Good tube pre w/HT bypass??

rklein · « **on:** 28 Feb 2007, 05:21 pm »

Hi:

I have an integrated system for 2 channel and TV/HT. I currently am using a Marantz SR-7200 to power my center and rears along with an Odyssey Khartago for my mains. I have the pre-outs of the Marantz receiver going to an Odyssey Tempest pre. I really am interested in trying a tubed pre for my 2-channel listening. It really does need the HT bypass feature. I know that there are ways around this, and if it were just me I wouldn't mind going this route, however, I really don't want my wonderful wife to have to fiddle around when she wants to watch TV. I wanted to try out one of the Mapletree tubed pre's, however, no H/T bypass...

Unfortunately, I have my gear in a beautiful entertainment center (married life is full of compromises...

) and although I did get to remove the back of the entertainment center where my gear is

, heat dispersion is still somewhat in the equation.

With two kids in college, even a used Modwright pre is a little over the top-end of my budget. Anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks,
rklein

pearsall001 · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Mar 2007, 03:05 am »

The Conrad Johnson PV14L tube preamp has the HT bypass feature you're looking for. It sounds wonderfull & with the remote, switching back & forth between HT & 2 channel is very wife friendly. Trust me on this one, if my wife can manage it I'm sure your wife won't have any problem.

BobC · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Mar 2007, 03:59 am »

ditto the Candela

Karnaaj · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Mar 2007, 04:10 am »

Why is there no info on this pre on the odyssey site?

Karnaaj · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Mar 2007, 04:13 am »

Quote from: tvad4 on 1 Mar 2007, 04:07 am

Supratek Chardonnay. On Audiogon now. $1800.

If he can't afford the modwright I doubt he can afford that.

Mightyburner · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Mar 2007, 04:24 am »

The Rogue Perseus. For integrated amps ask PhilNYC about the Cayin line. I got the Cayin 100T from him.

rklein · « **Reply #6 on:** 1 Mar 2007, 04:31 am »

Quote

If I've learned anything over the years, it's that stated (or implied) budget means nothing if a truly outstanding product surfaces.

tvad4:

How right you are

. However, in this case, I must hold true to my stated budget

. The CJ PV14L looks intriguing. There is one on Audiogon for $1,200. However, that sum of $$ puts the Candela right into the mix as well.

rklein

rajacat · « **Reply #7 on:** 1 Mar 2007, 04:56 am »

Quote from: rklein on 28 Feb 2007, 05:21 pm

Hi:

I have an integrated system for 2 channel and TV/HT. I currently am using a Marantz SR-7200 to power my center and rears along with an Odyssey Khartago for my mains. I have the pre-outs of the Marantz receiver going to an Odyssey Tempest pre. I really am interested in trying a tubed pre for my 2-channel listening. It really does need the HT bypass feature. I know that there are ways around this, and if it were just me I wouldn't mind going this route, however, I really don't want my wonderful wife to have to fiddle around when she wants to watch TV. I wanted to try out one of the Mapletree tubed pre's, however, no H/T bypass...

Unfortunately, I have my gear in a beautiful entertainment center (married life is full of compromises... ) and although I did get to remove the back of the entertainment center where my gear is , heat dispersion is still somewhat in the equation.

With two kids in college, even a used Modwright pre is a little over the top-end of my budget. Anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks,
rklein

Why not contact Dr. Peppard at Mapletree about building you a pre with a H/T bypass?

Raj

rklein · « **Reply #8 on:** 1 Mar 2007, 12:36 pm »

Quote

Why not contact Dr. Peppard at Mapletree about building you a pre with a H/T bypass?

Raj:

I did email him on this very subject over 3 months ago and never got a response.

rklein

BobC · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Mar 2007, 09:53 pm »

Quote from: Karnaaj on 1 Mar 2007, 04:10 am

Why is there no info on this pre on the odyssey site?

The website is horribly in need of updating. No excuses in my opinion.

But I found all the info I needed in the many posts in the Odyssey Circle and by talking directly with Klaus. Plus I'm an existing customer (own the Mono Extreme SE's

) so I'm familiar with the build quality and value.

Great piece of equipment for $1200. Check out my gallery if you'd like to see!

Bob

rosconey · « **Reply #10 on:** 1 Mar 2007, 10:40 pm »

im starting to think klaus is afraid to redo his web sight-

since you have odyssey amps the candella is a no brainer-find some nice organ tubes off ebay and letter rip-

mca · « **Reply #11 on:** 2 Mar 2007, 12:02 am »

Quote

Check out my gallery if you'd like to see!

Great looking setup! Is that a Boltz rack the Odyssey gear is in? Looks to be a perfect fit.

BobC · « **Reply #12 on:** 2 Mar 2007, 12:09 am »

Thanks! Yes, thats a bolts rack (TV2 I believe). Nice thing about Boltz is you can take apart and re-configure pretty easily. I had to orient the side pieces "inside out" to create more horizontal clear space to hold the amps. Kind of freaked out when I got the amps and they wouldnt fit initially, then calmed down, had a beer and then realized I could simply flip them around. Doesn't look like the example on the website, but who cares. The amps fit, look and sound good.

rklein · « **Reply #13 on:** 2 Mar 2007, 01:46 am »

Quote

But I found all the info I needed in the many posts in the Odyssey Circle and by talking directly with Klaus. Plus I'm an existing customer (own the Mono Extreme SE's Wink) so I'm familiar with the build quality and value.

Great piece of equipment for $1200. Check out my gallery if you'd like to see!

You guys are preaching to the choir!!

My current pre is a Tempest, my amp is a Khartago, and I have wonderful sounding Nightengales, so I do know of Odyssey's quality and the great treatment by Klaus for customers like myself who don't spend as much as you big boys. The Candela does look great both in looks and specs. I just have a hard time right now cracking that $1,200 nut. Yes, I can afford it, however, house upgrades, kids in college, summer performance tires coming up for a 2002 bmw, new car coming up soon for the wife, plus I want to friking retire when I'm 60 (seven years away...) soooooooooo... However, I don't have to pull the trigger tomorrow. Who knows maybe my wife will bale me out on my birthday

rklein

BobC · « **Reply #14 on:** 2 Mar 2007, 01:56 am »

rklein,

I hear ya. Sounds like you've got me on about 20 years...just starting my family! So I certainly have many conflicting priorities. But I felt the Candela was such a good value that I couldnt pass it up. Wasnt willing to compromise for anything cheaper and didnt have the funds for a significant (in others opinions) improvement. Plus I wanted a product that would last for a long time...my other priorities ill force me to keep gear for a long long time. So the 20 yr warranty and build quality helped make my decision easier.

Enjoy your search.