Audio Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: sean283 on April 11, 2010, 10:02:38 PM
Title: So, I found a preamp that I really like.
Post by: sean283 on April 11, 2010, 10:02:38 PM
Up until now, I have been using one of my old Sansui receivers as a preamp. I always liked the fact that even though it was solid state, it had a certain warmth to it.
Even though the old 2000x was handling the job just fine, I thought it might be nice to have a proper preamp. Also, I wanted to take a crack at having a system free of EQ and tone controls. Too much mid bass causes me to make stupid faces and turn the volume down. Having used tone controls as a crutch forever, I thought it might be a challenge.
"Tom, I'm looking for a preamp." After looking over the shelves for a few seconds, he points to...
(http://sean283.net/tubes.jpg)
Five line level inputs, one tape loop, volume and balance controls. Tube hybrid you say? I like tubes. :)
Foolishly, after seeing the price tag, I backed off a bit. Since hindsight is 20/20, I can say that I should have gone this route initially. Worth every penny.
As an alternative, I auditioned the DB systems preamp. The DB is a very good preamp IMO. small footprint. very well made. External power supply. Clear, accurate, and very transparent. Almost "too good" (don't ask me to explain that). I don't think you could beat it for the price. But, no warmth.
Next up, Conrad Johnson PV-10AL. from what I found, these were made somewhere in the 1990-93 timeframe. Two 12AU7s live inside a a very spacious enclosure. High quality pots and switches have a nice solid feel.
(http://sean283.net/tubes2.jpg)
The tubes just simply are marked "ECC82 - Made in West Germany". Based on the lack of brand markings, I am going to assume these are the OEM tubes. Since I can't leave anything alone, I am already hunting down different brands of the 12AU7 / ECC82.
I got half way through one track, before saying to myself "yes, this is exactly what I was after". Clean, warm, and full come to mind as descriptors. I even removed the 3DB cut I had dialed in the speaker crossovers.
So, I spent the day swapping components around and came up with-
Carver DTL200 MK II CD to PV-10AL mated to a Carver TFM amp via CARVERaudio interconnects. Next through River Current cables to a set of Snell E IIs thoughtfully placed.
(http://sean283.net/tubes1.jpg)
"Look Ma, no tone controls!"
Title: Re: So, I found a preamp that I really like.
Post by: Reverend on April 11, 2010, 10:13:22 PM
Awesome pickup and great review Sean!
Title: Re: So, I found a preamp that I really like.
Post by: OCCD on April 11, 2010, 10:44:47 PM
;)
Title: Re: So, I found a preamp that I really like.
Post by: mikey813 on April 12, 2010, 10:55:31 AM
Very nice. ;D ;D Great review also.
Title: Re: So, I found a preamp that I really like.
Post by: thuffman03 on April 12, 2010, 12:57:02 PM
That is a nice preamp. Glad to hear you like it.
Title: Re: So, I found a preamp that I really like.
Post by: Kingman on April 12, 2010, 02:04:27 PM
SUPER SNAG!!!!!! 8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: So, I found a preamp that I really like.
Post by: BrianT on April 12, 2010, 05:33:53 PM
Sean.
Great Pre Amp, welcome to the tube world.
Title: Re: So, I found a preamp that I really like.
Post by: Falcon on April 12, 2010, 09:49:38 PM
That is a nice one. :D :D
Title: Re: So, I found a preamp that I really like.
Post by: schwarcw on April 12, 2010, 09:50:01 PM
I had that CJ in my house while my Rogue was being upgraded. I thought it sounded fantastic! It's a great preamp and a very good price. Congrats on your new preamp! ;D
Title: Re: So, I found a preamp that I really like.
Post by: sean283 on April 12, 2010, 10:34:03 PM
Thanks Guys.
I have some different tubes on the way to try... A pair of Raytheon 5814 Black Plates / 3 Mica, a pair of RCA 5963s, and some plain 12au7s