Ender
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"I want my 2 dollars" - the "paperboy"
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Post by Ender on Nov 12, 2013 22:08:41 GMT -5
So I have decided that more than likely for now I will be sticking with a SS amp for various reasons that dont need to be specified right now. I know lots of folks suggest getting a tubed pre to mate with a SS amp so you can enjoy some of the pro's of the tubes without some of the cons.
So if a fella were to say have around 500-600 bucks total for a pre what would you suggest?
I would need at least the following:
1. 2 RCA inputs 2. Remote for volume
I would also "like" the following:
1. Phono input 2. Remote that also has input switching 3. Coaxial input
I am aware of the Dared SL-2000a and its pretty high up on my list as well as the Dared MC-7P (slightly out of my budget). If I didnt need a remote I might also be looking at the Yaqin MS 12B.
So anyway suggest away.......
Note: I am aware that there are tube buffers that I could use to do something similar, however it adds the need for more IC's and I am trying to simply my system as much as I can. I am also aware I could get a tube integrated amp however again, tube amps require a bit more time to dedicate to listen to them, troubleshoot them, etc than I have at the present moment.
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Post by txcoastal1 on Nov 12, 2013 23:52:05 GMT -5
So if you are looking for a unit with coaxial input, it would have a built in DAC?
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Ender
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"I want my 2 dollars" - the "paperboy"
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Post by Ender on Nov 12, 2013 23:56:59 GMT -5
So if you are looking for a unit with coaxial input, it would have a built in DAC? Yes, I think that might be problem, so I am not against going without. Your integrated tube amp looks phenomenal (and has a built in DAC), but its outside my budget. I also know some of the tube integrated on Grant Fidelity's website are close in price IIRC, but again require warm up time to sound their best. Trying to get away from that.
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tonyb
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Post by tonyb on Nov 13, 2013 0:12:00 GMT -5
Dan, Any tube piece will require some warm up to sound their best. Doesn't mean you can't listen lickety split, just that the sound gets better as those tubes get warmer. You only need a pre amp with a dac if your source doesn't have one.....or has a crappy one. For instance, a cdp has it's own dac, so no need for another. However if your playing computer music, you would want a better dac, be it built in to the pre or separate. Follow ?
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Ender
Administrator
"I want my 2 dollars" - the "paperboy"
Posts: 183
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Post by Ender on Nov 13, 2013 0:27:10 GMT -5
Dan, Any tube piece will require some warm up to sound their best. Doesn't mean you can't listen lickety split, just that the sound gets better as those tubes get warmer. You only need a pre amp with a dac if your source doesn't have one.....or has a crappy one. For instance, a cdp has it's own dac, so no need for another. However if your playing computer music, you would want a better dac, be it built in to the pre or separate. Follow ? I got ya Tony, however lots of folks leave their tube pres on 24/7 and from what I understand that doesn't kill the tubes as quick as a tube amp being on 24/7. Also they normally don't use as many tubes making tube rolling a bit cheaper. And due to less tubes don't heat up a room as fast. I was figuring the coaxial would be an issue and I do have plans to get a better dac for the computer part in the near future so that would be fine as well. In addition by it's cheaper to get a ss amp over a tube one for stuff like Maggie's that are harder to drive. Hence wanting to pair the tube pre w the ss amp.
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Post by dawgfish on Nov 13, 2013 16:44:44 GMT -5
YS Audio Symphonies Plus-R. Great sound, great build quality, ultra quiet , and can be found used in the $500 range on the gone. The only problem is those that have them enjoy them so much, they don't come up for sale used very often.
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Post by njpolker on Nov 13, 2013 17:15:38 GMT -5
No coax but my Anthem pre2L is really really wonderful sounding. I think I paid $575 for it. However I bought $400. in NOS tubes (Mullards and Mazdas) which took it to another level. The remote kind of sucks but usable. Our pal Doro put me onto it and he does have a great couple ears. With my SS amp and tube CDP things sound really nice and warm even on a cold Rhode Island day like today.
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davee
New Member
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Post by davee on Nov 13, 2013 21:07:30 GMT -5
Go with the Dared. Great bang for buck plus tube rolling is A LOT cheaper.
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Ender
Administrator
"I want my 2 dollars" - the "paperboy"
Posts: 183
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Post by Ender on Nov 13, 2013 21:39:18 GMT -5
Go with the Dared. Great bang for buck plus tube rolling is A LOT cheaper. Which Dared? I think the Dared MC-7P is what I will try to keep my eye out for when the time comes.
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Post by agentorange on Nov 14, 2013 21:42:07 GMT -5
Good fun, guess this is trying to build interest here ---
The bottom line is $$.
Next to the bottom line is $$.
If you want good sound on a budget, go with something like Audioengine powered speakers and a CD player.
If you want to do components on a budget, just buy one good item, later as $$ allow buy another. Never buy junk..
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tonyb
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Post by tonyb on Nov 25, 2013 10:56:23 GMT -5
The costs of tubes is what puts me off to the big boy pre's. When buying from a stranger, you have to be aware because people take out the good tubes and put in the shit ones. If you buy from Club members, chances are your getting great tubes with it and people need to realize the cost savings in that alone.
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Ender
Administrator
"I want my 2 dollars" - the "paperboy"
Posts: 183
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Post by Ender on Nov 25, 2013 11:17:14 GMT -5
The costs of tubes is what puts me off to the big boy pre's. When buying from a stranger, you have to be aware because people take out the good tubes and put in the shit ones. If you buy from Club members, chances are your getting great tubes with it and people need to realize the cost savings in that alone. Agreed Tony. I tend to wait for club members to sell stuff I want for most of my stuff. IIRC ALL my 2 channel stuff was bought off people I know on forums...... The Parasound, Pro-Ject & Technics TT, Pioneer Laserdisc, 11TL's @ Club Polk. The Sunfire @ CarverSite, M1.0t @ Carver Audio & the Citation 11 @ AVSForum
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Post by agentorange on Nov 26, 2013 18:04:18 GMT -5
99% of tune gear fun is "tube rolling". Guys trade tubes, I have a lot sent to me I have yet to find time to plug in.
For guys not into that, JJ tubes on places like Amazon are excellent and don't break the bank.
I have a lot of tubes and the JJ Gold Pin can stand to most. Bob Carver tested a couple for me and pronounced them excellent but too pricey for many (about $20).
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tonyb
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Posts: 2,662
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Post by tonyb on Dec 11, 2013 11:15:35 GMT -5
Keep your eyes open gents, I'm looking for a cheap 2 channel tubed pre myself. Not as picky on the bells and whistles either, just something that sound good, that's the main concern.
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Post by txcoastal1 on Dec 19, 2013 9:34:23 GMT -5
Tony, What your "cheap" budget
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tonyb
Guns
The 5 Star General
Posts: 2,662
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Post by tonyb on Dec 30, 2013 16:32:15 GMT -5
Under 6 bones....preferably free....lol.
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Post by pitdogg2 on Feb 5, 2014 14:43:45 GMT -5
Dan, Any tube piece will require some warm up to sound their best. Doesn't mean you can't listen lickety split, just that the sound gets better as those tubes get warmer. You only need a pre amp with a dac if your source doesn't have one.....or has a crappy one. For instance, a cdp has it's own dac, so no need for another. However if your playing computer music, you would want a better dac, be it built in to the pre or separate. Follow ? I got ya Tony, however lots of folks leave their tube pres on 24/7 and from what I understand that doesn't kill the tubes as quick as a tube amp being on 24/7. Also they normally don't use as many tubes making tube rolling a bit cheaper. And due to less tubes don't heat up a room as fast. I was figuring the coaxial would be an issue and I do have plans to get a better dac for the computer part in the near future so that would be fine as well. In addition by it's cheaper to get a ss amp over a tube one for stuff like Maggie's that are harder to drive. Hence wanting to pair the tube pre w the ss amp.
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Post by pitdogg2 on Feb 5, 2014 14:45:55 GMT -5
Dan if it were me I'd rethink that leave on all the time. Lots of things can and do go south with 50-60 year old tubes. I'd want to be in the roon when it did happen. But hey I hear State Farm has real good ins....for that new home
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Ender
Administrator
"I want my 2 dollars" - the "paperboy"
Posts: 183
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Post by Ender on Feb 5, 2014 19:20:50 GMT -5
Dan if it were me I'd rethink that leave on all the time. Lots of things can and do go south with 50-60 year old tubes. I'd want to be in the roon when it did happen. But hey I hear State Farm has real good ins....for that new home LOL... well I am moving another direction anyway.... and probably just going to add a tube buffer between either my DAC and the pre, or the pre and the amp.
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