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Got the Tube Bug BAD


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While I TRY to limit the number of questions during the week, I find it difficult at times, and have a couple questions:

Background: I've owned nothing but Solid State since day One, consisting of JVC, Sansui, Cerwin Vega, and most recently and last Yamaha separates. Since I have the desire to step into the madness, can I proceed w/a hybrid Tube Preamp w/SS amplifier, or should I wait and acquire both at the same time?

Secondly, of which I'll receive many responses, what is the best setup (combined) for $2000, which is what I am looking to spend next year. My friend has a Krell, and has recommended many other manufacturers also. I've been researching several different types, but the tube "light bulb" so to speak, hasn't quite hit the brain yet. Keep in mind, these will be dedicated comps for the Cornwalls.

Thanks

Mark

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I have two Conrad-Johnson preamps--a PV-5 and a PV-10B. The PV-5 has been "on loan" to a pal of mine since he went through a NASTY divorce 6-7 years ago. The PV-10B I just picked about 10 days ago for $700 in MINT condition--it was built in 2002--one of the last ones.

Here are two on ebay that would fit the bill, The 10 is a line stange only, the the PV-5 is full function and I can HEARTILY reccomend this unit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Conrad-Johnson-PV-5-Tube-Preamplifier_W0QQitemZ140083530065QQihZ004QQcategoryZ14974QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/Conrad-Johnson-PV-10AL-Stereo-Tube-Preamp-Rare-Black_W0QQitemZ120085483928QQihZ002QQcategoryZ67807QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

There is also a PV-8, but I have had no experience with this model:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Conrad-Johnson-PV8-Tube-Pre-amp-Preamp-Preamplifier-NR_W0QQitemZ130076760942QQihZ003QQcategoryZ67807QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

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Had a buddy{money no object} an he had an inside connection with a high-end shop owner,so we all partyed,{even Richard Vandersteen came over friends with shop owner} we would send the women to SF-The City, on shoppy spree's just to git rid of em ,an we listen to everything{in buddys home},this went on for a month,{$10k stuff $20k stuff} an he settled on Quicksilver stuff this type puppy http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=160080051138&rd=1&rd=1 >M60 Mono Amplifier > Vandersteen 2ce ,listen to it for many years an every time it was hauntly good...........M60's into Cornwalls who knows?... but the pre would be sweet!

post-16352-1381932209727_thumb.jpg

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Buying a tube preamp to insert into your system is a really good way to go if you haven't had much to do with tubes before. Maybe you could find a good used s/s power amp to go with it. I bought a 3 year old Proceed dual mono power amp the other week for less than a third of it's new cost. I've hooked it up to my Audio Research tube preamp and it's making some very nice sounds...

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Had a buddy{money no object} an he had an inside connection with a high-end shop owner,so we all partyed,{even Richard Vandersteen came over friends with shop owner} we would send the women to SF-The City, on shoppy spree's just to git rid of em ,an we listen to everything{in buddys home},this went on for a month,{$10k stuff $20k stuff} an he settled on Quicksilver stuff this type puppy http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=160080051138&rd=1&rd=1 >M60 Mono Amplifier > Vandersteen 2ce ,listen to it for many years an every time it was hauntly good...........M60's into Cornwalls who knows?... but the pre would be sweet!

OOOHH. I had that Quickie pre and it's a beauty! A good value even when bought new!

You can do a lot of damage with 2000. I (think I can) second the recommendation above for a tube pre. First, though, what is your amp?

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