Tube Preamps

audiobliss · October 2005

Right now I'm just browsing through audiogon to see what they have for sale in the line of tube preamps just to get a feel for them, as I'll want one as soon as I can afford it.

I ran across a tube pre I had a question on and was going to start a thread on it, but then I realized I'm probably going to have a lot of questions, so I'm just starting a generic thread in which I can ask all my questions.

First up is Kailin. Anyone heard of this company? I can't seem to find out much about them on the web (anybody have their url?). I found this Kailin K-N7 tube pre on audiogon, and it caught my eye. It looks real neat and simple, and the guy's asking about what I'd want to spend on one.

So, anybody know something about Kailin?

Thanks!
audiobliss

read-alot · October 2005

We need to do a mole count to see if we qualify for a test drive.

ND13 · October 2005

Bliss,

Just get one of the Dodd ELPs from Tweek Geek for $389 and be done with it. No uestions about the quality and plenty of positive reviews by people you know and most likely respect their opinions.

Dennis Gardner · October 2005

Eyecatching would be good description. I've seen his similar amp designs for sale on Audiogon, but don't really know anything about them. I would say for the price, you don't have much risk.

Don't forget that Tweekgeek.com has the Dodd Elp for $389.

read-alot · October 2005

I have one ELP on order from Tweek Greek. They told me it would be 3 weeks before Gary could get it out, something about parts on backorder.
I did notice today that they have already charged my credit card something that Polk didnt do until they shipped my 8 silk domes last week.

audiobliss · October 2005

I must admit that despite the overwhelmingly positive reviews (and yes, by people whose opinions I highly respect) and very reasonable price of the Dodd ELP, I most definitively do not want it. My pre-requisites for a pre-amp is at least 3 inputs (I may later decide I want more) and a remote. Now, the remote doesn't have to control anything but the volume, but that's a necessity.

So, unfortunately, the Dodds are out.

Thanks for all of the input! Keep it coming!!
audiobliss

sda2mike · October 2005

i asked the seller ok kailin on ebay some questions...he seemed evasive..i kept hammering..still, he seemed to think quick answers were what i was looking for...i didn't get a comfortable feeling...did you check out the dared sl2000a? it's got a remote

audiobliss · October 2005

Hmm. That Dared is kinda tempting. Looks nice. Nice price. Has a remote.

organ · October 2005

Bliss,
You're really limiting your selection of tube pre amps by looking for one with a remote. Most will not come with a remote control. Most entry level pre's have 3 inputs. If the one you like have less than 3, buy a switching box and hook up your least favorite components to it. Run your reference source straight to the pre.

Also, you'd want a pre amp that use 'mainstream' tubes like the 12AX7 (ECC83) and 6DJ8/6922. You'll have better selection for tube rolling.

Maurice

F1nut · October 2005

It's one of the new wave of Chinese gear. Here's another on ePay from the same seller,
http://cgi.ebay.com/Kailin-K-N7-PURE-TUBE-High-End-preamplifier-NR-look_W0QQitemZ5820235752QQcategoryZ14974QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

gidrah · October 2005

For about the same price of the opening bid you could snag a real nice Dynaco PAS-3 which has a pretty nice phono stage, plenty of inputs, and sounds very nice.

Ricardo · October 2005

here is another cheap one (one went for $215).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5820931753&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BID_IT

I just came into this while browsing on ebay.....NO....I AM NOT LOOKING FOR TUBES... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

EDIT: looked at the feedback after posting this.....does not look good....has anyone seen before all feedbacks with just "??????????" ?

audiobliss · October 2005

Aww, come on, HTrookie,....you know you wanna get you some TUBES!!!!!

:D:D:D

ND13 · October 2005

HTrookie wrote:

here is another cheap one (one went for $215).

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5820931753&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BID_IT

I just came into this while browsing on ebay.....NO....I AM NOT LOOKING FOR TUBES... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

EDIT: looked at the feedback after posting this.....does not look good....has anyone seen before all feedbacks with just "??????????" ?

I've never seen anything like thay guy's feedback before. Kinda strange and I think I'd stay very far from anything that seller is trying to sell.

audiobliss · October 2005

I've seen a few members are using the Audio Experience Symphony preamp. What're the specs on that? What kind of tubes does it use? How many inputs? What do you think of it?

Also, does anyone have any experience with Radii's preamps?

Any comments are much appreciated!
audiobliss

organ · October 2005

audiobliss wrote:

I've seen a few members are using the Audio Experience Symphony preamp. What're the specs on that? What kind of tubes does it use? How many inputs? What do you think of it?

Also, does anyone have any experience with Radii's preamps?

Any comments are much appreciated!
audiobliss

The AES looks killer. It even has tube rectification. Forget about specs for tube equipments. They'll always look inferior to SS. Not sure who owns it now but Russman was the first to have it.

I have no experience with Radii but my ASL 2004DT looks identical to it. Killer pre amp and for the price, you can't do better.

Maurice

beardog03 · October 2005

I just got my Cary 2002 from Mark...

It is an outstanding pre..
I really love it..!

I`m done looking for pre amps for quite some time...!!

I don`t have much experience with very many other tube pre`s, but I do have a bazillion 6922/6dj8 tubes now..!!

audiobliss · October 2005

From what I've seen, I'd love to have a Cary pre. However, also from what I've seen, I'm afraid to think of the price tag one of those would have!

audiobliss · October 2005

organ wrote:

The AES looks killer. It even has tube rectification. Forget about specs for tube equipments. They'll always look inferior to SS. Not sure who owns it now but Russman was the first to have it.

I have no experience with Radii but my ASL 2004DT looks identical to it. Killer pre amp and for the price, you can't do better.

Maurice

Maurice, what do you mean by 'tube rectification'? What's that mean?

The first time I saw a pic of the AES, I thought I'd hate to hafta look at it in my system. However, the more I think about it, the more think I could live with it. I'm also beginning to think that I could live without a remote.

reeltrouble1 · October 2005

The ELP may not have a remote, but Gary Dodd will add the inputs/outputs you want for 50 bucks each.

RT1

Meeks32 · October 2005

Sorry if this was mentioned in this thread already, I skimmed through but didnt see it. But I always see 2 channel tube pre's, but are there any good/cheaper tube pre's for HT use? I would like to use a tube preamp but only have room for 1 and I use HT 90% of the time.

Dennis Gardner · October 2005

Cheap, HT, Tube=Tri-Oxy-Moron

Meeks32 · October 2005

Do they even have any multichannel pre's with DTS & DD? The only thing ive found so far is the 13k fosgate pre but it only has pro-logic.

Dennis Gardner · October 2005

Here are a couple, but they are high end as you would expect from the makers.

They aren't decoders, simply high $$$ musical preamps. You use a separate decoder or those in your DVD with analog outs.

VAC Tube Pre

Conrad Johnson Tube Pre

fredv · October 2005

Any opinion on the Dynaco PAS 3X? There is one in 'gon at $300. Is it worth the price tag?

F1nut · October 2005

Fred,

Reputed to be decent for what it is. Personally, I'd save my duckets for something a little higher up the chain.

danger boy · October 2005

ok. i know everyone is ga ga over tube pre amps. but there are some nice sounding solid state ones too. but i hear what you're staying about wanting to try one ABliss. i would like to to some day. but for now i'm not sweating it out.

audiobliss · October 2005

db - Can you recommend some 'good sounding' SS pres? I may consider going that route, as it'd be easier to get a remote with it. And it may be cheaper.

So, no comments on 'tube rectification'? Any more thoughts on how the AES would compare to the Radii?

Thanks!

shack · October 2005

audiobliss wrote:

Can you recommend some 'good sounding' SS pres? I may consider going that route, as it'd be easier to get a remote with it. And it may be cheaper.!

Parasound is coming out with a new stereo pre in their New Classic Line (model #2000). It is replacing the VERY GOOD PHP-850. It is supposed to come out in late November. Here is a link to Audio Advisor:

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=PARCP2000&product_name=New%20Classic%202000%20Preamplifier

A step up would be the Parasound Halo P3.

If you can find one used, I really liked the Cambridge Audio C500.

I have a NAD C160 which I like a lot. THe new NAD model is the C162.

While it also has a built in tuner, the Anthem TLP1 is a very nice sounding stereo pre. I've demoed it on a couple of occasions.

MSRPs on these are between $400 and $800 and most (except the new Parasound) can be found on the used market.

These are just the ones I've heard. I'm sure there are other worthy contenders out there.

ND13 · October 2005

A decent tube pre isn't anymore expensive than a SS pre that will have the "tube" sound to it.

With the topic of affordable tube gear having been brought up here countless times over the last year or so, I'm surprised that so many people still think it cost an arm and a leg to get quality tube components. To be honest, I don't see where it's anymore expensive, when comparing tube and ss gear that have comparable SQ and "perceived" output, to own tube gear than good sounding, quality ss gear. It may be even less. As with any hobby, though, there will be the outrageous , but again, that goes for both ss and tubes.

Bliss, if you want to try a decent ss pre with your monos, you might want to see if SComp is going to let his go once he gets his matching tube pre from McAlister

BlueMDPicker · October 2005

I recommend taking a look at this. At $499 in kit form, I haven't seen anything near its price point that comes close in quality and performance. It sounds like you're a young man with a lot of interest in the hobby (pronounced obsession). DIY is a solid way to advance your knowledge and enjoyment at a fairly affordable price.

Tube Preamps

Comments