Shopping for a new Preamp - your thoughts?

rooze · « **on:** 3 Nov 2006, 08:58 pm »

Hey All,

I run my amps (Cary 2A3 SE's) direct from my AA Capitole MKII CD player with great results. However, I want to add a video projector in my listening room and need to run the audio through my main system....so reluctantly I need a preamp.

First and foremost I do not want to take a backwards step with the sound I have from my CD. If that were to be the case I'd ditch the whole idea.

The only preamp I've tried in my present setup is the CJ 16LS MK1 - It did a few positive things, like tightened imaging a little, but surprisingly it also gave the sound a bit of a lean character. For $3500 used, it would not be a good investment.

Now I've heard good things about the Modwright and a few other pre's in the range $1500 - $3000 used. The VTL 5.5 seems like a good buy around $2.5K as do some of the ARC amps, perhaps the LS25 at around $2500

Alternatively, I could have my CD player upgraded - there's a factory approved mod that adds 3 analog inputs for utilizing the CD player as the system pre. There's a couple things I don't like about that however - I wouldn't get my investment back on the used market when I come to sell it, and it has to be shipped into Canada for the upgrades.....but it's still an option.

So....how good is this Modwright, and what about the new Dodd Battery preamp?....how do they stack against tried and tested classics from ARC and CJ, or even Cary?

What are your thoughts?

Rooze

Brad · « **Reply #1 on:** 3 Nov 2006, 09:07 pm »

If all you need is switching and HT passthrough, take a look at the new Channel Islands passive pre

some other good transparent preamps that I've heard

Modwright
Dodd battery-powered

Would like to hear:

The new TAP
AKSA Gk-1

miklorsmith · « **Reply #2 on:** 3 Nov 2006, 09:09 pm »

It sounds like you'd probably want a passive. Anything with tubes is going to add something.

I'd be looking to a TVC.

rooze · « **Reply #3 on:** 3 Nov 2006, 09:14 pm »

Thanks, I guess I don't mind if something is 'added' so long as it's an improvement. I'm using Oris Horns and would characterise the sound as a little lean, so if there were a little more flesh in the mids, that would be a good thing. The CJ16 actually took a bit of meat off the bones, which was a backward step.....anyway, neutral would be fine, but not essential.

Where are all these folks that now have their Dodd preamps, I've only heard one persons feedback so far?

Anyway, please keep the suggestions coming. Is anyone familiar with Emotive Audio products?

Rooze

Berndt · « **Reply #4 on:** 3 Nov 2006, 10:19 pm »

where are you located?
Perhaps a regional circle could give you the chance to do some swapping.

Captain Humble · « **Reply #5 on:** 3 Nov 2006, 10:58 pm »

Quote from: rooze on 3 Nov 2006, 09:14 pm

Where are all these folks that now have their Dodd preamps, I've only heard one persons feedback so far?

Rooze

Sorry, but I've been spending less time here and more time listening since I got mine.

My experience with other preamps in my system is limitted.
Tempest
Modwright
Dodd Intermediate
Usher

The Dodd Battery Powered Pre is a keeper.

I know Danny of GR Research has heard many high end, high dollar preamps.
I don't want to put words in his mouth so if he doesn't post here, you might shoot him a pm for his thoughts.

You might also check out these threads:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=32799.msg294177;topicseen#new

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=32387.0

Best of luck with your search.
Jeff

rooze · « **Reply #6 on:** 3 Nov 2006, 11:12 pm »

Jeff thanks, your preamp looks fantastic!! - I'd choose the same finish if I went that route.

What sets it aside from the Modwright? - I know your unit probably isn't broken-in yet, but just wondered if at this early stage you might highlight a few specific differences (tonal character, frequency extension etc).

Thanks a lot

Rooze

Kevin Haskins · « **Reply #7 on:** 3 Nov 2006, 11:24 pm »

My vote would be for the ModWright if you want an active unit and the Bent TAP if you wanted a passive TVC. Both are first class products that are at the top of their respective categories regardless of price.

playntheblues · « **Reply #8 on:** 3 Nov 2006, 11:33 pm »

Well I add my two cents here, If you're looking at the Bent or the Mod Wright Marbles has had both and now he has a Dodd Battery pre you might want to email him. My previous pre's have been Cary 202, Jules E, Exemplar and Grounded Grid by Transcendent and they aren't even in the same league with the Dodd.

Bill Baker · « **Reply #9 on:** 4 Nov 2006, 12:26 am »

hi rooze,
You mention you wanted to stay away from a "lean sound". I beleive Dan still has one of his new tube rectified units available for $3500'ish?
I have not heard the Dodd unit so cannot comment but figured I would at least bring the ModWright deal to your attention if you have not noticed it in his Tube Rectified-Vote thread.

mtodde · « **Reply #10 on:** 4 Nov 2006, 12:43 am »

Quote from: Response Audio on 4 Nov 2006, 12:26 am

hi rooze,
You mention you wanted to stay away from a "lean sound". I beleive Dan still has one of his new tube rectified units available for $3500'ish?
I have not heard the Dodd unit so cannot comment but figured I would at least bring the ModWright deal to your attention if you have not noticed it in his Tube Rectified-Vote thread.

I thought this was for a Sony 9100ES SACD player. The beta SWLP 9.0 Signature units haven't gone out yet...at least mine hasn't.

While you should always trust your own ears (if possible) every review of the Modwright I've read noted how neutral it is and it seems like most of the reviewers bought the review sample which is a strong endorsement.

The ARC gear is very nice but in my experience it does add a bit to the sound...like you said that isn't always a bad thing. I doubt many have shown up on the used market yet but I thought the LS-17 sounded better than the LS-25 Mk. II.

rooze · « **Reply #11 on:** 4 Nov 2006, 12:49 am »

Thanks, I did look at that thread and went to Dan's website, but couldn't see anything about the new tube rectified PS for the 9.0 preamp?
What is the projected price for this, is it a $1000 hike on the standard 9.0?

Cheers

Rooze

AB · « **Reply #12 on:** 4 Nov 2006, 02:14 am »

Quote from: rooze on 4 Nov 2006, 12:49 am

Thanks, I did look at that thread and went to Dan's website, but couldn't see anything about the new tube rectified PS for the 9.0 preamp?
What is the projected price for this, is it a $1000 hike on the standard 9.0?

Cheers

Rooze

Have a look at this thread:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=33208.0

JackD · « **Reply #13 on:** 4 Nov 2006, 03:01 pm »

Here's a thought. Very highly thought of and reasonable, if you just want switching.

http://www.soniceuphoria.com/

dado5 · « **Reply #14 on:** 6 Nov 2006, 12:30 pm »

For passives, Creek and CI are excellent and affordable - it really does not get more transparent than this.

With TVC's I would just buy the S&B transformers and build one or contract a good tech to do it....It will be considerably cheaper than the Sonic Euphhoria using the better transformers that are in the top of the line units.

For actives, step outside the cathode follower box and go for a transformer unit like the Audio Note M3 Kit or Wellborne's Ultra-Path kit. Again even if you pay someone to build them for you you are still getting a killer deal.

Peter Gunn · « **Reply #15 on:** 7 Nov 2006, 04:46 am »

Berndt chimed in here and I can't believe he didn't mention this.

Get a Mapletree Ultra 4 SE. The thing routinely kills preamps by Cary and others and in fact Berndt just took his to a meeting and dropped every jaw in the room with it and had many of them dubbing it the best preamp they every heard.

Don't fall for glitz. This little bastard rocks.

http://hollowstate.netfirms.com/

S Clark · « **Reply #16 on:** 7 Nov 2006, 05:29 am »

The reviews of the Dodd battery preamp are impressive.

Peter Gunn · « **Reply #17 on:** 7 Nov 2006, 01:59 pm »

Yes, BUT.......

It costs $3,300 and the Ultra only costs $800.

Second, while I have not yet heard the Dodd the Ultra is so "classicly" beautiful sounding I could easily imagine many people preferring it. My Hovland was also called "the best preamp ever" in it's hysteria days like the Dodd is now, and I prefer the Ultra and I HAVE A/B'd them.

Finally, do you want to listen to music or play with batteries? And trust me, I have owned enough things (from power tools to electronic devices) to know you CANNOT trust rechargables as a power source. It'll be one pain in the ass after another, I'd bet one of them won't hold a charge as long as it should (or as long as the other I should say, that's always the case) and they say replacement every 3-5 years but since I'm sure one will tank sooner you'll either be stuck not being able to listen at times while the good one recharges or you'll be laying out $100 to buy a new set of batteries every 2-3 years.

Not me. If this guy wants to venture into this wilderness, I wish him the best of luck. I'd buy the Ultra.

Marbles · « **Reply #18 on:** 7 Nov 2006, 02:11 pm »

Quote from: dado5 on 6 Nov 2006, 12:30 pm

With TVC's I would just buy the S&B transformers and build one or contract a good tech to do it....It will be considerably cheaper than the Sonic Euphhoria using the better transformers that are in the top of the line units.

As it happens there is a great unit for sale in the classifieds right now....

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=33021.0

TheChairGuy · « **Reply #19 on:** 7 Nov 2006, 02:50 pm »

Quote from: OneoftheJawsinthatRoomSaturday

That little bastard does and did indeed rock

Quote from: Peter Gunn on 7 Nov 2006, 04:46 am

Berndt chimed in here and I can't believe he didn't mention this.

Get a Mapletree Ultra 4 SE. The thing routinely kills preamps by Cary and others and in fact Berndt just took his to a meeting and dropped every jaw in the room with it and had many of them dubbing it the best preamp they every heard.

Don't fall for glitz. This little bastard rocks.

http://hollowstate.netfirms.com/

Shopping for a new Preamp - your thoughts?

S Clark