tillmbil Posted August 5, 2006 Share Posted August 5, 2006 I am currently working to put together what I consider a Rock -n -Roll system. My Jazz system is complete and listed below. For starters I have purchased a MC402, and a pair of JBL L100's. I have other speakers to play with but currently looking for the best used pre-amp reccomendation. I would spend between 500-1000. I am currently using a Merlin, but I am not sure the tube/SS rouute is the right way to go. Suggestions would be appreciated. I have been looking at the Adcom GFP750, but really want an opinion on a AR SP9, or LS3b. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guy Landau Posted August 5, 2006 Share Posted August 5, 2006 Hey Bill, The ARC LS-1 (linestage version of the sp-9) is one of the worst preamps I've owned. I'd look elsewhere. The LS-3b is decent but has balanced outputs. Does the Mac have balanced/xlr inputs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted August 5, 2006 Share Posted August 5, 2006 whats wrong with using the Merlin ..??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deang Posted August 5, 2006 Share Posted August 5, 2006 No doubt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicago_Pete Posted August 5, 2006 Share Posted August 5, 2006 I used to have an SP9. Built well, nice controls and used it with my JBL Sovereigns. I now have a JM Blueberry so I would say, stick with the Merlin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edwinr Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 .. I am currently using a Merlin, but I am not sure the tube/SS rouute is the right way to go. Tube preamp with a s/s power is the ONLY way to go... [] Unless you're lucky enough to own a pair of VRD's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 .. I am currently using a Merlin, but I am not sure the tube/SS rouute is the right way to go. Tube preamp with a s/s power is the ONLY way to go... [] Unless you're lucky enough to own a pair of VRD's. Make sure the Merlin can drive the SS amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ttrhp Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 bill, Why dont you stick with a mac pre also.?I am using the mc7200 and c-41 with my jbl l100 for my rock system and it sound great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J M O N Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 Interesting that you are looking at an LS-3b as I actually have an LS-3 that is for sale. There was someone here locally that wanted to stop by and listen to it, so I set it up in advance and got to listen to it for the first time in about 3 or 4 years. I forgot how nice it sounded -- even made me think twice about selling it (sorta still am thinking twice). If you are interested in a solid-state preamp, this would be a solid choice. Heck, it sounded so good I could even consider it as an alternate to tubes. They are not too expensive (relatively speaking) on the used market either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 I owned an Adcom GFP750 for awhile, with their GCD750 and GFA5802 and I must say, that preamp was the worst sounding component I've ever had in my system! I finally replaced it with a used GFP565, which I still have..I later swapped the amp for an SET tube amp, and of course the CD player for the AH!, but of all the components the Adcom pre 750 sounded the most harsh to me...I wouldn't recommend that preamp at all..my 2 cents.. Steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tillmbil Posted August 6, 2006 Author Share Posted August 6, 2006 You guys are great. Always helps to keep from making a bad choice. I have the Merlin hooked up to it now. The sound is good, but this system has not made it into the house yet to give it a fair shake. I guess I will hold off for now unless a resonably priced good alternative comes along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duke Spinner Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 use this, then ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IB Slammin Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 Tiger, are you kidding? I had to back off the SS imput gain just to get the Merlin volume control off the peg. Merlin will drive my SS amps to incineration!! Just love the little tube front. Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 Tiger, are you kidding? I had to back off the SS imput gain just to get the Merlin volume control off the peg. Merlin will drive my SS amps to incineration!! Just love the little tube front. Terry Mark answered the question. If you have a Merlin and it works with your amp's input impedance, by all means keep it! JM products are outstanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tigerwoodKhorns Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 Tillmbil, Your Merlin is in your garage system! Get that thing in the house and baby it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Audio Flynn Posted August 6, 2006 Share Posted August 6, 2006 Tiger, are you kidding? I had to back off the SS imput gain just to get the Merlin volume control off the peg. Merlin will drive my SS amps to incineration!! Just love the little tube front. Terry Mark answered the question. If you have a Merlin and it works with your amp's input impedance, by all means keep it! JM products are outstanding. No Doubt! I was thinking about getting a used SS Rotel or B&K used preamp as a back up but know it would be such a let down I have shelved the idea. I have an NAD integrated I could use the pre outs on if needed in a back up role. TUBES RULE! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tillmbil Posted August 7, 2006 Author Share Posted August 7, 2006 OK, keep the hooked up and upgrade the 6922. I have been looking at the CCa's like in my Exteme, but I just hate the price they want. Oh well we will see. The Merlin I have I had Mark upgrade the caps, so you might say it is one of a kind. As for the garage, I need a bigger house or more of the rooms in it to house all my gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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