What tube pre-amps give the "Magic Midrange"?

Marbles · « **Reply #20 on:** 19 Oct 2005, 07:00 pm »

Quote from: Marbles

It looks like in about 2 months (when I hope to get my digital front end back together) I will have a chance to listen to the Modwright and the AKSA Swift (GK1)

Now I have to get ahold of an Ultraverve....

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Add the AVA T8 to the list of pre-amps I will listen to in my system.

Still need to get an Ultraverve and a Mantissa.

There is an outside chance of Steve at SAS coming up with a remote controlled volume for one of his pre-amps. If that happens than that will be added to the comparison as well.

This might be pretty fun

This is not a comparison to see which is "better", but more of a listening session to see which one I prefer in my system.

It is HIGHLY likely I will end up buying the one I prefer.

Parnelli777 · « **Reply #21 on:** 20 Oct 2005, 12:09 am »

I see you said cost is not a consideration. Then you ought to audition the Viva Linea single ended pre and separate all tube power supply. A buddy uses this combo, along with a Graaf amp with his Avantgarde Duos, and it's absolute bliss. A better preamp setup you'd be real hard pressed to find. These things define what tubes are all about, imo.

http://www.walkeraudio.com/viva_amplifers.htm

Marbles · « **Reply #22 on:** 20 Oct 2005, 12:19 am »

For suggestions, cost is not an option, but in real life, I'm positive I won't be buying one that's more than $4-5000, and under $3K would be better.

TomS · « **Reply #23 on:** 20 Oct 2005, 12:57 am »

Count me in for the listening and let me know if you need any help. The SAS definitely looks interesting. A used Hovland, Lamm LL2 (no remote), or Joule LA150 fits that category for me as well, though I'd like phono too. I've heard the L2 briefly once and was very impressed. Another interesting one is the JuicyMusic Extreme Blueberry. I had a a Paragon 12 preamp (same guy) with Dahlquist DQ10's in the very old days that was terrific sounding though it could be somewhat problematic at times.

bunky · « **Reply #24 on:** 20 Oct 2005, 01:01 am »

Hey Marbles, heres another good one used at Upscale audio.Aesthetix Calypso in excellent condition,balanced with RCAs and XLRs. HT bypass, remote, box,manual for $3350.00.thanks....WCW III

mihilli · « **Reply #25 on:** 26 Oct 2005, 06:27 am »

I'll chime in here. I own both the Modwright and the Mapletree Audio linestage(s).

The Mapletree is FANTASTIC value for the money. If you're looking for that "tube bloom" I think it's a damn good choice. And surprisingly quiet as well for a low cost pre.

That said, if you're looking for a pre that will compete with the big boys, give great resolution and a taste of the tube magic the Modwright is superb. Can't recommend it highly enough.

The Zard · « **Reply #26 on:** 26 Oct 2005, 04:31 pm »

After 40 years of dinking around in this never ending search I can give a full endorsement for the Modwright Pre at least in my system and presentation tastes. At the price point and well beyond it may well be the best on the market.

Current System Link http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=systems;system=489