Tube Preamp question...

Pycroft
Pycroft Posts: 1,960
edited January 2010 in Electronics
Hi all...

I am looking into getting a tube preamp. In my search I came upon a Heathkit WA-P2. It states this in the auction:
You are bidding on a Vintage Heathkit WA-P2 Preamp and FM-3 Tuner in good working condition. Units were tested on a W4 Power Amp (not included) and sounded great. Newer old stock RCA tubes have been installed in the preamp. Also included is the original Heathkit Manual. Be aware the preamp does not have a standard power cord, is designed for use on a Williamson type tube power amp with an 8 pin canon plug. Each unit measures approx 12.75" x 5" x 3.5". Please see photos below..


Not sure what it means at the end...it is designed for use with a Williamson type tube power amp with 8 pin canon plug. Does that mean it will not work with my setup (See below) Anything else I should know? I'm new to tubes.

James
2 Channel/HT:
Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
Harman Kardon HK354
Sony SACD Player
Post edited by Pycroft on
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Comments

  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2010
    The way I read it you will need the amp to power the preamp.

    I would pass unless you planned to buy the amp or mod the pre which I would think will be extensive.

    How much you looking to spend and what features are you looking for ?
    Not trying to hock my pre just yet but I have a sweet Anthem Pre 1 L I will be putting for sale once I find what I am looking for.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited January 2010
    I'm looking to spend less than you are probably looking for....I have been keeping my eye out for a hidden gem type tube amp, because I've never heard or experienced them, and don't know if I would consider it worth it. I didn't want to spend a lot - around 200 bucks. I know there's not much out there, but was hoping for find some thrift store gem somewhere :)

    Thanks for the info... I didn't know that preamps were made to go wtih specific amps!

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2010
    Me either. I bought my Anthem for $275 plus shipping from original owner so they are out there. I upgraded the output caps with V-caps and 4 nice RCA 6922. I am really impressed with it. I do miss the HT bypass and remote which is the only reason I am looking further up the chain.

    Some times the pre or amp is not the exspense, it can be the tubes.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • Pycroft
    Pycroft Posts: 1,960
    edited January 2010
    Bump -

    Auction ends in 2 hours...anyone else with direct info...is it true I CANNOT run this with my current system?
    Thanks for any help!

    James
    2 Channel/HT:
    Sony SS-M9 P's (ES version)
    Sony SS-M1CN Center Channel
    Polk RT800 Surround Speakers
    Odyssey Stratos Dual Mono Amplifiers
    TAD 150 Signature Tube Preamp
    Harman Kardon HK354
    Sony SACD Player
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited January 2010
    Keep looking.
    "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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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 51,013
    edited January 2010
    Does that mean it will not work with my setup

    That's exactly what it means.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited January 2010
    Face wrote: »
    Keep looking.

    +1 you are getting some good advice here.:)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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