whamo Posted February 19, 2006 Share Posted February 19, 2006 Hello all. I've been considering getting one of these in the kit form. I shouldn't have any problems putting it together. I can solder well and read simple schematics. I was just wondering if these units are any good at all. I read all the previous posts about them when the search options were viable. Anyways last I heard Craig at Nosvalves was gonna check them out but I haven't seen any follow ups. I just upgraded to cornwalls and now it's really time to go upstream and get some better components. Plus I really like the idea of building it myself for the fun of it. Thanx, Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted February 19, 2006 Share Posted February 19, 2006 I used a couple Ultra 4A SE for about a year or so until I went to a Juicy Music Blueberry. In fact I modified my original 4A and that is how Lloyd came up with SE version. He also designed a Tube rectified power supply for the 4A at my prodding. His products work very well for the $ spent. He is also very easy to deal with. The 5B I have no experience with so your on your own there. I will tell his products usually benefit from power supply upgrades to get them quiet with Klipsch speakers. Lloyd doesn't test with super effecient speakers. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whamo Posted February 19, 2006 Author Share Posted February 19, 2006 Thanx, I think I'll call there monday. But by the time I pay for shipping, customs, and brokerage? fees. I might be better off with a Merlin. What do you think? Thanx Mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted February 19, 2006 Share Posted February 19, 2006 Thanx, I think I'll call there monday. But by the time I pay for shipping, customs, and brokerage? fees. I might be better off with a Merlin. What do you think? Thanx Mark Yes, that's a good alternative if you're not spinning vinyl. Like Craig I also owned a Mapletree Ultra 4A SE. While it was certainly a nice preamp for the money, it just didn't come close to my JM Peach or BlueBerry Xtreme. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted February 19, 2006 Share Posted February 19, 2006 Thanx, I think I'll call there monday. But by the time I pay for shipping, customs, and brokerage? fees. I might be better off with a Merlin. What do you think? Thanx Mark My 2 cents. For anyone not worried about records, if you are in the market for a low buck tube preamp and are spending over $300, go for the Merlin (which essentially means go for the Merlin). From what has been posted here, it will get you very close to the Peach at a significant savings. How can you go wrong? Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dflip Posted February 19, 2006 Share Posted February 19, 2006 I also used to own a Mapletree Audio 4A SE with tube rectified power supply after Craig suggested the mods for it. It worked well and was quite happy with it. I was able to obtain a Peach at a good price, so made the change. Good value for the money and Lloyd is very easy to deal with. The Peach is a better unit, but it does sell for more money than the Mapletree. The Merlin would be a good bet for the money if you do not need a phono stage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piranha Posted February 19, 2006 Share Posted February 19, 2006 How can you go wrong?Chris I don't think you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NOSValves Posted February 19, 2006 Share Posted February 19, 2006 I'd have to give the nod to a merlin also. I would of mentioned it but it sounded like you wanted to do the Kit building yourself. Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
126mhz Posted February 19, 2006 Share Posted February 19, 2006 I currently have a Mapletree "Ultra" 4A SE (Special Edition) and I have loved it. I picked it up from a fella who has more money than he knows what to do with. He had owned it for all of three months and used it very little as he has some very expensive gear. I bought it to splice into my main system during the time Craig at NOS Valves had my McIntosh C11 Pre amp that he went through, and I have not used it since. If you are looking for a 4A SE in mint condition with some NOS extra tubes and the original manual I will make you a good deal on it. Good luck either way, Bill Woodward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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