Pre-amp suggestions for Anthem 2 SE's

univera

Since I too am getting ready to become de-virginized with tube gear, I need some suggestions. I have read through a great deal of past tube threads, which were extremely helpful. ND, BMD Picker, DG, Max and more. There is great knowledge in this forum.

My particular question is in regards to a pre-amp for the pair of Anthem 2 SE's that are in the mail. Since these are hybrid amps, should I be looking at SS or tube pre-amps? Most of the discussion has been on whats more important: tube pre or tube amp. Since mine is a half-breed, I'm not sure where to go.

Madmax has stated that IHO the hybrid amps have the black background that he prefers and that he attributes this quiet background to the tube amp itself. He also mentions that he feels the "musical involvement" comes from the tube pre-amp. Since I haven't even heard a tube piece before, I don't know where to start. Do the Dodd/Dared suggestions still apply to a hybrid?

I could see spending $500.00 to start, but I want a pre-amp worthy of these amps, so fire away. New or used. REMOTE REQUIRED. HT Passthrough seems to be a good idea, but I may have two dedicated systems. I am bi-amping, so I assume I need dual pre-outs.

dorokusai

It's a loaded question but I think the best match would be a Pre2L, also from Anthem. It's usually in that bracket for price, remote control, dual outputs, easily modded(future) and uses a great tube, 6922/6DJ8. You can color up or color down with alot in that tube family.

Just a suggestion, and I have more, but that pre-amp always stands out to me.

univera

dorokusai wrote:

It's a loaded question but I think the best match would be a Pre2L, also from Anthem. It's usually in that bracket for price, remote control, dual outputs, easily modded(future) and uses a great tube, 6922/6DJ8. You can color up or color down with alot in that tube family.

Just a suggestion, and I have more, but that pre-amp always stands out to me.

I'm all ears. I read a review on both pieces (Pre 2L and 2 SE) used together, which was a good review but not mind blowing. Maybe I am reading too much into it. Grain of salt applied:) Actually, the biggest "beef" I have read in regards to this unit is that the remote volume control is not good and is very hard to dial in. No fine control.

Do you like that piece in general or for specific duty with the Anthem amp or hybrid amps in general? I have taken your advice in past threads to go with the factory tubes for a bit and just enjoy, although George is tossing in some extras. So as far as coloring, I assume you mean rolling, and I want to be happy right off the bat (who doesn't?) before I start tinkering a bit.

Edit: forgot the link http://www.avrev.com/equip/anthem2/index.html

dorokusai

The remote control issue was a problem that was eventually identified by Anthem. Sorry slipped my mind.....but just ask if it has the new volume pot and you're golden. It's not that common anyways but the reviews still exist.

TroyD

If you would like.....c'mon over at some point. I've got a couple of tube preamps hooked up that you can give a listen to.

BDT

dorokusai

That's exactly what you should do.

audiobliss

I'd probably pass out from utter shock just upon walking into Troy's listening room.

univera

TroyD wrote:

If you would like.....c'mon over at some point. I've got a couple of tube preamps hooked up that you can give a listen to.

BDT

How about this weekend? I'd love to check it out and compare the sound, especially since you have some SDA's for a similar comparison. I hope you are comfortable de-frocking me:D The 33 year old virgin.....

TroyD

Sounds good, let's see if we can get Dave on the stick as well.

Lemme check w/my social secretary and see what's what.

BDT

TroyD

audiobliss wrote:

I'd probably pass out from utter shock just upon walking into Troy's listening room.

Thanks but there are many others here with much better gear than I.

I dig my stuff though.

BDT

univera

I hear you on that. Perhaps I will have one of the new Anthem's to play with. I think one is in the mail.

malikarshad

I don't have much experience in tube gear as I have an entry level Dared Pre.
I'm happy with it so far given that I use it with Cary Audio Amp.
I have rolled the cheap stock Chinese tubes with Mullards 12AT7's.
I have not tried any other tube pre so I cannot give you any opinion about others. I would be very interested to try the Dodd ELP with the Cary amp.

BOLIN6861

I'am a big fan of ADCOM
I have 2 ADCOM GFA-555 amp's
one GFA-545 and a ADCOM GTP-550 pre amp
and I have allways had good sound and luck with the ADCOM products