Dodd MLP Preamp - my reactions

MrBuhl

Forgive my poor attempt at a review - but as promised - this baby arrived finally and I wanted to share my initial reaction.

I arrived at work yesterday and the Dodd MLP had finally shown it's pretty face! Thanks again John for the opportunity on this! Packing was outstanding and in mostly good shape, especially given the extra travel time as the post office forwarded it to the wrong address twice in addition to having it delayed by the snowstorms on the East Coast.

I didn’t have a lot of time to audition the unit yet as last night was “intro to High School” night for my daughter and duty called! Once I got home, I worked the Dodd into the setup (as it stands) and a few things became immediately clear:
1. I have to switch to audio racks; this built-in setup is for the birds!
2. The build quality on the Dodd MLP appears to be amazing. Without the separate power supply it weighs two or three times my B&K Pro5 Preamp. Very solid and confidence inspiring.
Since the MLP doesn’t have a phono stage, I hooked up the Dual 1229 (running through my new Vincent Audio Pho8) and then into Aux 1 on the Dodd. The Dodd is then connected through my B&K ST1400II Amp to the SDA1c’s. Once all of that was connected I had about two hours to sit down and play a bit of vinyl.
I made it through about four sides before my morning 5:30AM alarm beckoned and I had to go to bed.

Paul Simon – “Still Crazy After All These Years”
Rush – “Moving Pictures”
Grateful Dead – “Workingman’s Dead”
Saga – “Worlds Apart”

My initial reaction was honestly, hey, is this thing on? Maybe the volume isn’t working. Then the music started – even with the separate Vincent phono stage, there was silence, unless there was music. Very cool.

Secondly – I was surprised that I could turn up the volume. The B&K preamp I could barely get to just below 9’O clock on the volume dial once it’s the kids bed time, and you certainly can’t have a conversation, it’s pounding you in the face. The Dodd felt, although at high volume, not loud, like I could have carried on a conversation if I had wanted. It was easy to listen to if that makes sense. Lots of detail, but not harsh. I kept edging the volume up, eventually going above 9 O’clock almost to 10, and still it never seemed to be glaring at me. I started to wonder if it was just a “soft” sound, but detail and clarity were all still there when I listened. It was an eye opener.

So I tried to quantify it – what was I hearing specifically? A few things, I never noticed the exact timbre of a crash cymbal vs. a ride cymbal quite the same way, it was like I was standing onstage with the band. Rush was expansive, and seemed to envelop my listening position. Tom-tom’s and kick drums, had more – “kick”, high hat and snare had a crisp snap with a clean cut off. Separation, even in complicated and congested musical passages like during “Wind Him Up” and “Amnesia” on the Saga album had a great deal of separation, easily separating guitars from synths from cymbal crashing from drums. On Workingman’s, the vocals (which always seem jumbled and mushy IMO) are actually still pretty jumbled – though not as mushy - each one was more distinct perhaps? I’m convinced that’s the recording – because instruments were detailed and lively and in a word, exact. I guess if I had to sum up my first two hours with the Dodd I would say that it was astoundingly exact. Not harsh, just precise – maybe that’s the best word, precise. It felt live.

All I know, is that I cannot wait to get home from work tonight, and for this weekend so I can enjoy it some more. I haven’t even played a CD through it yet. When I get some more time on it, I’ll post some updated thoughts.

Many thanks again John for the opportunity (and to Voltz for mentioning the Vincent Pho8 – I love it too!) Now I have to get a shovel and start digging out of this rabbit hole… yeah, riiight… I’ve been amp shopping…

steveinaz

IMO, better preamps tend to make the music sound LARGER and LARGER, vs louder and louder as the volume goes up. This was immediately apparent to me with my Placette passive. The linearity remains intact across the entire audio band, regardless of loudness level.

Sounds like the Dodd is a winner. Great review.

MrBuhl

steveinaz wrote: »

IMO, better preamps tend to make the music sound LARGER and LARGER, vs louder and louder as the volume goes up. .

That's exactly what I experienced! You nailed it!

dromunds

Congrats! I've had two Dodd preamps, currently have the selectable gain battery powered preamp, and also his battery powered phono preamp. The build quality of Dodd's gear is first class. The other thing that is remarkable is how it responds to tube rolling. I spent my wad on 1950's Amperex Holland D-getter 7308's (your model may have the 12AX7 family, not sure). I had some decent tubes in it prior to that but the difference was striking. I believe his design philosophy allow the tubes to really show through. Looking forward to more of your updated thoughts.

MrBuhl

dromunds wrote: »

Congrats! The other thing that is remarkable is how it responds to tube rolling. I spent my wad on 1950's Amperex Holland D-getter 7308's (your model may have the 12AX7 family, not sure).

Thanks! Super exited with my first intro to tubes! Yes, I think you're right, John shipped it with some very nice Psvane 12ax7's - I'll be interested as I go along to see how different tubes affect the sound.

dromunds

Talk to some of the folks on the forum with knowledge of the 12AX7's.

nooshinjohn

I am glad my girl found a good home. As you listen, I am sure you will find the Dodd to be a lifetime piece of gear. The only reason I made a move is that I needed more control on my amps. Looks like we both found what we were looking for.

voltz

Looking great ED! and sounding great Too. Congrats!!

I'm still looking at the Vincent phono amp LOL as I can't believe they dropped the price that low. it would go good with my other Vincent gear.

MrBuhl

Yea John - I don't see her going anywhere anytime soon! Very very happy with her and I think that's only going to grow. Been looking at amps that might match up with a little more juice than the B&K. It's a ways off but eyeing a few. I'm really that it's working on your end for the better as well!

Darryl - I couldn't believe it either! Found it for $299 and had an $30 Amazon gift cert leftover from the holidays - with free shipping I ended up at $275 on it I think. The build quality is stout, very heavy, and it sounded great even before the Dodd arrived! Now it's heaven!

nooshinjohn

look for a Nakamichi PA7 mkII

MrBuhl

Thanks John - I'll put that on the short list! I take it you've heard the combo?

nooshinjohn

DSkip wrote: »

nooshinjohn wrote: »

look for a Nakamichi PA7 mkII

What got you so hard on this amp recently?

It has always been among my favorites. The amp has a beautiful "sinister" look to it. If Darth Vader was an audiophile with a stack of amps, this would be the one he would have.

Given that you can have a Nelson Pass designed "Stasis" amp for less than $750.00, which has been considered one of the best amps ever designed, and you know why I love them.