sunnysal Posted May 6, 2001 Share Posted May 6, 2001 sold my Creek passive to Randy Bey...then bought some cheapy sound values JFET unit...now I KNOW I need a decent tubed preamp...the creek was great in terms of transparency but I need two things from a preamp: 1. two switchable unbalanced outputs (output 1, output2, both) AND 2. tone controls...I also crave some tube warmth so...most units with these features really tend to dampen up the music, I hear less dynamics and certainly less transparency then I want...NOW...I would spring $1-2k for the perfect preamp but which one has features 1 and 2, has real warmth but also has great extension, dynamics and sounds utterly transparent? easy one huh? Obviously I have to go for a used unit since preamps with these types of descriptions seem to cost more tha $5k new...I see names like BAT and Conrad & Johnson mentioned as well as CAT and perhaps Joule-Electra...anyone have opinions? mabe look at vintage gear? (unfortunately a Marantz 7C is over $2k)...help! Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J M O N Posted May 6, 2001 Share Posted May 6, 2001 Sunnysal, I posted a suggestion to your question in another topic (there is a used BAT preamp for $750 on Audio Review). Your desires are pretty tough. Since most tube preamps are "high-end", and most "High-end" preamps don't have tone controls, I think it's going to be tough to find everything you're looking for. Of course I'm not familiar with every model out there, but I think it will be tough to find a tube preamp with tone controls. I have been wrong before though. Also, it should not be hard to find a used Audio Research tube preamp in your price range (don't think they have tone controls though). My Audio Research LS-3 (SS) preamp does have two single-ended outputs, but they are not switchable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysal Posted May 7, 2001 Author Share Posted May 7, 2001 thanks JMON, I know it will difficult, a tubed preamp with tone controls and switchable outputs...but...that´s what I want...I suppose the tone controls would be optional in my mind on a warm, huge soundstage, detailed and dynamic tubed preamplifier! given that any ideas?...I cannot find current production C&J or BAT preamps with switchable outputs...maybe vintage? many McIntoshs seem to have that feature (AND Tone controls, even Loudness...but I think they are a little too antiseptic in sound, not too warm, but maybe they had a model way back that meets my needs...the 20 or 22?)...thanks, tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Landau Posted May 7, 2001 Share Posted May 7, 2001 I've been using the MARANTZ 7C reissue for almost three years now and can recommend it,it has all the features that you'll need,a sound to die for and you can find a used one for less than 2k $. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clint Phare Posted May 7, 2001 Share Posted May 7, 2001 sunnysal, My Audio Research sp3a has the tone controls and two sets of outputs but are not switch- able. Could'nt you just turn on/ off the amp you do not want to use? I think you can find sp3/ sp3a's for around $700- $1000. It is a nice preamp but I do think the newer technology tube stuff will sound far better. Maybe a re- worked Dynaco pas would work, though it only has one output you could use the tape out as a second. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve Posted May 8, 2001 Share Posted May 8, 2001 Tony I have the Adcom (SS) GFP565 preamp..it has 3 switchable outputs..and tone controls! I couple this with an Assemblage (Sonic Frontiers) tube amp, and have been happy as a clam for over a year now! I welcome the warmth of the power amp being tube, but have no complaints with the solid state preamp. I previously owned the Adcom top-of-the line preamp, the GFP 750 (no tone controls!) and I hated it!! Much to their credit, Adcom worked with me and traded me out with another preamp (same model but not as good as the 565) ) but a used GFP565 did it for me! By the by, my speakers are the K Horns..since 1982! Give this amp a try ,you'll have to buy a used one (check out Ebay..good prices) You won't be disappointed..and a phono stage to boot! Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Bey Posted May 8, 2001 Share Posted May 8, 2001 Tony, check out http://www.lcaudio.com/forfo.htm and I would have recommended the FTaudio Little Wonder passive preamp but they seem to have disappeared off the face of the Internet. http://www.ftaudio.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkF Posted May 8, 2001 Share Posted May 8, 2001 I recently purchased the Little Wonder Passive Preamp. It just arrived yesterday in the mail so I have not had a chance to review it. I also have several different tube pre-amps including: Cary SLP 98L, Audio Research SP9 MKII, Cary SLP 70, and Counterpoint ??. Overall the best of the bunch is the SLP 98. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunnysal Posted May 14, 2001 Author Share Posted May 14, 2001 I found that Frank Van Alstine has some units with two outputs and tone controls for around $1k...the quesiton is has anyone heard his stuff? any good? lastly the Audio Research seems to be just the ticket but I cannot find any for sale anywhere...anyone have ideas? thanks, tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Landau Posted May 14, 2001 Share Posted May 14, 2001 A vintage fisher 400cx or scott 130. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mighty Favog Posted May 14, 2001 Share Posted May 14, 2001 Perhaps a McIntosh C15. It's not a tube rig but it does have tone controls and 2 switchable main outputs. MSRP is $1500. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clint Phare Posted May 16, 2001 Share Posted May 16, 2001 sunnysal- By all means look at VanAlstine! Great gear! I have a super pas 3 and love it. It is very natural and spacious. http://www.avahifi.com/ Do yourself a favor and check this gear out!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.