Whata' be Tube pre amp Q's

disneyjoe7

I wish to add a pre amp in my future, but have some Q's. I love'd the sound of Troy's Conrad Johnson, I like the look of Reeltrouble1 new Dodd pre. So here's the problem can't stop thinking about the Cary SLP98 pre, just love the look of that pre One little problem it's a little rich for my blood, but that may out grow me. My Q is the tube in use of these amp is a 6SN7 over the 12AX7 vs. the 12AU7 so I think the AX and the AU sound somewhat alike, but the 6NS7. So what are the differences about these tubes, sound or anything plus or minus about one tube over the other tube.

disneyjoe7

OK... I admit Drugs must have been good to me. What or want I don't know my W's.

Sorry I'm an idiot, maybe a nice guy but again an idiot at times.

disneyjoe7

Other then one being used in a more expensive amp / one being 6 volt element vs. a 12 volt element. Anyone??

F1nut

The Cary is a high end pre amp, I'd take one in a heartbeat.

disneyjoe7

F1nut wrote:

The Cary is a high end pre amp, I'd take one in a heartbeat.

Jesse,

Is this a "Take one in a heartbeat" a brand preference? I find other pre's in the same price range using the 12AU7 or 12AX7 but few pre's use the 6NS7 tube.

reeltrouble1

Steve,

Why dont you drive up and hear the Dodd, you can camp out here, then you can hear the Cary at Polkfest.

Ted

disneyjoe7

reeltrouble1 wrote:

Steve,

Why dont you drive up and hear the Dodd, you can camp out here, then you can hear the Cary at Polkfest.

Ted

Better yet pack up the Dodd and we all can hear them side by side.

BTW you know if a Cary pre will be there?

reeltrouble1

Check Doro's Sig, he has the Cary listed.

RT1

RuSsMaN

The 6SN7 is harder to find (exoctics /nos), and is accurate, but too medicinal, to dry for my tastes. 12AX7 (and family), 6DJ8 (and family) are much more musical, more involving.

If you like it on the clinical side, go with 6SN7/6SL7.

Cheers,
Russ

disneyjoe7

RuSsMaN wrote:

The 6SN7 is harder to find (exoctics /nos), and is accurate, but too medicinal, to dry for my tastes. 12AX7 (and family), 6DJ8 (and family) are much more musical, more involving.

If you like it on the clinical side, go with 6SN7/6SL7.

Cheers,
Russ

Russ,

You're the Tube guy thank you for giving me enough info so I didn't rush into anything. I will have to find and hear some of this stuff to know where I like to be.

Steve

BobMcG

It would be interesting to hear an A/B compare between the DODD and the Cary.

I could be mistaken but I believe Mark used to own the MLP before the Cary and might have a preference or opinion in advance?

dorokusai

The Dodd Audio is one of the best pre-amps I have heard to date. I really like the Cary, but sonically I would have to give a SLIGHT edge to the Dodd. When it comes to flexibility and input/output options, the edge is certainly the Cary.

They are all excellent pieces of gear, but I'm always on a quest for something new.

Hey DJ, wanna buy a Cary?

F1nut

Yeah Steve, I like Cary products. Mark's is very nice, you should buy it.

disneyjoe7

The picture that started it all. My new love.

Just saving my pennies, and will have to hear some 6SN7 amp prior.

dorokusai

The Jaguar Red and exposed tubes is pretty nice looking, but don't base the purchase on that or the actual tube compliment.

disneyjoe7

Doro,

Yes you're right I'm new to Tubes, well I never had audio tubes. I have some education classes on tubes, but never own audio tubes equipment.

I like that Pre amp looks really sweet, but it's just a like look never sound that. I question that tube, but I see that even Dodd high side uses that tube also. You said that Dodd sounds better, but is it a Tube thing or?

PolknPepsi

disneyjoe7 wrote:

Just this past weekend I auditioned this same preamp at a local hifi shop. It looks like a million bucks and the controls feel silky smooth. I dont own or know much about these things but a tube pre is in my future too. I have heard they mate well with solid state amplifiers and may give it a very nice sound.
Over at the Klipsch forum the Juicy Music line of preamps are popular with the regulars and is one I've considered. The tubes are inside and the wood finishes on the cabinet come in different finishes. Good Luck with your future preamp.

disneyjoe7

She looks so Sweet

reeltrouble1

dorokusai wrote:

The Jaguar Red and exposed tubes is pretty nice looking,

I sure would give her a whirl damm she is sexy

ND13

That looks as if there are tone controls and it utilizes a remote.. Am I seeing things correctly????

PolknPepsi

The salesguy told me that Cary did come with a remote which for me would be great. I can't remember what he said it would cost me or if it had tone controls, it was a quick audition. That Jaguar Red color is just as nice in person.

disneyjoe7

reeltrouble1 wrote:

I sure would give her a whirl damm she is sexy

I would love to compare your Dodd to that amp