[jhm731]

Looking to add a tube line stage preamp to my system.

Interested in something with at least one balanced input, balanced ouputs,
remote and work with the 50K ohm input impedance of my current amp.

[saisunil]

price, tonality?

[jhm731]

price, tonality?

Under $10K, neutral.

[S Clark]

Dodd battery pre and Modwright  in no particular order

[Ericus Rex]

Rogue Hera?

[wilsynet]

I very much enjoyed the TRL Dude and it can be ordered with balanced connections but has no remote control (at least, not standard).  I also quite liked the Modwright LS-100 I had for awhile, but it isn't balanced.  However, the Modwright 36.5 is balanced and has remote control.  If the LS-100 is a reasonable proxy for the 36.5, then I think the 36.5 would be a fine choice indeed.

[jtwrace]

I very much enjoyed the TRL Dude and it can be ordered with balanced connections but has no remote control (at least, not standard).  I also quite liked the Modwright LS-100 I had for awhile, but it isn't balanced.  However, the Modwright 36.5 is balanced and has remote control.  If the LS-100 is a reasonable proxy for the 36.5, then I think the 36.5 would be a fine choice indeed.

TRL Dude can be balanced and remote for ~$5300 I think.

[Bill Baker]

Hi JHM,
 Given the 50k input of your amplifier, most any preamp should be fine in regards to not having any impedance matching problems.

[jhm731]

Thanks for the input.

Looked at the TRL Dude. Balanced with the Bent remote kit would be $5450. Its size, high output impedance and limited function remote are a problem.

[Maceo23]

Take a look at the VTL 5.5 series II.  Love that preamp.

[daddydoom]

I have the VAC Ren.mk III  with the Pass XA 30.5 which has a very low impeadance. The remote is mute and volume only. An awesome  combo.

[Austin08]

You should give Bat vk52se and Arc ref3 an audition. I had a chance to listen to both of them and though they are very special. Although, I am leaning toward the Bat for several reasons. First, I am currently using Bat amp and preamp. Second, the vk52se is upgradable to REX if desired.

[doug s.]

for a fraction of that price, i would keep your eyes peeled for a used melos ma333r; balanced iteration.  fantastic preamp, imo.

if you are really wanting to spend $10k, you would do well to consider bill baker's purity preamps - absolutely amazing.  first time i have ever encountered anything that would even cause me to consider a possible change from my melos.  if i had the money.   

http://www.purityaudiodesign.com/purity%20products.htm

bill has been active here on a/c, and wery approachable; i would not hesitate to contact him...

doug s.

[jhm731]

for a fraction of that price, i would keep your eyes peeled for a used melos ma333r; balanced iteration.  fantastic preamp, imo.

if you are really wanting to spend $10k, you would do well to consider bill baker's purity preamps - absolutely amazing.  first time i have ever encountered anything that would even cause me to consider a possible change from my melos.  if i had the money.   

http://www.purityaudiodesign.com/purity%20products.htm

bill has been active here on a/c, and wery approachable; i would not hesitate to contact him...

doug s.

Thanks for your input.

Never said "I wanted to spend $10K."

I'm sure Bill is a great guy, but nothing on his website looks like it's worth the asking prices.

[doug s.]

Thanks for your input.

Never said "I wanted to spend $10K."

I'm sure Bill is a great guy, but nothing on his website looks like it's worth the asking prices.

sorry, when asked, you said "up to $10k".  not sure what something would have to look like to be worth $10k, but i sure trust my ears.

i admit - the unit i heard - the silver statement - has an eye popping $20k retail price tag.     but, it brought a worthwhile improvement to a fantastic system that i have had the pleasure of hearing quite a few times. 

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=systems;area=browse;system=361


i am sure the standard purity reference is cut from the same cloth - the statement series offers dual power transformers in a separate chassis.  (much in the same way my melos ma333r is an incremental step up from the also superb sounding and highly recommended single-chassis sha-gold-r.)  and, the purity line has gotten great reviews, fwiw.

http://www.purityaudiodesign.com/purity%20reviews.htm

otherwise, i'd simply wait until i found a melos, in the ~$1500-$200 range...

ymmv,

doug s.

[jhm731]

sorry, when asked, you said "up to $10k".  not sure what something would have to look like to be worth $10k, but i sure trust my ears.

i admit - the unit i heard - the silver statement - has an eye popping $20k retail price tag.     but, it brought a worthwhile improvement to a fantastic system that i have had the pleasure of hearing quite a few times. 



http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=systems;area=browse;system=361


i am sure the standard purity reference is cut from the same cloth - the statement series offers dual power transformers in a separate chassis.  (much in the same way my melos ma333r is an incremental step up from the also superb sounding and highly recommended single-chassis sha-gold-r.)  and, the purity line has gotten great reviews, fwiw.

http://www.purityaudiodesign.com/purity%20reviews.htm

otherwise, i'd simply wait until i found a melos, in the ~$1500-$200 range...

ymmv,

doug s.

Doug,
 
Like I said, I see nothing on the PAD site or the system picture above that would motivate me to send PAD $10K+.

Thanks again to everyone on this great forum for their suggestions.

[doug s.]

Doug,
 
Like I said, I see nothing on the PAD site or the system picture above that would motivate me to send PAD $10K+.

Thanks again to everyone on this great forum for their suggestions.

hey, jhm, no problem.  but if you ever happen to come across a chance to audition one of bill's products - even if it's one of his less expensive $2700 offerings - i would recommend a listen.  it may be an ear opening experience.  good luck w/your search.

doug s.

[cheap-Jack]

Hi.

Looking to add a tube line stage preamp to my system.

Interested in something with at least one balanced input, balanced ouputs,
remote and work with the 50K ohm input impedance of my current amp.

Out of curioslty, why you need or want "balanced" I/P & O/P?? Not many linestage get balanced In/Outs. Otherwise they may wreck yr wallet.
To save money, can you go for standard unbalanced?

c-J

[jhm731]

Hi.
Out of curioslty, why you need or want "balanced" I/P & O/P?? Not many linestage get balanced In/Outs. Otherwise they may wreck yr wallet.
To save money, can you go for standard unbalanced?

c-J

Yes, I could go unbalanced, but my DAC sounds better from its balanced outputs and my amp sounds better with its balanced inputs.

[cheap-Jack]

Yes, I could go unbalanced, but my DAC sounds better from its balanced outputs and my amp sounds better with its balanced inputs.

Does yr power amp come with balanced I/P? Can your DAC drive direct yr power amp?

c-J