I purchased an assembled MAD Octal 6 Vacuum Tube Triplex Stereo Preamplifier from Dr. Lloyd in the spring of 2002 and use it with a Decware SE84C SET amp. Here is a brief review of the unit:
DESCRIPTION The Octal 6 comes with three different preamp circuits:
1. Classic common cathode-cathode follower cascade
2. Shunt-regulated push-pull
3. Passive
These provide 26 db, 20 db and 0 db gain at 1 kHz respectively.
In addition Lloyd gives you a choice of a separate record output or a second output for bi-amplification / headphone amp.
The unit - IMO - is visually attractive, esp in the Maple red. It is shipped with quality NOS tubes (2-12SN7GT, 2-12J5GT, and 2-6R7G) and assembled beautifully - Lloyd does a fine job soldering...all point to point. Parts are all good quality - Hammond transformer, Solen polypropylene caps, etc....
The preamp also comes with a detachable powercord - a nice feature for users wishing to employ after market cords.
IMPRESSIONSEnclosed is a link listing the associated equipment used which is responsable for the impressions derived from the Octal 6:
http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/3650.htmlIn terms of sonics the Octal seems a good match with my Decware SET amp - it really compliments the ZEN - giving it more body, detail, added sound stage and much needed gain. Of the three circuits I like the SRPP best. It has a mellow sound and adds texture. The CF works well with rock (adds 6 more db) and a bit more "in your face" - the passive is neutral - of course, but I personally don't use it much at this time.
Note: I did change the 12SN7GT for some softer sounding Italian made Fivre tubes and added a RWA power cord, which had a positive impact on soundstage and resolution.
Mr. Richard George at TNT-Audio wrote a more extensive review on the Octal 6. I disagree with his findings and experience on two points. First, he states that the Octal 6 was a poor synergistic match for the Zen amp - I found the opposite to be true. Second, Mr. George's Octal 6 emited a noticeable hum. My Octal has no noticeable hum at all. This was confirmed by several fellow audiophile friends who auditioned my system. My guess is that the differences between our rooms, associated equipment and personal preferences may well have contributed to our opposing views on these two points. See link for review:
http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/madoctal6_e.htmlCAVIATS 1. The green power light is utterly annoying because it's too bright, esp when listening to music in a darkened room - I solved the problem with a permanent marker.
2. I would have prefered a different on/off switch - the one supplied is cheesy and the switch cover comes off - launching the internal spring across the room if you're not careful. A toggle switch would be better and can probably be installed without too much of a problem (I highly recommend requesting a different switch when ordering an assembled unit).
3. Be sure to figure in the cost of customs brokerage fees when ordering a preamp. This can easily add 10% to the total price. I paid $36.00 US dollars in brokerage fees on a Ultra 4m Stereo Phono/Line Preamplifier, which retails for $255.00 US - well over 10%.
NEW OPTIONSThe Octal 6 can now be ordered with precision-tracking Alps "Blue Velvet" volume controls and includes Alps "Black Beauty" balance controls which were not available on my unit.
CONCLUSIONS All in all I am very happy with the unit - I feel it's a good value for the performance level and Lloyd is a gentleman - great to deal with. The unit is detailed, neutral and provides sufficient gain. The three available topologies make it quite versitile as well. See link for current prices:
http://hollowstate.netfirms.com/prices.htmHappy listening
~Michael~
