[OB_Newbie]

Looking for an inexpensive tube pre and have read the good reviews in this forum about the 3 tube 6N3 but haven't seen anything on the Little Bear preamps. 

Any thoughts on this LB model :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Little-Bear-CLEAR-6N5P-6N3-pure-valve-tube-Headphone-Amplifier-amp-preamplifier-/291112746882?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item43c7abff82

Thanks,
Rich

[FullRangeMan]

Why use a preamp. Use a CD player w/volume control and dismiss the entire preamp.

[RDavidson]

A CD player's volume control is not going to be better than a preamp, in most cases I've seen (regarding inexpensive CD players), but it's not a bad suggestion. But, I think the OP is wanting opinions on the specific preamp he's looking at or others similar.

[FullRangeMan]

I would say a economic and minimalist solution.
Players have remote control and affordable preamps dont.

[OB_Newbie]

I am currently going straight from my vintage Sony ES into a Sure TPA3123.  I have a TPA3116 on the way and have heard great things about the inexpensive 3 tube 6N3 pre's + 3116 on this and other forums.  A great combo so I've read and want to hear from some of the fellas who have this combo. 

Anyone listening to a 3116 and cheap 6N3 pre out there???

[bladesmith]

You could try it. And later, if you aren't happy with the sound. You could change out the coupling capacitors and probably make it sound better...if you are into that sort of thing.

And do some tube rolling...!

[mresseguie]

Now that's a cute little preamp. I didn't know about those. Thanks for the link. 

[JLM]

Even cheap pre-amp would likely have a better volume control than most CDP's and should provide some impedance matching between source and amp.

Quality, cheap, and tube is a recipe for DIY.  Hope you're handy slinging solder.

[Nick77]

Thats crazy cool looking, hope some feedback shows up. Hmmm...........

[lacro]

I am currently going straight from my vintage Sony ES into a Sure TPA3123.  I have a TPA3116 on the way and have heard great things about the inexpensive 3 tube 6N3 pre's + 3116 on this and other forums.  A great combo so I've read and want to hear from some of the fellas who have this combo. 

Anyone listening to a 3116 and cheap 6N3 pre out there???

I have this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-Buffer-Tube-6N3-HIFi-Audio-Preamplifier-Amplifier-AC150V-transformer-/221540579671?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item3394d8f957

I bought it from a different seller, but it's the same one sold by several sellers. You have to make sure you ask for the correct transformer depending on where in the world you want to use it (120V vs 220V).

These little tube preamps add the nice tube sound to the TPA 3116. I think it's a big improvement. The only problem is they have a lot of gain, and the TPA 3116 already has significant gain. The volume pot will only have a very narrow usable range. I lowered the gain on the TPA3116 by removing one resistor. The control of the volume is much better now.

I don't know anything about the Little Bear, but it's twice the price, and the Yuan Jing 3 tube pre has had good reviews for quite awhile. I don't think I would spend twice as much for the Little Bear.

[OB_Newbie]

Now that's a cute little preamp. I didn't know about those. Thanks for the link. 

I know right!  I want it just for the looks!!!

[OB_Newbie]

Even cheap pre-amp would likely have a better volume control than most CDP's and should provide some impedance matching between source and amp.

Quality, cheap, and tube is a recipe for DIY.  Hope you're handy slinging solder.

Amen brother... Quality, cheap, and tube is a recipe for DIY... thankfully, the board is assembled and tested.   Just need to put it together! 

[OB_Newbie]

I have this one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pc-Buffer-Tube-6N3-HIFi-Audio-Preamplifier-Amplifier-AC150V-transformer-/221540579671?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item3394d8f957

I bought it from a different seller, but it's the same one sold by several sellers. You have to make sure you ask for the correct transformer depending on where in the world you want to use it (120V vs 220V).

These little tube preamps add the nice tube sound to the TPA 3116. I think it's a big improvement. The only problem is they have a lot of gain, and the TPA 3116 already has significant gain. The volume pot will only have a very narrow usable range. I lowered the gain on the TPA3116 by removing one resistor. The control of the volume is much better now.

I don't know anything about the Little Bear, but it's twice the price, and the Yuan Jing 3 tube pre has had good reviews for quite awhile. I don't think I would spend twice as much for the Little Bear.

Thanks for the feedback lacro!  I saw your name on more than a few posts so hope you would show up and weight in.  I know... the YJ is tempting because of the price.  If it sounds as good as what you guys have posted its insane.  I've been listening to Class D amps (TPA3123, TA2024, etc.)  for some time and simply blown away by their musicality.  I put aside my SUMO and Densen Beat amps for these little class D amps.  They really are that nice sounding...

Once I get my 3116 and preamp I might have to hit you up about that resistor... sounds like something I might even be able to do... 

Cheers!
Rich     

[Stimpy]

Little Bear also has a more 'conventional' looking preamp as well.  While I like the clear plexiglass version, I like the finished version better.  Especially since the input and output RCA jacks, are on the rear of the Pre, instead of being side mounted.  I haven't heard either, but I've read good reviews on them.  Got this one book-marked:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Little-Bear-P8-metal-BLK-valve-tube-Headphone-amplifier-amp-preamp-by-FedEx-/291172574397?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item43cb3ce4bd




Good luck!