Aric Audio anybody?

Tomy2Tone · « **on:** 3 Jan 2020, 10:24 pm »

I’m in the process of wanting to acquire a new preamp and have only recently come across Aric Audio as a possibility. From what I gather Aric Kimball has been around a while making tube amps and preamps and seems to really thrive on being customer oriented and willing to build anything custom to suit your needs. I like that he is domestic here in the States and can provide support if needed.

I’m looking at his preamps, particularly the 6sn7 based, and was wondering if anybody around here has any experience with them. I just found out his preamps do come with variable gain adjustment which I think is great depending on the amp you use.

Anyway, if anybody has anything to share on Aric Audio please don’t be shy.

jtcf · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Jan 2020, 10:38 pm »

There are some threads on Audiogon about Aric's preamps and amps.I have a Transcend Push Pull amp that I really like.It has adjustable gain and feedback which is great.His customer service is excellent.If you call or email him to discuss your system and what would be a good match,he's very receptive to any customizations you may prefer.

rockadanny · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Jan 2020, 10:50 pm »

Not heard an Aric, but Mapletree Audio seems comparable, if not less expensive.
I own one (previous incarnation) and love it. You can run with either 6SN7s (sometimes uber-expensive) or their much more affordable 12SN7/12SX7 brethren by the flip of a switch.

Line 2CRM features include:
• Premium passive components - Panasonic polypropylene film coupling capacitors and Alps remote volume control.
• Optimized circuitry for lowest distortion and noise.
• 3 inputs, 2 outputs, volume and balance controls.
• Front panel Home Theater (HT) mode switch effective on all inputs.
• 2 x 12SN7GT with rear panel switch for 6SN7GTB tubes.
• Separate PS 2D power supply included.

Check 'em out! Terrific service and Dr. Peppard is extremely helpful.

https://hollowstate.netfirms.com/

Here's mine:

poseidonsvoice · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Jan 2020, 11:30 pm »

rockadanny,

Judging by what I am seeing on the Aric Audio’s website I quite agree with your advice! That being said, most of the designs by Mapletree Audio and Aric Audio appear to be very approachable for a diy’er. Of note, I have emailed Dr. Lloyd Peppard of Mapletree and he is very generous with his time.

Best,
Anand.

Tomy2Tone · « **Reply #4 on:** 4 Jan 2020, 12:08 am »

Quote from: rockadanny on 3 Jan 2020, 10:50 pm

Not heard an Aric, but Mapletree Audio seems comparable, if not less expensive.
I own one (previous incarnation) and love it. You can run with either 6SN7s (sometimes uber-expensive) or their much more affordable 12SN7/12SX7 brethren by the flip of a switch.

Line 2CRM features include:
• Premium passive components - Panasonic polypropylene film coupling capacitors and Alps remote volume control.
• Optimized circuitry for lowest distortion and noise.
• 3 inputs, 2 outputs, volume and balance controls.
• Front panel Home Theater (HT) mode switch effective on all inputs.
• 2 x 12SN7GT with rear panel switch for 6SN7GTB tubes.
• Separate PS 2D power supply included.

Check 'em out! Terrific service and Dr. Peppard is extremely helpful.

https://hollowstate.netfirms.com/

Wow, those prices are great for a 6sn7 preamp. Thanks!

Tomy2Tone · « **Reply #5 on:** 4 Jan 2020, 12:19 am »

Quote from: poseidonsvoice on 3 Jan 2020, 11:30 pm

Of note, I have emailed Dr. Lloyd Peppard of Mapletree and he is very generous with his time.

Best,
Anand.

Is there anybody in audio you don’t know?

I’ve sent emails to Aric Audio and Supratek and have received prompt replies. Have yet to correspond with Don Sachs. I sent two emails to Kevin Carter of K&K of which he has ignored or just flat out doesn’t care to respond.