Tube Preamp suggestions

2

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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    I looked at the Dodd pre, my only hesitation,is the builder has passed away. I have no idea who would handle service issues. The Cary looks like a great pre,but only 1 output. That's a deal breaker. I also saw the Belles. It really looks like a great value,but this is going to be my forever pre,so I think I'd want something newer. Thanks for all the great suggestions!
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    you might want to get in contact with Danny Richie of GR Research as he has all the Dodd schematics.
    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
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,952
    There's always Schiit: https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,903
    edited August 2021
    I would take a long hard look at the Supratek pre even if I had to place to the power supply behind my rack.
    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
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    marvda1 wrote: »
    I would take a long hard look at the Supratek pre even if I had to place to the power supply behind my rack.

    I just reached out on the Supratek for a couple questions. The Chardonnay has variable gain controls, which is one of the things I love about the Aric Audio models. I'm looking at the rack, if I stack a couple pieces of gear,the pre and the power supply will fit. Another option would be to take my CD player out of this system,and move it to the pit. I'm starting to get a little excited about this project.
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 5,603
    marvda1 wrote: »
    I had a Belles 21a tube pre that in head to head beat out the Dodd battery pre.
    Here is a Belles 20a pre that I have not heard for $700.
    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649764213-belles-20a-tube-preamp/

    I have a belles 21A. They respond well to upgraded caps. Yes they are older but any reputable service center should be able to maintain them. The 20A is basically the 21A with a tube phono stage. They are rarely for sale for a reason.
    Gustard X26 Pro DAC
    Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
    B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
    Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
    Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
    Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)

    There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,447
    TEAforONE wrote: »
    nooshinjohn wrote: »
    I know you said "tubes" but on your budget, the best value out there on the used market is the Pass Labs X1. It can be rather hard to find for sale, but it is also a game changer in most systems and the last stop on most people's preamp journey.
    I'm always interested in "upping" my game. I'm a 3D soundstage addict. If something can offer that to me, I'm not going to nit pick on topology. So,I guess I should rephrase me question to preamps,not necessarily tube preamps.

    What is your experience with this Pass pre? I'm already a HUGE fan of Nelson Pass!

    It was so far and above anything else I have had, that I sold it and got the X0.2.. It will never leave my rig. The imaging, soundstage and purity of the sound is stunning.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • engie490
    engie490 Posts: 432
    audioluvr wrote: »
    marvda1 wrote: »
    I had a Belles 21a tube pre that in head to head beat out the Dodd battery pre.
    Here is a Belles 20a pre that I have not heard for $700.
    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649764213-belles-20a-tube-preamp/

    I have a belles 21A. They respond well to upgraded caps. Yes they are older but any reputable service center should be able to maintain them. The 20A is basically the 21A with a tube phono stage. They are rarely for sale for a reason.

    This one looks like it doesn't have the phono option installed. Also, the main difference between the 20A and 21A is that the former is pure tube and the latter is hybrid with SS devices on the output.

    Speaking of which, you might want to look at this:

    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649764418-modwright-swl-90-se-class-a-tube-preamp/

    Not very tubey though.
    KEF 207s / Coda Continuum / SST Thoebe II / Oppo BDP-105D / Technics SP-15 w/SAEC WE-308SX & Ortofon AS-309 arms / Ikeda 9C2 & Dynavector XX2 Mk II carts
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  • engie490
    engie490 Posts: 432
    TEAforONE wrote: »
    The Cary looks like a great pre, but only 1 output. That's a deal breaker.

    Actually, the SLP-98 has 2 outputs. The HT bypass simply changes the wiring of one of the outputs to allow for the bypass without even adding a switch. I'm sure it would be easy enough to undo.

    KEF 207s / Coda Continuum / SST Thoebe II / Oppo BDP-105D / Technics SP-15 w/SAEC WE-308SX & Ortofon AS-309 arms / Ikeda 9C2 & Dynavector XX2 Mk II carts
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    Well, the search is over! Last night I found what I hope to be my forever preamp. It’s an AricAudio Motherload II. New it’s way out of my price,but used it was attainable. I’m supposed to have in my grubby hands on Tuesday.

    For those that are not familiar,Aric builds hand made tube gear,speakers,and cables. This will be my fourth piece of gear from him.

    I will give impressions,and post pics in the near future.
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • audioluvr
    audioluvr Posts: 5,603
    Congratulations!
    Gustard X26 Pro DAC
    Belles 21A Pre modded with Mundorf Supreme caps
    B&K M200 Sonata monoblocks refreshed and upgraded
    Polk SDA 1C's modded / 1000Va Dreadnaught
    Wireworld Silver Eclipse IC's and speaker cables
    Harman Kardon T65C w/Grado Gold. (Don't laugh. It sounds great!)

    There is about a 5% genetic difference between apes and men …but that difference is the difference between throwing your own poo when you are annoyed …and Einstein, Shakespeare and Miss January. by Dr. Sardonicus
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  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,373
    Hand built with point to point wiring I'll bet that preamp will sound better than most name brand preamps.
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    edited August 2021
    invalid wrote: »
    Hand built with point to point wiring I'll bet that preamp will sound better than most name brand preamps.

    I'm hoping! I'm am super impressed with his Unlimited pre. He is so great to deal with. I've emailed him twice in the last week,both times he responded within 10 minutes. That also goes for Mick at Supratek. Same response time. The second email to Aric was regarding the Motherlode II that I had just purchased used. He still responded within 10 minutes.
    If memory strikes me, the original Motherlode was based loosely on the TRL DUDE preamp.
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,952
    Woah!
    the_motherlode_ii_01.jpg
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  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,373
    I'm hoping! I'm am super impressed with his Unlimited pre. He is so great to deal with. I've emailed him twice in the last week,both times he responded within 10 minutes. That also goes for Mick at Supratek. Same response time. The second email to Aric was regarding the Motherlode II that I had just purchased used. He still responded within 10 minutes


    I had that same kind of experience with Al from space tech labs, I bought my power supply used and had a couple questions, he responded within minutes and told me what I needed to know.
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    Clipdat wrote: »
    Woah!
    the_motherlode_ii_01.jpg

    She's purdy,ain't she?? I feel like a little kid!!
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,373
    I like the wood around the edge looks really good.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,952
    Visually stunning.
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  • Faustin
    Faustin Posts: 1,149
    Very nice! I am jealous. I have been drooling over Aric's 6SN7 pre's. I have one of his Transcend Series with a phono stage. Really like that one, but would still like to try one of his other ones. Just out of curiosity, where did you find it used??
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    Faustin wrote: »
    Very nice! I am jealous. I have been drooling over Aric's 6SN7 pre's. I have one of his Transcend Series with a phono stage. Really like that one, but would still like to try one of his other ones. Just out of curiosity, where did you
    find it used??

    It was listed on Audiogon. I had just made the decision to stick with a tube preamp. I was thinking of maybe trying SS,but I was in my listening room,and decided I really love the tube pre’s. I started searching the used market,and bingo. I made an offer,and the deal was struck. I have a little tube system set up in my breezeway that features an AricAudio pre. It’s an old one,I think the 3. It’s a great sounding little unit. He definitely makes some REALLY good gear!

    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    edited August 2021
    I received the Motherlode II today,and it's it's up and running. All I can say right now is WOW! Midrange detail is mind boggling. First impressions are texture,texture,and more texture! I'll give more impressions once I have some significant saddle time. Thanks to all that contributed!

    u3oppskhmkll.jpeg
    sfahrj6hnzuw.jpeg
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • invalid
    invalid Posts: 1,373
    I would like to know more about the hybrid bridge rectifier, I see it uses tube regulation.
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    edited August 2021
    invalid wrote: »
    I would like to know more about the hybrid bridge rectifier, I see it uses tube regulation.

    I couldn’t begin to answer that technical of a question. I would have to refer you to Aric on that one. http://aricaudio.com/

    I can tell you my first impressions are,this pre definitely takes this system to another level! This works so well with the F5. In a few weeks,I’ll be swapping the in the J2.
    Post edited by TEAforONE on
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • Clipdat
    Clipdat Posts: 12,952
    Happy to hear that it's working out nicely. Enjoy!
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    Aric Audio preamps,and First Watt amps, surf and turf for the ears!
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    engie490 wrote: »
    audioluvr wrote: »
    marvda1 wrote: »
    I had a Belles 21a tube pre that in head to head beat out the Dodd battery pre.
    Here is a Belles 20a pre that I have not heard for $700.
    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649764213-belles-20a-tube-preamp/

    I have a belles 21A. They respond well to upgraded caps. Yes they are older but any reputable service center should be able to maintain them. The 20A is basically the 21A with a tube phono stage. They are rarely for sale for a reason.

    This one looks like it doesn't have the phono option installed. Also, the main difference between the 20A and 21A is that the former is pure tube and the latter is hybrid with SS devices on the output.

    Speaking of which, you might want to look at this:

    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649764418-modwright-swl-90-se-class-a-tube-preamp/

    Not very tubey though.
    engie490 wrote: »
    audioluvr wrote: »
    marvda1 wrote: »
    I had a Belles 21a tube pre that in head to head beat out the Dodd battery pre.
    Here is a Belles 20a pre that I have not heard for $700.
    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649764213-belles-20a-tube-preamp/

    I have a belles 21A. They respond well to upgraded caps. Yes they are older but any reputable service center should be able to maintain them. The 20A is basically the 21A with a tube phono stage. They are rarely for sale for a reason.

    This one looks like it doesn't have the phono option installed. Also, the main difference between the 20A and 21A is that the former is pure tube and the latter is hybrid with SS devices on the output.

    Speaking of which, you might want to look at this:

    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649764418-modwright-swl-90-se-class-a-tube-preamp/

    Not very tubey though.
    engie490 wrote: »
    audioluvr wrote: »
    marvda1 wrote: »
    I had a Belles 21a tube pre that in head to head beat out the Dodd battery pre.
    Here is a Belles 20a pre that I have not heard for $700.
    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649764213-belles-20a-tube-preamp/

    I have a belles 21A. They respond well to upgraded caps. Yes they are older but any reputable service center should be able to maintain them. The 20A is basically the 21A with a tube phono stage. They are rarely for sale for a reason.

    This one looks like it doesn't have the phono option installed. Also, the main difference between the 20A and 21A is that the former is pure tube and the latter is hybrid with SS devices on the output.

    Speaking of which, you might want to look at this:

    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649764418-modwright-swl-90-se-class-a-tube-preamp/

    Not very tubey though.

    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    Mine now
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • TEAforONE
    TEAforONE Posts: 1,026
    george daniel wrote: »
    Mine now

    Good job!! Congratulations!!
    See my profile for list of gear.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    audioluvr wrote: »
    marvda1 wrote: »
    I had a Belles 21a tube pre that in head to head beat out the Dodd battery pre.
    Here is a Belles 20a pre that I have not heard for $700.
    https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649764213-belles-20a-tube-preamp/

    I have a belles 21A. They respond well to upgraded caps. Yes they are older but any reputable service center should be able to maintain them. The 20A is basically the 21A with a tube phono stage. They are rarely for sale for a reason.

    The 20a is pure tube,,the 21 is a tube hybrid,, both are excellent,,I had a 20a that I sold to someone on this forum,,I have been looking for one ever since,and finally found one that’s on its way,,typically the 20 and 21 are a tad dark,, the best tube that I found for the Belles is the Brimar 13D5,which will go in mine after I do the cap upgrade. Enjoy!
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,148
    George....ya' got's ta'stop selling all of your great pre's, man.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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