russ69 Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 I just bought a Tubehead pre-amp for my second system. I was looking for a cheap a$$ tube pre-amp and at 265 bucks (new) this simple unit looked like it might do what I was looking for. I was looking to take the peaks off of the horns in my RF-25's. Anyway, it's not too bad. The bass is full but solid and the top just a tad rolled off. I had to swap some cables around to get it just right but it is pretty sweet for the price. It's not dead quiet, you can hear a little rush if you stick your ear near the speaker but I can't hear it from my chair. My refrigerator is louder, by far. It's not something for everybody, it only has two inputs and is the size of about four packs of cigarettes. Here's the link: http://www.audiophileproducts.com/tubehead Thanx, Russ UPDATE: I talked to the manufacturer and he said the pre-amp should be dead quiet and to send it back. Well, I was talking to my brother on the phone and he suggested I just flip the two prong plug. Son of a gun, that did it! The thing IS dead quiet and sounds great. So for those guys that want a cheap fix to harsh horn sound and want to add some tube sweeties, jump on one of these. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest David H Posted November 19, 2008 Share Posted November 19, 2008 These are great products, I love my Fubar 2 USB dac. I have alway wanted to try more of their gear. Great prices, really nice gear. Love your new pre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ69 Posted December 23, 2008 Author Share Posted December 23, 2008 bump Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedball Posted December 24, 2008 Share Posted December 24, 2008 Thanks for the link Russ, I'd still like to try a tube Pre with my setup sometime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cutandrun Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 I have had their "Cute Beyond" headphone amplifier for about two years now. I did swap out the stock opamps for Burr Brown OPA 627's (with a BrownDog adapter) and it made a tremendous difference. Not tube, but a great sounding headphone amp that easily drives Sennheiser 600's for about $235, new opamps included. I also have one of their "Spitfire" DAC boxes. I use it because my pre-pro won't output (via "Tape Out") an analog signal from any digital source, like a CD player. This is becoming a big issue that I believe comes with HDMI compatibility. You can't even output digital sources to zone 2 or zone 3. I route the prepro's digital out to the Spitfire for use by downstream analog devices like the headphone amp. BTW, in case you are wondering why I don't just use the DVD player's analog outputs alongside the digital, it's because with HDMI, the analog outputs are disabled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedball Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 I don't suppose the Big Joe amp w/ that matching Preamp would do anything for my RF-7's.........maybe?....really, I'm curious. If not, would the Preamp work with my QSC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ69 Posted January 1, 2009 Author Share Posted January 1, 2009 Speedball, I had a CJ Sonograph. That's a nice amp and a good match for your RF7's. I think your system is good enough that the Tubehead would not be a good match. It's a good first step into tubes for not much money but your system could use a really nice preamp. It would be a big step-up for you. I'd think along those lines. I can't help you with the QSC amp, I've never heard one. Thanx, Russ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Speedball Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 That Tube Head Pre was strongly being considered as well as some older units but for new it looks hard to beat. On the flip side I did just land my first tube preamp called a peach from juicy music. I totally look forward to giving it a try when I put the tubes in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest " " Posted January 21, 2009 Share Posted January 21, 2009 nice looking pre-amp with very good spec's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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