Phono is not a requirement, I can get a stand a lone pre for that, but IT MUST have remote. I would LOVE to find something for under $1000. Thanks Polkies!
The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
Thorens TD320
Modified Carver C-1
Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
Post edited by trav0810 on

Comments

  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited April 2014
    What functionality do you require in the remote? Reason I ask is that I use the Dared MC-7P and am very happy with it. It has a fantastic phono stage. It does have a remote, but only for volume control. Power on/off and input switching are not part of the remote.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited April 2014
    Volume control is the only function I need. I have looked at that model Dared, I missed out on a good deal on one on ebay just a day or two before I was ready to buy one. I have heard a couple of the 2000's, but haven't had a chance to get my ears on the MC7P yet. I missed out on Conradicles Anthem by a day as well.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited April 2014
    My modded Dared
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited April 2014
    I had the 2000, it's a great little preamp and it's the piece that convinced me to try the MC-7P. I got mine new from Dared and did the Auricap upgrade to at least a dozen caps as instructed by Dared. So trust me when I say it's in a whole other league as the 2000. Not a knock on the 2000, but the 7P is not a phono stage added to the 2000. It is a completely superior preamp, plus phono stage. Given what you've specified here, I can recommend the MC-7P without hesitation.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited April 2014
    I had considered the 2000 George, but I was needing more inputs. I should have said that in the original post, sorry!
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited April 2014
    The thought process I went through owning a 2000 was that the value of the 2000 plus the value of a good tube phono stage with a good power supply and a good set of cables to connect the two pieces together made the MC-7P a costless upgrade. And an upgrade it was. Again, no disrespect to the 2000, it's a great little preamp, but they're not priced to compete with one another.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited April 2014
    The MC7P is on my Radar, like I said, I missed a great deal on one on ebay. It went for under $600 with some upgraded tubes. I have a hard time buying anything new. If I fins something used, I can try it out and see if I like it. If not, I can move it without losing too much. If I buy it new then have to move it, I'll probably take a hit. I missed Conradicles Anthem by 1 day, or else I would be listening to it right now!

    I have been looking at ARC, Anthem, Dared, Dodd, Rogue, Belles, VTL and a couple others. I was bidding on a VTL TL2.5 last night, but was outbid. I have made offers on a Belles, but haven't heard back.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited April 2014
    good luck with your search-- I'll keep you posted if I see/hear of anything.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited April 2014
    good luck with your search-- I'll keep you posted if I see/hear of anything.

    Thanks George!

    I just made an offer on a Belles 22A. We'll see how that goes.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited April 2014
    Hmmm...guy countered my offer on the Belles. Not sure. I am trying to decide between my Bottom, mid and top choices right now.

    A Rogue 66, Anthem 2L and Belles 22A. The Rogue is about $700 shipped, the Anthem about $750 shipped (from Canada) and the Belles, well...it's substantially higher at around $1100 shipped.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    edited April 2014
    this preamp seems to be well thought of.
    http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-aes-ae3-djh-preamp-2014-03-30-preamplifiers-02139-cambridge-ma
    of course i'm biased go for the belles.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited April 2014
    Trade your M1 clic and cash for my dared mc7p
  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited April 2014
    I just pulled the trigger on the Belles 22A.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited April 2014
    congrats-- let us know your impression
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited April 2014
    I certainly will George. I look forward to it. I had an old Belles XLM preamp a while back and really enjoyed it. I have been wanting one of his "newer" units ever since.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
  • polkfarmboy
    polkfarmboy Posts: 5,703
    edited April 2014
    Maybe I should have mentioned the Joule tube pre for the M1!!! lol gimi that frikin thing laddie!
  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited April 2014
    Congrats!
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
  • trav0810
    trav0810 Posts: 1,056
    edited May 2014
    Well, I am 2 albums into the Belles and early impressions are very favorable. Extremely detailed. Very tight bass and plenty of it. The highs are well detailed, a little bright, but I don't mind that. My only issue so far is that the sounstage is very small. It came with a new pair of Tung Sols, so I will try rolling some different tubes to see if that helps.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
  • deafbykhorns
    deafbykhorns Posts: 150
    edited May 2014
    Belles 22a is the bomb!
    Main System- Scratch built 2A3 , Lightspeed preamp, Technics SP15/Graham/XV1s,Klipschorns w/ALK xovers/Trachorns, Speakercraft MT8(4), Sonos ZP90, Yamaha Aventage for surround
    Office System- Adcom GTP500, Bedini 45/45,Lexicon RT-20,Enlightened Audio DAC, Polk SDA2.3TL, Northcreek Borealis