trying a tube pre/amp

leftwinger57

Ever since Pumpkinman gifted me the NAD 1020A pre which was far and way superior than my 2 Onkyos we have become fast friends in an inter web sort of way. Now he's coming down to me and bringing a tube pre/amp for me to hear the difference and the combo of my ss Adcom and this pre. I'm leary about this because there are few controls and also it does not have a phono input which means I would need an outboard phono thing. So it will be nice to have someone finally hearing my gear and then for him to bring his gear and will have an open mind about it. I do have pics that he said it was ok for you guys to see. It's the Opera 5 with the wood and those 2 tubes sticking out from the unit. Any of you ever see this device and if so what did you think of it as a tubed pre ?

http://forum.polkaudio.com/messages/338188#Message_353500

pumpkinman

The pre is the Consonanse T-99 which uses two 6922 tubes.
http://www.opera-consonance.com/products/t99.htm

I will also be bringing a Music Hall 1.2 phono preamp

http://musichallaudio.com/pa1-2-phono-amplifier/

See you on Sat.
Bill

soundfreak1

To start with needing an outboard photo pre is a good thing as it gives you more flexibility for the future. If you want true 2 channel the tube pre (especially with the ADCOM amp) will give a much smother and detailed sound.then you can have the joy of going down the rabbit hole on tube upgrades (lol) I did the tube pre with a Dared and loved it for years. Jump in the waters fine!

polkfarmboy

I love consonace, Ibought a pair of the cyber 800 mono tube amps and they are quite capable. If your not very familiar with tube preamps then nearly any tube preamp has a fun sound.

erniejade

Nice!!! On the NAD do you use the loudness?

leftwinger57

No, I've rarely if ever used that button. The loudness button whether just as a boost or as a sensitivity adjustment is not needed. The pre on it's own is so musical and sensitive that going past 9 '0clock w/ the 2Bs is a rare occurrence. The other sets I can go louder because of the efficiency (or rated lower) of the speakers themselves. What I don't understand is you guys always preached the more devices you add the noise factor increases, this I never bought into at all but adding an outboard phono is another device with more I/Cs.
PFB how's those Blades breaking in. Again not my style but if it sounds and works for you all the luck to you.
One thing that NAD pre and the tubed is missing a remote. I'm 1 lazy dude who does change inputs often and well must get off my arse to change from the many choices I have. I took out the Onkyo P3150v to goof on it when we try out the different devices but when that motorized volume control does it's thing I do the happy dance. With Bill in the house I'll have to leave my clothes on ...lol

pumpkinman

You better leave your clothes on or I'm gone like a f-a-r-t in the wind.

doctor r

You can always use the phono section of the 1020 if needed for a while by connecting the TT the 1020 and using the tape out into the Consonance line in. I did this with the preamp section of my NAD 3020 at one time as I slowly aquired separate pieces as I upgraded. The NAD is nice, but you might find the tubes a little bit ......enticing.