Tube pre amp

disneyjoe7
disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
edited December 2009 in Wanted (WTB) Classifieds
Anything $ wise, which could get my feet wet? Price is everything, but sound is important also, looks don't care. It's just to get feet wet, as I don't have the cash to get something nice. I would consider a loaner with fee if that works better ;)

Speakers
Carver Amazing Fronts
CS400i Center
RT800i's Rears
Sub Paradigm Servo 15

Electronics
Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
Parasound Halo A23
Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
Pioneer 79Avi DVD
Sony CX400 CD changer
Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


Post edited by disneyjoe7 on
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Comments

  • starkiller
    starkiller Posts: 2,723
    edited October 2009
    just sold by aric audio which would have been perfect for you and my conrad-johnson pv-3 is sounding too good...at least for now :)
    Computer room Hegeman 1 SpeakersM&K VX-80 subKenwood DP-7010Cambridge Audio CXC Transport Rega DACPrimaLuna Prologue Four AmpAric Audio Tube PreampGarage Jennings Research SquareCustom tube preampCrown XLS-1000Denon DCD-1500II Modded MSB Link DAC
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    disneyjoe7 wrote: »
    Tube pre amp

    Yes, you do!

    I have no recommendation on an inexpensive one, only a recommendation that you get one as soon as possible. I love mine more and more every day. :D
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited October 2009
    Damn, sorry I missed it.. And you're right Conrad-Johnson sounds fine too me, along with others.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited October 2009
    Update just something to get by, but something I would enjoy open to any offers $300 or so.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited October 2009
    Keep your eyes peeled on the 'Gon for a Dared SL-2000A. One can usually be had for around that price. It's a snazzy lil' bugger and sounds excellent.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • vc69
    vc69 Posts: 2,500
    edited October 2009
    I can't imagine an acceptable piece to fit your requirements unless somebody just gives one away. Tube pre-amps are not inexpensive. The cheap Chinese stuff is widely regarded as unworthy and hit/miss at best.
    I'm no expert, but the lack of suggestions here is worth noting.
    -Kevin
    HT: Philips 52PFL7432D 52" LCD 1080p / Onkyo TX-SR 606 / Oppo BDP-83 SE / Comcast cable. (all HDMI)B&W 801 - Front, Polk CS350 LS - Center, Polk LS90 - Rear
    2 Channel:
    Oppo BDP-83 SE
    Squeezebox Touch
    Muscial Fidelity M1 DAC
    VTL 2.5
    McIntosh 2205 (refurbed)
    B&W 801's
    Transparent IC's
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited October 2009
    Ok my taste is more like Steak with Hamburger wallet, so tell me what's good money wise.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,034
    edited October 2009
    A Dodd ELP would do you justice and is generally in your price range. Have patience, my friend. Good things come to those who wait.
    ~ 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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  • daboyz
    daboyz Posts: 5,207
    edited October 2009
    Tom's correct on the Dodd but it'll run you $350 - $400. Plus, I've got dibs on the next one to come up.;):D
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited October 2009
    Talking Dodd, a fine sounding pre for sure.. But there was 2 I heard at Ted's RT1 one did it for me the other not so. What models are what?

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited October 2009
    Ted had an ELP and an MLP setup,, the ELP was the smaller one with the tubes exposed.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited October 2009
    Which sounds better?

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2009
    MLP but the ELP is the best <$350 tube pre-amp I've heard in my travels.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited October 2009
    dorokusai wrote: »
    MLP but the ELP is the best <$350 tube pre-amp I've heard in my travels.

    Thanks Doro for clearing that up for me.

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • kawizx9r
    kawizx9r Posts: 5,150
    edited October 2009
    In looking for a budget tube pre, the Aric Audio I purchased from Alan is really sounding nice. Definitely prefer the Mullards over the Baldwins that were included with the pre.

    I have no doubts at all that the Dodd would prove to be a better pre, but it's been hard finding one to try out and at a good few hundred less....the aric audio was a no brainer. :D

    I'll take some pics and update it on the showcase. This thing should fit nicely in my setup until I get the funds later for a VTL I've been looking at (thanks to everyone's recommendations).

    -Freddy
    Truck setup
    Alpine 9856
    Phoenix Gold RSD65CS

    For Sale
    Polk SR6500
    Polk SR5250
    Polk SR104


    heiney9 wrote: »
    Any clue how to use the internet? Found it in about 10 sec.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited October 2009
    The ELP's are becoming more difficult to find these days.Another very good,although a little higher priced is the EE Minimax. It is tube rectified,and offers a variety of tube rolling options.Very good build quality,excellent soundstaging,and affordable mods take it to higher levels with even more tube options,,used ones go for 500-550 but you need to act quickly,as they sell fast.

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1259785655&/Eastern-Electric-MiniMax-pream
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2009
    I have never liked that pre-amp.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,171
    edited October 2009
    Dared Sl2000A............about 97% of the Dodd ELP.
    "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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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2009
    I'd pass on the Dared.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited October 2009
    I still say this one
    PV12.jpg
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2009
    You could even go older when it comes to CJ gear.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited October 2009
    You can't go wrong with CJ gear.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • Ricardo
    Ricardo Posts: 10,636
    edited October 2009
    I didn't care for the Dodd MLP.

    The Dared is a very nice pre, and just as the Dodd ELP, if you don't like it you can quickly get your money back
    _________________________________________________
    ***\\\\\........................... My Audio Journey ............................./////***

    2008 & 2010 Football Pool WINNER
    SOPA
    Thank God for different opinions. Imagine the world if we all wanted the same woman
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2009
    I'm not a fan of the newer CJ offerings but vintage sure is nice to keep an eye open for...
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited October 2009
    Guy's,, having never owned a CJ pre,, how would you describe the sound,etc?
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2009
    Sexy.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited October 2009
    A note to be considered. Most CJ preamps are phase inverting on the line stage outputs, but the phono stage is non inverting. You reverse the phace of the wiring at the speakers, BUT reverse the phase of the wiring at the cartidge of the TT. A simple little detail that really isn't a problem and the results are well worth the effort. And like the ELP most CJ gear moves fast on the used market if you want to try something else.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited October 2009
    george daniel wrote: »
    Guy's,, having never owned a CJ pre,, how would you describe the sound,etc?

    VERY pleased. Thats why I still use one today.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited October 2009
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1259265629&/Conrad-Johnson-pv-4-with-phono

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1259073984&/Conrad-Johnson-PV-8-w/-phono

    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1260765326&/Conrad-Johnson-PV-5-Tube-Pream


    All with phono stages. The PV5 is a tad high because you can score PV12's without a phono stage for around $800
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited October 2009
    I'd grab that PV4 with a quickness.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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