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Dared SL2000a Preamp

trav0810trav0810 Posts: 1,058
in For Sale (FS) Classifieds
I sold this a while back to a member here who was getting a pretty loud hum/buzz through his system, so I took it back. I believe that it might have been an impedence mismatch or some kind of statement synergy issue with his other gear because after hooking it back up, it is silent. No hum, no buzz. I've tried it with a couple different amplifiers and sources to see if I could recreate the issue, and I have not been able to.

I have bought and sold and bought again a few of these units over the years, so I had lost track of which one this was. According to the most recent buyer, when he cracked it open, he discovered that it was the unit that had been upgraded by our very own George Daniels.

The unit will come with the remote, power cord, Brimar rectifier and a pair of Mullard and a pair of GE 12AT7 tubes.

$365 shipped via USPS priority mail.
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The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
Thorens TD320
Modified Carver C-1
Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
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Comments

  • scubalabscubalab Posts: 2,836
    This is a fantastic pre-amp. I really wanted to get it working right in my system. I've had issues with a hum using separates before, and some just seem worse than others. Travis went above and beyond in trying to help me resolve the issue, but we just couldn't get it working right in my system. He was kind enough to take the pre-amp back and refund me the purchase price. Buy from Travis with confidence!!

    Other than the hum/buzz I had in my setup, the pre-amp was beautiful. It has a very warm sound and brought out details in music that I had not heard before. It is in immaculate condition, and the mods that George Daniel did are the bomb! He put some serious upgraded caps in this baby. I really wanted this to work for me, but I've decided to throw in the towel on separates.

    Someone needs to jump on this! I'm certain now the issue was just in my setup. You'd be hard pressed to find a pre-amp of this caliber for a better price.
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  • halohalo Posts: 5,285
    Does this have a remote?
    Audio: KEF Q150 * NAD C 316BEE * Bluesound Node 2i * APC H10 * StudioTech HF-5 G/S
    Vinyl: Fluance RT82 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
    Vinyl II: Audio Technica AT-LP120X USB * AT120EB * ART DJ Pre II * Acrylic Turntable Mat
    Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * ROKU Premiere * Z-line Designs Elektra
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  • trav0810trav0810 Posts: 1,058
    Yes it does ..and it even works!
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
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  • hochpt21hochpt21 Posts: 5,189
    Hell of a deal...
    __________________________________________________
    2 Channel
    Turntable - VPI Scout 1.1/Ortofon 2M Blue
    Amplification - Parks Audio Budgie, Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 Deluxe
    Speakers - GoldenEar Triton 2
    __________________________________________________
    7.1 Home Theater
    Denon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Polk CS350ls, LS90's, FXi3's, RC60i; SVS PC Ultra; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"
    __________________________________________________
    Man Cave
    Turntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado Gold
    Integrated Amplifier - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II
    CD: Cambridge Audio
    Speakers - SDA 2A; Epos Epic 2
    __________________________________________________
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  • scubalabscubalab Posts: 2,836
    Here's the thread I found from back in 2011 when George modded this:

    http://forum.polkaudio.com/discussion/121405/the-dared-sl-2000-modification-thread/p1

    When I popped the bottom off, the Obligatto coupling caps were the dead giveaway that this was George's modded pre-amp.

    Victor, I can attest to the fine functionality of the wooden remote (not the key fob plastic remote...). It's even RF, so I was able to adjust the volume from the other room!
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  • dromundsdromunds Posts: 8,380
    Many of us have experienced this preamp, its great bang for the buck, easy to tube roll, and the rectifier tube gives it real nice soundstage and presence. If you're wishing to try a tube preamp this is an excellent choice for little coin. And already modded by George taking it to the next level. Mucho in the archives about this preamp, check it out.
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  • trav0810trav0810 Posts: 1,058
    I spent a lot of time last night switching back and forth between this preamp and my Audio Research LS 5. I was really surprised with how well the little Dared holds its own.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
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  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 14,967
    Yea I'd love to have it except everytime i open my wallet i hear taps playing....
    You don't even find them on eBay anymore.
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  • trav0810trav0810 Posts: 1,058
    With its popularity, I can't believe that Dared quit manufacturing it
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
    · Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
  • halohalo Posts: 5,285
    I'm in the same situation as Ivan. Even though the price on this is ridiculously good, the only thing in my audio wallet is dust. :/
    Audio: KEF Q150 * NAD C 316BEE * Bluesound Node 2i * APC H10 * StudioTech HF-5 G/S
    Vinyl: Fluance RT82 * Nagaoka MP-110 * Bottlehead Reduction + Integration Upgrade * KAB RF1
    Vinyl II: Audio Technica AT-LP120X USB * AT120EB * ART DJ Pre II * Acrylic Turntable Mat
    Video: Hisense 55H8F * Panasonic DMP-UB200 * ROKU Premiere * Z-line Designs Elektra
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  • heiney9heiney9 Posts: 24,125
    Obbligato's are nice. I have a pair here waiting to be installed in my Keces DAC I use in the office. I also have a pair of DEXA discrete op-amps for it.

    I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Dared, mine was an early one with Auricaps. This one shouldn't be on here too long.

    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 Aleph 30 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Plus DAC | MIT Shotgun S3 | MIT Z P/C's | updated SDA 1C| SQ Box Touch/Welbourne Labs P/S- Tubes add soul!
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  • trav0810trav0810 Posts: 1,058
    halo wrote: »
    I'm in the same situation as Ivan. Even though the price on this is ridiculously good, the only thing in my audio wallet is dust. :/

    I should have more restraint. but I have a bad habit of buying something that I really can't afford, then I have to sell other stuff too pay bills. LOL
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
    · Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
  • george danielgeorge daniel Posts: 11,996
    I remember that mod,, one of the toughest that I have ever done,, but it brought it to a different level,, for the money,, this is a no brainer,,good luck with the sale,, bet it’s gone before the sunset!
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • erniejadeerniejade Posts: 5,113
    For the price and work that has been done, this is a great deal. If I didn't go powered on my main system with the KEF, I would have picked this up in a heartbeat.
    Den: Lumin D1,Wireworld Silver Eclipse, KEF LS50 Wireless, Velodyne SPL1200, Technics 1200, Denon DL160, Jolida D9,

    Living Room:,T+A PA 1530R, Tyler Highland H2, Aries Mini, High Fidelity Reveal RCA, Grant Fidelity Tube Dac 11, W4S recovery, Wireworld Platinum Starlight, PS Audio Direct Stream JR.

    Have but haven't used in a while: LH Labs VI Dac, Cayin SCD50T

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  • trav0810trav0810 Posts: 1,058
    Sale Pending
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
    · Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
  • dromundsdromunds Posts: 8,380
    The buyer will not be disappointed, I'm very surprised this unit lasted as long as it did. I found that my Dared responded extremely well to tube rolling, and the results of different holy grail tubes were quite dramatic in some cases.
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  • trav0810trav0810 Posts: 1,058
    I found it to be the exact same way. It responded better to tube rolling than any other piece of gear I have owned.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
    · Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
  • daboyzdaboyz Posts: 4,928
    edited August 2018
    Thank God!! In my present position I can't buy anything but I've owned one on three or four (lol) different occasions. Like has been said, great piece for the money.

    Can't wait for the next one to come up for sale......

    ;)
    HT - Polk Lsi9, Lsi7, LsiC, Marsh A200s, B&K ST-1430, Pioneer Elite BDP 62FD, Marantz SR7008, Martin Logan Dynamo, NHT CS-10, Mogami 3103 speaker wire, Mogami 2534 IC

    mini HT - Samsung 46" 3D TV + 3D Blu ray player, HK AVR 254, Infinity SL40, Audioengine B1
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  • zingozingo Audiophile Posts: 11,837
    Payment sent!
    Jake
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  • trav0810trav0810 Posts: 1,058
    SOLD!

    Thanks Jake. I think you will really enjoy it.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
    · Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
  • zingozingo Audiophile Posts: 11,837
    Now I just need an amp as everything think I have is integrated... :p
    Jake
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  • mlistens03mlistens03 Posts: 2,648
    zingo wrote: »
    Now I just need an amp as everything think I have is integrated... :p

    for now you can use one in HT pass through, if any have that
    Not Tom or Trey or Jim just Micah
    KEF Q150s, NAD 1155 preamp and 4155 tuner courtesy of DaddyJT, NAD C352 playing power amp, BJC Belden cables, Technics SL3200, Marantz CD6004 courtesy of Clipdat, Salamander Archetype rack, Millenium Falcon :)
    I've always thought the goal of high-end audio was not to have your neighbors bang on the wall and say, 'Turn that darn music down' but to have your neighbors bang on the wall and say, 'Tell your friends to go home and you can practice later this week'.

    Resident Child of Club Polk
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  • mhardy6647mhardy6647 Posts: 23,649
    zingo wrote: »
    Now I just need an amp as everything think I have is integrated... :p

    Got anything with pre out/main in jacks? ;)

    "Chance favors the prepared mind."
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  • pitdogg2pitdogg2 Posts: 14,967
    zingo wrote: »
    Now I just need an amp as everything think I have is integrated... :p

    No sweat I'll go to Travis0812 and pick it up and hold onto it until you get one.
    Thanks Jake
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  • WagnerRCWagnerRC Posts: 1,973
    daboyz wrote: »
    Thank God!! In my present position I can't buy anything but I've owned one on three or four (lol) different occasions. Like has been said, great piece for the money.

    Can't wait for the next one to come up for sale......

    ;)

    I have yours and another one sitting on the shelf here. I really never used the 2 bought here on polk. I moved onto the Joule stuff quickly after purchasing.
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  • trav0810trav0810 Posts: 1,058
    zingo wrote: »
    Now I just need an amp as everything think I have is integrated... :p

    You an Adcom fan? I have a couple of those laying around.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
    · Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
  • DSkipDSkip Posts: 16,301
    zingo wrote: »
    Now I just need an amp as everything think I have is integrated... :p

    Possible candidate to keep with the small form factor of the Dared:

    https://www.audiothesis.com/product-page/dayens-ampino-stereo-amplifier


    This is one of the few Dayens products I have yet to hear. I know the Ampino integrated is a great value and the Monos are a HUGE step up in every category, but I'm not sure where this one falls between those units. I'd expect it to be closer to the Monos than the Integrated honestly.
    audiothesis.com/
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  • PSOVLSKPSOVLSK Posts: 4,140
    I've always wanted to try one of these and I almost bit the bullet on this one. Truth is, I have no place to put it, but I'd really like to hear one in my system. One of these days maybe.
    Things work out best for those who make the best of the way things work out.-John Wooden
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  • DSkipDSkip Posts: 16,301
    PSOVLSK wrote: »
    I've always wanted to try one of these and I almost bit the bullet on this one. Truth is, I have no place to put it, but I'd really like to hear one in my system. One of these days maybe.

    Get with Dennis. He has one.
    audiothesis.com/
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  • trav0810trav0810 Posts: 1,058
    The units are pretty nice out of the box. But the upgrades on this one made it a truly special unit. It performed so much above its price.
    The difference between genius and stupidity is; genius has its limits.” -Albert Einstein

    Sony Playstation 3 for CD and Streaming
    Thorens TD320
    Modified Carver C-1
    Carver TFM 42 and 45 Amplifiers
    Polk RTA15TL Speakers w/Decato mods
    White Lightning Moonshine DIY Speaker Cables and Interconnects
    · Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
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