Need recommendations for Tube or SS preamp for Mono Extremes

Lkdog · « **on:** 16 Mar 2007, 05:17 pm »

I know that this has been asked in different threads in the past.
I have done some searching and have gotten some ideas.

Here are the specifics for my situation:

1) My budget is $700-$1000 used or new.
2) Phono stage preferred and a plus, but I do have a Hagerman Cornet I can use so not absolutely necessary.
3) Probably prefer Tube over SS but open to known combos that work great for people.
4) If Tube preamp must be quiet and have no impedance issues with the Mono Extremes.
5) My speakers are ACI Jaguars with ACI dual Titan subs. Very natural balanced sound that is not ultra-transparent so would not want a tube preamp or SS preamp that rolls off the highs or tends toward a lush or soft sound.
6) I need a remote. Yes, I am a wimpy audiophile but I have a family and do a lot of late night listening and have to adjust volume a lot.
7) Looking for known excellent combinations that people are using as synergy is so important.
8 ) Need three inputs.
9) Need two sets of outputs as I use a pair of subs as noted.
10) My source is a modded TRL Sony 900 SACD/CD player. Very neutral, balanced and smooth presentation.

Thanks for input. I am very excited as I just got my Mono Extremes from Klaus and setup this week. Just started the break in process this week so have a long period of burn in ahead.

I am using a borrowed Llano tube line stage for now.

(I should note that I had been using an Audio Mirror PP1 recently, but am looking to try something else.
PM if you wish details. Nice sounding preamp, but going a different direction.)

carusoracer · « **Reply #1 on:** 16 Mar 2007, 06:24 pm »

I have a Eastern Electric Minimax. it would fit your budget but no remote. I have to use the CDP volume control. Not that excited about it but it works. Great sounding unit with NOS tubes and factory mod w/after market PC.

The Modwright or the Dodd come to mind, or even better yet you could go with SAS 10A. Not sure about remote but it is the predecessor to the 11A and Steve is a very knowledgeable guy

I have heard the Van Alstine preamp and it has a slick remote and sounds very good but you rarely see one preowned.

All of these are on my short list.

Lkdog · « **Reply #2 on:** 16 Mar 2007, 08:23 pm »

Thanks for your input.

Sound's like the MiniMax is great for you.

I wish I did not have to have a remote. At least right now in my situation it is needed.

The SAS 10A has no remote. I have been to Steve's shop in Morton, Illinois. Interesting guy.

A real purist. No remotes for him!

The standard Modwright is said to be very non-tube like from what people say, but no doubt is a very nice unit.
Will look into the others you mentioned.

I figure the best place to get ideas on matching a pair of Mono Extremes is right here.
Thanks.

bunky · « **Reply #3 on:** 16 Mar 2007, 09:15 pm »

Quote from: Lkdog on 16 Mar 2007, 05:17 pm

I know that this has been asked in different threads in the past.
I have done some searching and have gotten some ideas.

Here are the specifics for my situation:

1) My budget is $700-$1000 used or new.
2) Phono stage preferred and a plus, but I do have a Hagerman Cornet I can use so not absolutely necessary.
3) Probably prefer Tube over SS but open to known combos that work great for people.
4) If Tube preamp must be quiet and have no impedance issues with the Mono Extremes.
5) My speakers are ACI Jaguars with ACI dual Titan subs. Very natural balanced sound that is not ultra-transparent so would not want a tube preamp or SS preamp that rolls off the highs or tends toward a lush or soft sound.
6) I need a remote. Yes, I am a wimpy audiophile but I have a family and do a lot of late night listening and have to adjust volume a lot.
7) Looking for known excellent combinations that people are using as synergy is so important.
8 ) Need three inputs.
9) Need two sets of outputs as I use a pair of subs as noted.
10) My source is a modded TRL Sony 900 SACD/CD player. Very neutral, balanced and smooth presentation.

Thanks for input. I am very excited as I just got my Mono Extremes from Klaus and setup this week. Just started the break in process this week so have a long period of burn in ahead.

I am using a borrowed Llano tube line stage for now.

(I should note that I had been using an Audio Mirror PP1 recently, but am looking to try something else.
PM if you wish details. Nice sounding preamp, but going a different direction.)

i recommend that you extend you budget by another $250.00 and you can get the Candela tube preamplifier Brand new with the remote control and a twenty year warranty and the piece of mind that comes with it

highland_dave · « **Reply #4 on:** 16 Mar 2007, 11:27 pm »

I use mono extremes with a pair of aci panorama and titan subs. I now use a Modwright SWL 9.0se with the tube-rectified power supply and it is a very good match with the mono-extremes.

My Modwright is a recently upgraded unit, so I have also heard the standard SWL 9.0se with the mono extremes. It also is a good match. Originally I used a plinius cd-lad with the setup and must admit I much prefer the Modwright because even the standard unit is more detailed, delivers a bigger soundstage, has more "you are there" magic, and is just as quiet if not more quiet than the ss plinius preamp.

A used Modwright pushes outside your budget, but not by much. With your speakers and amps I believe there is a very good chance that it has the sound you are looking for. It definitely has the right feature-set.

DMi · « **Reply #5 on:** 16 Mar 2007, 11:47 pm »

I am going to second Bunky's recommendation. Save a bit more and you'll probably be doing a little less upgrading and a lot more listening.

Given I'm a solid state guy and haven't heard one yet, that probably has less value but Klaus hasn't steered me wrong yet and if he tells me I'm going to love somethings sound he is usually dead on.

Doug

Lkdog · « **Reply #6 on:** 17 Mar 2007, 04:33 am »

Thanks for the input guys.

I didn't realize the Candela with remote was $1250 new?
May be worth considering.

I am in no hurry since I have the Llano to use until I get something.

The Mono Extremes are sounding much better after 24 hours of break in by the way.
Starting to open up and gain depth and extension on both ends.

jdodmead · « **Reply #7 on:** 17 Mar 2007, 11:16 am »

I am using a VTL TL-5.5 with Mono Extreme's and it is wonderful. I can't say enough about the VTL. I had a BAT VK-31SE and a Cary SLP98F1, the VTL is more open with kick. The BAT sounded a little too much like solid state, the Cary didn't have the bottom end or as much bloom as the VTL. You can get a 2.5 used in your range. I have never heard the Odyssey, so I can't speak to that. I do't think you can go wrong with it, plus Klaus gives you 30 days.
Have fun
Jeff

rosconey · « **Reply #8 on:** 17 Mar 2007, 02:34 pm »

candella is a super buy at its price-if you do go that way find some old tubes off ebay to use-

mca · « **Reply #9 on:** 17 Mar 2007, 03:36 pm »

How many inputs/outputs does the Candela have?

Does it have a theater bypass switch?

Has anyone heard it vs. the Modwright?

bunky · « **Reply #10 on:** 17 Mar 2007, 03:47 pm »

Quote from: mca on 17 Mar 2007, 03:36 pm

How many inputs/outputs does the Candela have?

Does it have a theater bypass switch?

Has anyone heard it vs. the Modwright?

My Candela has three input / outputs and HT bypass and i heard the Modwright at Woodsyi's house at the 1st Mid Atlantic Audiocircle Meeting and i feel that sonically the Candela and the modwright are in the same class.thanks....WCW III

Lkdog · « **Reply #11 on:** 17 Mar 2007, 04:16 pm »

Quote from: tvad4 on 17 Mar 2007, 03:25 pm

I'd go with the Candela. A pre designed to work with the Odyssey amps, and one reasonably priced, too.

Tvad- You had the Mono Extremes if I recall correctly. What did you like best with them?

Thanks everybody for the comments. Very helpful.

Lkdog · « **Reply #12 on:** 17 Mar 2007, 08:37 pm »

Quote from: tvad4 on 17 Mar 2007, 04:19 pm

Quote from: Lkdog on 17 Mar 2007, 04:16 pm
Quote from: tvad4 on 17 Mar 2007, 03:25 pm
I'd go with the Candela. A pre designed to work with the Odyssey amps, and one reasonably priced, too.

Tvad- You had the Mono Extremes if I recall correctly. What did you like best with them?

I only used a Lamm LL2 Deluxe with them. I didn't own another preamp at the time.

Nice.

Lkdog · « **Reply #13 on:** 17 Mar 2007, 11:30 pm »

Tvad-

Yes, I see the Lamm used is well out of my price range. Looks like a quite special piece.

I agree that if you like the voicing of components by a manufacturer, then it can make matching
a pre and power for instance easier. For me, I am still learning the art of creating entire system synergy.
My previous modded integrated was excellent by itself, but probably tended toward a tuning too similar to my speakers and the sound ultimately was too laid back.

I am not sure I have a handle on the "Odyssey sound" yet as the amps only have 48 hours burn in.

This thread and forum are helpful to me to hear what successful combos people have found.
Thank you for your input.

Lkdog · « **Reply #14 on:** 17 Mar 2007, 11:43 pm »

Quote from: tvad4 on 17 Mar 2007, 11:36 pm

At 48 hours, they have not even begun to display what they will become. Frankly, I wouldn't make any additional system changes until the Odyssey amps have 500 hours on them. If you keep them on 24/7 (which most users recommend anyway), and play music on repeat then it's only 21 days...

Interesting. They sounded rolled off, flat, and 2D out of box.
After 48 hours they are opening up and gaining extension and depth-becoming enjoyable.

Good point about taking some time and consistent with the idea of learning what the Odyssey house sound is in order to make a good choice about a preamp.

martinr · « **Reply #15 on:** 17 Mar 2007, 11:59 pm »

LKDOG,
I am a new owner of the Mono extremes as well - Got them the end of December along with a Candela Pre and Lorelei speakers.

You have to hang in there with the burn in time on the Mono's. IMHO at 300 hours you are close to final burn in sound but there are nuances of imrovement after that. I have tried 5 different types of tubes in the Candela as well as upgraded my channels Islands Dac optic cord and added in a signal cable digital power cable out of the Candela over the past few weeks. The quality of the mono's, candela, lorelei sound improves with each upgrade I have implimented. I think the sonic capablilty of Odyssey components are limited only by the quality of input and associated cabling. IMHO this system will compliment the best digital or analogue input. I would highly recommend the Candela.

aa

Martin

byteme · « **Reply #16 on:** 18 Mar 2007, 12:11 am »

Candela is a great option here as others have said and if it were around when I were lusting after my current pre I'd have bought one definitely. The pre I am using, however, and the one I lusted after for a while before I got it is the deHavilland ultraverve. Absolutely wonderful with the monos. MUCH more expensive, even used, than the candela though!

byteme · « **Reply #17 on:** 18 Mar 2007, 12:14 am »

Quote from: martinr on 17 Mar 2007, 11:59 pm

LKDOG,
I am a new owner of the Mono extremes as well - Got them the end of December along with a Candela Pre and Lorelei speakers.

You have to hang in there with the burn in time on the Mono's. IMHO at 300 hours you are close to final burn in sound but there are nuances of imrovement after that. I have tried 5 different types of tubes in the Candela as well as upgraded my channels Islands Dac optic cord and added in a signal cable digital power cable out of the Candela over the past few weeks. The quality of the mono's, candela, lorelei sound improves with each upgrade I have implimented. I think the sonic capablilty of Odyssey components are limited only by the quality of input and associated cabling. IMHO this system will compliment the best digital or analogue input. I would highly recommend the Candela.

aa

Martin

Aren't the Lorelei's driven by mono's just glorious! Add a tubed pre that's as musical as the amps and speakers (as you've done) and you're in listening heaven! I've had my monos and Lorelei's for over 2 years now and am as happy as the day they arrived!

marvda1 · « **Reply #18 on:** 18 Mar 2007, 01:19 am »

see if you can find a used belles 21a preamp with auricap upgrade and pop in a pair of nos EI (1950's) 12au7's and you will be in sonic heaven.

martinr · « **Reply #19 on:** 18 Mar 2007, 02:14 am »

Quote from: byteme on 18 Mar 2007, 12:14 am

Quote from: martinr on 17 Mar 2007, 11:59 pm
LKDOG,
I am a new owner of the Mono extremes as well - Got them the end of December along with a Candela Pre and Lorelei speakers.

You have to hang in there with the burn in time on the Mono's. IMHO at 300 hours you are close to final burn in sound but there are nuances of imrovement after that. I have tried 5 different types of tubes in the Candela as well as upgraded my channels Islands Dac optic cord and added in a signal cable digital power cable out of the Candela over the past few weeks. The quality of the mono's, candela, lorelei sound improves with each upgrade I have implimented. I think the sonic capablilty of Odyssey components are limited only by the quality of input and associated cabling. IMHO this system will compliment the best digital or analogue input. I would highly recommend the Candela.

aa

Martin

Aren't the Lorelei's driven by mono's just glorious! Add a tubed pre that's as musical as the amps and speakers (as you've done) and you're in listening heaven! I've had my monos and Lorelei's for over 2 years now and am as happy as the day they arrived!

I Agree wholeheartedly byteme !!

aa

Martin