Need help choosing a pre-amp

2

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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    going,, going,,,,
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited June 2009
    Oh man...I appreciate the effort, but I'm not ready to buy one yet. At the soonest it would be 3 weeks from now before I'll have the funds.

    Good looking out though. It's appreciated.:)

    Anyone wanna give me a loan?:p;)


    I'll just have to get mmadden to sell me his when I'm ready.;)
    The nirvana inducer-
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  • cnh
    cnh Posts: 13,284
    edited June 2009
    Hang in there Curt....that is some coin. I don't mean to turn this thread, but what do you guys think about Hafler pre-amps? I've always liked their amps but don't know much about the pre,s? Just wondering because the amps have what I think is a FULL/WARM sound...that I like quite a bit.

    cnh
    Currently orbiting Bowie's Blackstar.!

    Polk Lsi-7s, Def Tech 8" sub, HK 3490, HK HD 990 (CDP/DAC), AKG Q701s
    [sig. changed on a monthly basis as I rotate in and out of my stash]
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited June 2009
    george daniel wrote: »
    I found him one if he wants it,, no afil,,if not,whomever is,pm me and I'll get you the contact info. Hurry though



    PM sent
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    guy's, all I did was "google" it,, and one turned up at HeadFi,, I am not affilated,,it is still available,, so have at it,, I would suggest pm'ing the seller.



    http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f44/fs-dodd-audio-elp-tube-preamp-416297/
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited June 2009
    Damn...I'm really wishing I had the extra coin right now.:(
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
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    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    I hope that someone picked it up,,especially after all the talk :confused:
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • nspindel
    nspindel Posts: 5,343
    edited June 2009
    george daniel wrote: »
    guy's, all I did was "google" it,, and one turned up at HeadFi,, I am not affilated,,it is still available,, so have at it,, I would suggest pm'ing the seller.



    http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f44/fs-dodd-audio-elp-tube-preamp-416297/

    I'm finding it kind of funny that the seller had to keep bumping his sale for a month and a half before anyone even noticed. I've been posting on head-fi for several years now, but that site's just getting out of control. There used to be serious audio discussions on there, but now half the threads are "Newbie looking for <$50 earbuds for my new iPhone, what should I buy?" Yeah, as if that topic hasn't been covered 7000 times already. Most of the threads turn into insult wars, too.
    Good music, a good source, and good power can make SDA's sing. Tubes make them dance.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,221
    edited June 2009
    nspindel wrote: »
    Yeah, as if that topic hasn't been covered 7000 times already. Most of the threads turn into insult wars, too.

    Are you sure? JuJu says this forum is the ONLY forum that acts like that. Why would he lie :p;)...........................certainly they don't teach novice trolls in troll camp to lie.

    Anyways......that was a very good price for an great tube pre-amp. Not sure I'd buy on a forum I don;t frequent. Dodd's don;t come up often FS.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited June 2009
    I have a couple of Conrad Johnson preamps. 1 PV12 without a phono stage and 1 PV10 with a phono stage. One of these will be going to my Bro-In-Law as soon as he gets some dough. BUT, I told him these were first come first serve. I just haven't really been pushed to sell either. jlmk.
    Testing
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    nspindel wrote: »
    I'm finding it kind of funny that the seller had to keep bumping his sale for a month and a half before anyone even noticed. I've been posting on head-fi for several years now, but that site's just getting out of control. There used to be serious audio discussions on there, but now half the threads are "Newbie looking for <$50 earbuds for my new iPhone, what should I buy?" Yeah, as if that topic hasn't been covered 7000 times already. Most of the threads turn into insult wars, too.

    I've had a few dealings with folks on HFi,, never had any issues/problems,,just like any forum,,use common sense,,I had my Dodd HERE for about a month before it sold,,as stated earlier,, they do not come up very often,, if you want it,I would suggest that you talk with the seller,,it won't last long now,,I promise. Good luck.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • leroyjr1
    leroyjr1 Posts: 8,785
    edited June 2009
    Can you still buy a Dodd ELP brand new from the company?
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    NO,, it's not made anymore,,but Gary still supports it,, if someone here does not get it,,I will,,I've done all the legwork,and I'm giving ya'll first shot,,I'll contact the seller this evening if no one here has--345.00,, Dodd ELP=no brainer.Good luck.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited June 2009
    george daniel wrote: »
    NO,, it's not made anymore,,but Gary still supports it,, if someone here does not get it,,I will,,I've done all the legwork,and I'm giving ya'll first shot,,I'll contact the seller this evening if no one here has--345.00,, Dodd ELP=no brainer.Good luck.

    You can buy it and then sell it to me a little later.;)


    I think it's safe to say that a Dodd ELP is going to be in my system in the near future in either case though. After researching pre's a little more, this really seems like the best bang for the buck out there. I've read a lot of reviews, and I haven't found a single bad thing said about it.
    The nirvana inducer-
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    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited June 2009
    I'm really hoping this ELP is still available in a couple more weeks, when I've got the funds.

    Nobody buy it!!!
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2009
    Too late. :D
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    Face wrote: »
    Too late. :D

    I hope someone here got it,,especially after all the TALK,,Face,if you did,, congrats,,and thanks,,if you got it from whom I think you did.:cool:
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited June 2009
    I haven't checked(I know where it is/was). I just wanted to give him a scare or maybe motivate him to get off his **** and grab it already.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    Face wrote: »
    I haven't checked(I know where it is/was). I just wanted to give him a scare or maybe motivate him to get off his **** and grab it already.

    Well' 'I hope that you are more effective than I was.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited June 2009
    Face wrote: »
    I haven't checked(I know where it is/was). I just wanted to give him a scare or maybe motivate him to get off his **** and grab it already.



    Well it certainly worked! My heart dropped a little bit when I saw that post!...lol

    It's still available though.:)


    Believe me...I have all the motivation in the world to get off my **** and grab it. I just don't have the funds, and won't have them for a couple weeks. Unfortunately, I have other priorities aside from audio gear.;) If this ELP is still available in about two more weeks though, it will be mine.:)
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited June 2009
    Could someone tell me what the dimensions of the ELP are? I searched, and wasn't able to find anything.

    It looks like it's about 9" wide and 9" deep...am I close?
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,279
    edited June 2009
    From memory, around 7"Dx5"W. Probably about 5-6" tall.
    ~ 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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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited June 2009
    treitz3 wrote: »
    From memory, around 7"Dx5"W. Probably about 5-6" tall.

    Thanks Tom.

    That's about perfect. I've got a spot on my rack that's just about the perfect size for a Dodd ELP.:)
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • concealer404
    concealer404 Posts: 7,440
    edited June 2009
    leroyjr1 wrote: »
    Curt I have a Adcom 450 pre with remote. I'll give you a great deal on it.

    $105 + shipping

    KILLER deal. :)
    I don't read the newsssspaperssss because dey aaaallllllllll...... have ugly print.

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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited June 2009
    Any thoughts on the Wright Sound WLA12A pre? Ben recommended it to me, and it's looking pretty interesting.

    I've been reading up on it, and it seems like it may be somewhat finicky as far as setup goes.

    From what I've gathered, it also requires an amp with a pretty high input impedance, at least 50,000 ohms. My Adcom 545 has an input impedance of 100,000 ohms, so that shouldn't be a concern...

    It seems to get pretty mixed reviews. Some of the reviews I've read are very positive, and there have been some others that are more or less neutral, and some bordering on bad. I take all internet reviews with a grain of salt though, of course.

    Any thoughts? It seems like it might be a bit over my projected price range though. From what I've seen the average price is around $650. Is that a rough average for a used one? I couldn't find any for sale currently.



    I've gotten a couple recommendations for the Rogue 66 Magnum too. Any thoughts on that?


    Thanks in advance, and thanks for all the advice you've given me already.:)
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited June 2009
    The Wright WLA12a is a very sweet pre,, USA made,small company,hand made PTP wiring,responds well to tube rolling,tube rectified,and is Phase Inverting. Finiky--nope,not at all,,can be had for about 500.00 used.They come up from time to time on A'Gon.One was listed on AA for 450.00 a couple of days ago.Usually easier to find than the ELP.It's going to cost more to re-tube the Wright than it is the Dodd (4 vs 2)tubes.The Dodd is a great entry level pre,works very well with most sand amps and has an IEC connection,wheras the Wright does not.One thing I've learned along the way,ELP's usually do not last long on the market,most sell in 24 hours or less.So, when you see one you want,,pull the trigger.I cannot remember how much you want to spend,but I know where there is one that has the HT bypass,upgraded power supply by Gary for about 500.00 with an assortment of tubes.When you are ready to buy,and if you are interested,pm me, it belongs to my brother,who is looking to upgrade. Also,, there was one over at HeadFi,,for about 375.00 IIRC,,last time I checked it was still there,you may want to contact the seller to check availiblity.Good luck with your search,,and remember,,Tubes Rule,, and it's hard to beat Vintage NOS,,, Synergy,Synergy,Synergy,,, and Source,,Source,,and of course Source.
    Now,, get to work on a tubed pre,have fun ;)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • MillerLiteScott
    MillerLiteScott Posts: 2,561
    edited June 2009
    How about the NAK CA 5?
    I like speakers that are bigger than a small refrigerator but smaller than a big refrigerator:D
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,221
    edited June 2009
    MillerLiteScott wrote: »
    How about the NAK CA 5?

    Before I sold mine I had recommended that one to Curt, but at the time he wanted remote control. I think he has changed his mind on the remote at this point. I would give high marks to the Nak, and for what you get they are dirt cheap.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • Hilbert
    Hilbert Posts: 316
    edited June 2009
    george daniel wrote: »
    The Wright WLA12a is a very sweet pre,, USA made,small company...

    A very decent company as well.

    I say this because, looking at their website, I find the WIA1515 Integrated Stereo Amplifier described as a "no holes bared" design.

    http://d17176.u24.jfdesigns.net/product.php?productid=15&cat=1&page=1
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  • comfortablycurt
    comfortablycurt Posts: 6,745
    edited June 2009
    george daniel wrote: »
    The Wright WLA12a is a very sweet pre,, USA made,small company,hand made PTP wiring,responds well to tube rolling,tube rectified,and is Phase Inverting. Finiky--nope,not at all,,can be had for about 500.00 used.They come up from time to time on A'Gon.One was listed on AA for 450.00 a couple of days ago.Usually easier to find than the ELP.It's going to cost more to re-tube the Wright than it is the Dodd (4 vs 2)tubes.The Dodd is a great entry level pre,works very well with most sand amps and has an IEC connection,wheras the Wright does not.One thing I've learned along the way,ELP's usually do not last long on the market,most sell in 24 hours or less.So, when you see one you want,,pull the trigger.I cannot remember how much you want to spend,but I know where there is one that has the HT bypass,upgraded power supply by Gary for about 500.00 with an assortment of tubes.When you are ready to buy,and if you are interested,pm me, it belongs to my brother,who is looking to upgrade. Also,, there was one over at HeadFi,,for about 375.00 IIRC,,last time I checked it was still there,you may want to contact the seller to check availiblity.Good luck with your search,,and remember,,Tubes Rule,, and it's hard to beat Vintage NOS,,, Synergy,Synergy,Synergy,,, and Source,,Source,,and of course Source.
    Now,, get to work on a tubed pre,have fun ;)

    Thanks for the offer George, I'll be getting back in touch with you when I get some coin together.

    I'm still turning over the possibility of the Wright, but I think I'd prefer the Dodd at this point.

    The ELP on head-fi isn't available anymore, at least not for the moment. The guy's waiting on a new custom head-amp/preamp, and has decided to hang on to the ELP until it comes in. It sounds like he end up keeping the ELP afterwards regardless.
    MillerLiteScott wrote: »
    How about the NAK CA 5?
    heiney9 wrote: »
    Before I sold mine I had recommended that one to Curt, but at the time he wanted remote control. I think he has changed his mind on the remote at this point. I would give high marks to the Nak, and for what you get they are dirt cheap.

    H9

    Yes, and in hindsight, I'm kicking myself for not taking Brock up on the NAK. At the time I was really set on having a remote control, but I'm willing to go without for now.
    The nirvana inducer-
    APC H10 Power Conditioner
    Marantz UD5005 universal player
    Parasound Halo P5 preamp
    Parasound HCA-1200II power amp
    PolkAudio LSi9's/PolkAudio SDA 2A's/PolkAudio Monitor 7A's
    Audioquest Speaker Cables and IC's
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