Tube Phono Preamp help
gce
Posts: 2,158
My next step is to add a Tube Phono Preamp to my system. I want to try a tube pre because I hear they are warmer and more analog like. I've looked at the Jolida's JD-9 and the Pro-Ject DS. I need some help because there are so many out there and the price range is all over the place. My budget is 1k or a little over that. This will probably be my xmas present to me, so I've got time to research.
So looking for advice from those in the know.
So looking for advice from those in the know.
Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703
Comments
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Just a thought to add, there is the Bottlehead Reduction tube phono amp but its a DIY kit to build yourself. --> my mistake as this is not a tube phono amp
myself I have always wondered about Pro-ject DS as I have a debut carbon TT.
2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge
HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD -
I also noticed that I can get the Jolida upgraded version features ESA Clarity Cap output filters, and Tung Sol gold-pin12AX7 tubes for $200 more @ ($849). Is that worth it?Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
I have a Project tube box S and it sounds great...Marantz 1152 DC- Denon DP 1200, Soundsmith Carmen MKII- ADS L980 - Blue Jeans IC's
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BK, are you able to roll the tubes on that model and if you have did it make big difference? That's another thing I'm thinking is that when I get a tube pre I'm going to have to do some research on different types of tubes.Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
I considered both of the units in your original post and ended up with the Pro-Ject Tubebox DS, very happy with my choice. I recently rolled in some NOS rca blackplates which really added a sweet high end sparkle and mellowed out the midrange a bit, quite happy with the upgrade. In addition I built a rechargable 18V DC power supply for it to rid myself of the noisey walwart. All in all I think the Pro-Ject stuff represents a great value.
2-Channel System
Analog: VPI Traveler TT, Audio Technica 150MLX, Pro-Ject Tube Box DS
CD Player: Jolida JD-100 Preamp: Cambridge 840E Amp: Odyssey Kismet Stereo
Spkrs: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature Systems -
Thanks Obesession, Do you have to warm up the DS for it to sound its best. This would be my first dip into tubes so I'm sure if this apples to tube preamps as well as tube amps?Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
This will be my next move as well. I was looking at the Vincent PHO 700 hybrid. Anyone try this or the PHO 8?
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I've noticed that some of these have 1 tube, some have 2 and some have more. What does this mean? Is having more tubes better and in what way?Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
Thanks Obesession, Do you have to warm up the DS for it to sound its best. This would be my first dip into tubes so I'm sure if this apples to tube preamps as well as tube amps?
Yes there is a warm-up period, its about 20 - 30 minutes. The DS will not produce sound until roughly 20 seconds after you turn it on, you can see the tubes start to glow and then you will hear a relay click after which it will produce sound.
Another thing to consider in your budget is good NOS tubes, in my opinion new tubes just don't compare, a pair can easily run north of $100 for the 12AX7's.2-Channel System
Analog: VPI Traveler TT, Audio Technica 150MLX, Pro-Ject Tube Box DS
CD Player: Jolida JD-100 Preamp: Cambridge 840E Amp: Odyssey Kismet Stereo
Spkrs: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature Systems -
BK, are you able to roll the tubes on that model and if you have did it make big difference? That's another thing I'm thinking is that when I get a tube pre I'm going to have to do some research on different types of tubes.
I haven't yet but will...the stock tubes seem a tad bright...Marantz 1152 DC- Denon DP 1200, Soundsmith Carmen MKII- ADS L980 - Blue Jeans IC's -
The brightness your hearing will likely disappear with some good NOS tubes, I pulled this quote from www.audiotubes.com where I purchased my RCA blackplates:
When replacing any stock Russian, Chinese, or East Europe tube with any of these vintage NOS types, you will notice immediately that the midrange glare is gone. Gone too is that honky, boxy quality, and the tiring upper midrange screech that current production tubes are famous for.
I definitely noticed a smoothing of the midrange.
2-Channel System
Analog: VPI Traveler TT, Audio Technica 150MLX, Pro-Ject Tube Box DS
CD Player: Jolida JD-100 Preamp: Cambridge 840E Amp: Odyssey Kismet Stereo
Spkrs: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature Systems -
I'm using 1961 vintage Mullard 12AX7's in my Project Tube Box SE and it is sweet sound indeed.SDA-1C (full mods)
Carver TFM-55
NAD 1130 Pre-amp
Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
The Clamp
Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
Ben's IC's
Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM -
I'm using 1961 vintage Mullard 12AX7's in my Project Tube Box SE and it is sweet sound indeed.
Yeah, it's sounding more n' more like getting the right tube's is the key.
Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
rednedtugent wrote: »This will be my next move as well. I was looking at the Vincent PHO 700 hybrid. Anyone try this or the PHO 8?
I have a Vincent preamp & Amp and I also came close to getting the PHO8, to match my setup and still dont know why I change my mind at last second...
I ended up getting a "Graham Slee Gram amp 2 se" and I love it and its really small and about the size of my Speedbox S which now sits on top on my Graham Slee phono amp. as I need a small phono amp and cause the parasound I had was to big to share the table top with my TT.
2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge
HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD -
Thanks Voltz. Just saw this. Will check it out!
Have you made and progress GCE?
Maybe mhardy6647 could weigh in... Can't find the PM!rednedtugent wrote: »This will be my next move as well. I was looking at the Vincent PHO 700 hybrid. Anyone try this or the PHO 8?
I have a Vincent preamp & Amp and I also came close to getting the PHO8, to match my setup and still dont know why I change my mind at last second...
I ended up getting a "Graham Slee Gram amp 2 se" and I love it and its really small and about the size of my Speedbox S which now sits on top on my Graham Slee phono amp. as I need a small phono amp and cause the parasound I had was to big to share the table top with my TT.
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I was after a phono amp that was small enough to fit on my table top and actually the Vincent would have worked out also. I read some really great reviews of the SLEE that made me pick it and I am very happy but I think the Vincent would be just as good as they were the same $$. heres a pic of how it fits in nicely with my set up, as I just had no room underneath for it.
2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge
HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD -
rednedtugent wrote: »Have you made and progress GCE?
Maybe mhardy6647 could weigh in... Can't find the PM!
Yes, I found a good independent review on the Hoffman forum but he seems to like the Pro-ject RS a little better and that one is not a tube. He does some other reviews so you might want to take a look, just click on Hoffman in my post.
Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
Excellent. Thanks!rednedtugent wrote: »Have you made and progress GCE?
Maybe mhardy6647 could weigh in... Can't find the PM!
Yes, I found a good independent review on the Hoffman forum but he seems to like the Pro-ject RS a little better and that one is not a tube. He does some other reviews so you might want to take a look, just click on Hoffman in my post.
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Excellent. Thanks!rednedtugent wrote: »Have you made and progress GCE?
Maybe mhardy6647 could weigh in... Can't find the PM!
Yes, I found a good independent review on the Hoffman forum but he seems to like the Pro-ject RS a little better and that one is not a tube. He does some other reviews so you might want to take a look, just click on Hoffman in my post.
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I tried to make the Parasound Zphono work but it was to bulky for the little spot I had left to put it in, but it is a very good phono amp!
I understand why gce wants tubes & I read some more on it and the Pro-ject RS sounds really like a great Phono amp.2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge
HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD -
I understand why gce wants tubes & I read some more on it and the Pro-ject RS sounds really like a great Phono amp.
I do/did want a tube pre but the jury is still out. Now that I'm reading now good the Pro-ject RS is and its a solid state I'm torn. I have to do more research but I'm sure I'd be happy with the DS (tube) or RS (SS) over my AVR! Also you can buy a separate power supply for the RS.
Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
I was torn also and between many different ones in around the same price range and I do believe they all would be very good choices, but if you do get the tube you can roll them puppies and change the sound from what I've found from my tube headphone amp and now my integrated tube amp.
So I can also see getting the DS did I just help make this tougher? didn't mean too.
Just think it over for awhile! --> I changed my mind so many times that I ended up in left field wondering how I got here.2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge
HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD -
I think why I want to go with tubes is the sound they say they produce. More of an analog rich sound but since I don't know because I've never experienced tubes, I'll just have to go with my gut when I'm ready to pull the trigger.Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
I understand why gce wants tubes & I read some more on it and the Pro-ject RS sounds really like a great Phono amp.
I do/did want a tube pre but the jury is still out. Now that I'm reading now good the Pro-ject RS is and its a solid state I'm torn. I have to do more research but I'm sure I'd be happy with the DS (tube) or RS (SS) over my AVR! Also you can buy a separate power supply for the RS.
I read the same Hoffman forum review before purchasing my Tubebox DS, one thing to keep in mind is the reviewer was listening to stock tubes in the DS, they were not NOS. The RCA blackplates I rolled in my unit provided a noticeable improvement, that and the fact I'm using battery power.2-Channel System
Analog: VPI Traveler TT, Audio Technica 150MLX, Pro-Ject Tube Box DS
CD Player: Jolida JD-100 Preamp: Cambridge 840E Amp: Odyssey Kismet Stereo
Spkrs: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature Systems -
Obsession18 wrote: »In addition I built a rechargable 18V DC power supply for it to rid myself of the noisey walwart.
So what's the benefit of building a rechargeable 18V DC power supply, is it just the noise the walwart puts out?
Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
Obsession18 wrote: »In addition I built a rechargable 18V DC power supply for it to rid myself of the noisey walwart.
So what's the benefit of building a rechargeable 18V DC power supply, is it just the noise the walwart puts out?
Pretty much to get around the noisey walwart, below is a post I made on AudioKarma with details:
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=581769
2-Channel System
Analog: VPI Traveler TT, Audio Technica 150MLX, Pro-Ject Tube Box DS
CD Player: Jolida JD-100 Preamp: Cambridge 840E Amp: Odyssey Kismet Stereo
Spkrs: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature Systems -
Thanks Obsession!!!Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
So, where do you guys get the older tubes for something like this? These are older tubes so they don't make them anymore...right? So I'm thinking these better or preferred tubes are hard to find?Anaheim Hills CA,
HT 5.1: Anthem MRX 720 / BDP-Denon DBT1713UD / Polkaudio LSiM703 / W4S mAmp's / Polkaudio LSiM706c / Polkaudio LSiM702F/X's / SVS PC12-NSD / Panasonic TC P55VT30
2 Channel: Rogue RP-5 / WireWorld Electra power cord / Marantz TT-15S1/ Ortofon - Quintet Black MC / Marantz NA8005 DAC / W4S mAmp's / Synology DS 216+ll-4TB / Polkaudio LSiM703 -
So you have about $800.00 into it to make it sound right?Obsession18 wrote: »I understand why gce wants tubes & I read some more on it and the Pro-ject RS sounds really like a great Phono amp.
I do/did want a tube pre but the jury is still out. Now that I'm reading now good the Pro-ject RS is and its a solid state I'm torn. I have to do more research but I'm sure I'd be happy with the DS (tube) or RS (SS) over my AVR! Also you can buy a separate power supply for the RS.
I read the same Hoffman forum review before purchasing my Tubebox DS, one thing to keep in mind is the reviewer was listening to stock tubes in the DS, they were not NOS. The RCA blackplates I rolled in my unit provided a noticeable improvement, that and the fact I'm using battery power.
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I wonder how the Pro-Ject Tube box S compares to the DS ? , if your only running a MM cartridge since its only about $450. plus I imagine if you have a pro-ject TT you could always ask them the correct way to set it per your TT.2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge
HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD