Tube Linestage suggestions- 3K budget

kbuzz3 · « **on:** 31 Aug 2005, 04:33 pm »

Hello all:

The upgrade bug has hit again and its time to replace my vintage fisher pre amp. Here is a short list, I would appreicate any comments or suggestions OTHER THEN CARY or BAT- My only requirement is that it is less then 7" in height. I dont mind a lush or slightly soft sound but I would like it to be quiet and reliable. i dont need phono at this time

Modwright
Supratek
Art Gil Alana
Custom, Fi by Don Garber
SAS

Other possible contenders-which know nothing about

Artemis
Lower end Wytech
Dehavilland
Used Lam
Used Atmasphere
Various Japanese exotica-any one with expereince

Mactone
Leben
Shindo

miklorsmith · « **Reply #1 on:** 31 Aug 2005, 04:44 pm »

I own the Modwright and it is fantastic. Nearly silent into 101 db speakers, incisive, fast, clean. It is not soft or lush but does impart the music with the extra 3D that tubes still own.

No experience with the others, but you've compiled an excellent list.

kyyuan · « **Reply #2 on:** 31 Aug 2005, 05:18 pm »

Try First Sound. It has a large following on Audiogon and is usually compared to Supratek. The only downside/upside (depending on your view) is it has no remote.

jcoat007 · « **Reply #3 on:** 31 Aug 2005, 06:01 pm »

Modwright SWL 9.0

This might be of interest to you:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1130099748

But you can get a brand new SE with remote control for $2,200, well within your budget of $3K.

Check out this review that just came out:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/

And this one that has been out for a while:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/modwright/swl9se.html

Eric · « **Reply #4 on:** 31 Aug 2005, 06:22 pm »

I'll vote for the SAS

flintstone · « **Reply #5 on:** 31 Aug 2005, 08:21 pm »

An Audioprism Mantissa sold at Audiogon almost as soon as it went up at $1,200 the other day...that was a very good deal for someone.

I bought one to replace my Bent Audio TVC a couple years ago...they are a steal on the used market at $1,500 and under should you run across one in your search.

Dave

arthurs · « **Reply #6 on:** 31 Aug 2005, 08:40 pm »

Dodd Audio Mid or Ref

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #7 on:** 31 Aug 2005, 09:09 pm »

First Sound all the way baby. No seriously, it is more dynamic than simple passive, with better clarity and delivery of bass notes than all I have heard so far. No remote, no other extra facilities have a lot to do with simple design priorities. MKI or MKII, all great and all very much in demand on the second hand market. That 7" requirement is tough.

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #8 on:** 1 Sep 2005, 04:57 am »

I keep reading about these First Sound preamps. Where are they made?

As for what I've heard, I like the CJ Premier 17 II and the BAT VK5I.

Michael

Bemopti123 · « **Reply #9 on:** 1 Sep 2005, 10:35 am »

The First Sound preamps are handmade in Washington State. They have been at it since the late 1980s. Can speak to the owner/designer when you call the factory.

Parnelli777 · « **Reply #10 on:** 1 Sep 2005, 01:28 pm »

The new Modwright certainly seems like a great preamp. If you didn't like it, you wouldn't lose much at all on the re-sale. You may also want to take a look at the VAC Auricle, this is a fantastic preamp at around the same price.

http://www.vac-amps.com/Auricle_Preamplifier.htm

electricbear · « **Reply #11 on:** 1 Sep 2005, 02:53 pm »

How about looking at a company with a long established and proven track record. Audio Research. Their LS16mk2 is a great pre amp and with a retail of $3500 . With discounts you could get one close to your budget.

mcrespo71 · « **Reply #12 on:** 1 Sep 2005, 03:05 pm »

I've been impressed with the ARC Reference 2 preamp, but have never heard the preamp you are referring to. Regardless, ARC is a company with long tradition and history, which in the ever shrinking market for 2 channel audio, counts for something.

Michael

rblnr · « **Reply #13 on:** 10 Sep 2005, 03:28 pm »

I thought the VTL 5.5 was fantastic when I heard it.

jcoat007 · « **Reply #14 on:** 12 Sep 2005, 12:50 pm »

DUDE:

If you havn't already purchased something, this just came up:

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1131665798