Looking for Preamp Replacement Help

gongos · « **on:** 26 Jul 2007, 04:13 am »

Right now I have a Dodd Audio Reference Preamp. It's an amazing piece of equipment, but I don't really have space for the external power supply--it's huge and an odd shape. I love the natural balanced music the Dodd creates. Not interested in warm/euphoric preamps.

I'm looking for some replacement advice. Need a 1 box unit in the $1500 range, but would be more than happy spending less. Tube, SS, and Passive will all be considered. I only need 1 input.

My amps are some tricked out Odyssey Mono Extremes, speakers are SP Technology Revelations. Please give me some suggestions other than the Candela.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #1 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 04:28 am »

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1188360047

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1189696805

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1189479324

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=42651.0

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #2 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 04:34 am »

You might also check out the Mapletree preamp...it is very good....for so little..

But it is two piece's....see photo.

KCI-JohnP · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 01:11 pm »

The Audio Horizons TP 2.0 though just a couple hundred above your price point would be a very serious contender that shouldn't be overlooked, IMHO.

Cacophonix · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 01:48 pm »

Quote from: gongos on 26 Jul 2007, 04:13 am

My amps are some tricked out Odyssey Mono Extremes, speakers are SP Technology Revelations. Please give me some suggestions other than the Candela.

Now, whats wrong with candela, huh?

I have it, and i love it!!

woodsyi · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 01:48 pm »

That GNSC modded ARC SP9 II is a great value. I had a stock unit before and I seriously considered the same mod -- bugged Steve Huntley for a few days but ultimately didn't pull the trigger. I am half way inclined to get this unit from Mike just to see what I missed.

I would go for it except I have too many already. Plus, I have to try out Wayne's BBBB thingy too.

gongos · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 01:55 pm »

Might take a hard look at the Welborne Battery Pre.

acresm22 · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 03:38 pm »

Hey gongos, I just sent you a pm.

Eric · « **Reply #8 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 03:40 pm »

SAS 10A

arthurs · « **Reply #9 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 03:42 pm »

Wow, I would try to figure something out with the Dodd, that's a heck of a pre.....maybe talk to Gary about a longer umbilical and just stash the PS somewhere else....

audioferret · « **Reply #10 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 04:06 pm »

Promitheus Audio TVC? The reviews are very strong and you don't have to worry about a power source at all. I haven't heard it, but it looks gorgeous and will have a similar aesthetic to your Dodd.

Sonny · « **Reply #11 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 04:19 pm »

Hi there, I have the Cyber 222 Tube Pre and love it with the Mono Extremes...
It's got the tube characteristics, but is also very transparent and detailed...
It's $1495 new and you can get them at Ultra-Violet Audio or Norvinz.com
T

doug s. · « **Reply #12 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 04:20 pm »

based upon lonewolf's recommendations, i would go w/the modwright - it's the only one w/remote wolume control.

but, i would also consider trying to keep what you have, since it's awreddy in your system, you like it, & it's supposed to be one of the best. re: the arc sp9mkll, this was one of the 1st tube (hybrid) preamps i ever tried; tho it had its strengths, all-around, it was no better than my cheap s/s adcom gfp-1a i had at the time. i woulda preferred the adcom if i had to choose between those two. while the mod unit may be a complete different animal, i would definitely require an audition first...

ymmv,

doug s.

MT POCKETS · « **Reply #13 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 04:42 pm »

If you are considering buying direct from Welborne I would check out the threads on AA General Asylum

TONEPUB · « **Reply #14 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 07:40 pm »

I had a ModWright 9.0 for a long time and really enjoyed it.
With the new 36.5 coming available, there are probably a
number of happy ModWright owners that want to trade up,
so there's possibly a good window right now...

Before I bought my 9.0, I had a CJ PV12 which was just a bit
too warm and an ARC LS-3 that was too thin. The MW was
right in the middle!

Definitely a good choice for the money. You should be able
to pick up a nice used one for right around 1500!

Tweaker · « **Reply #15 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 07:57 pm »

PS Audio's gain cell preamps look interesting:
http://psaudio.com/products/trio_p200.asp

Double Ugly · « **Reply #16 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 09:50 pm »

What are you using for a source, gongos?

I don't have Revelations (not yet, anyway!

), but if you're looking for transparency and need only one input, look no further than the Placette Audio Remote Volume Control (RVC). You can pick one up direct from the man himself (Guy Hammel) for $1k, or you can usually find 'em offered at a little over half that on Audiogon if you don't mind used. One just sold for $600 (an absolute steal IMHO), but given your budget, I'd call Guy and get a brand new one.

I sold mine a while back, and it's the one component I wish I'd kept. It simply does nothing to the sound that I could detect, and if your system will work with a passive, I'd give it serious consideration. A well-known reviewer told me he used an RVC for years until it was finally bested by the darTZeel (~22k). I'd take the $21k and run if I were you.

Wayne and John Chapman's Burson Buffer-based creation might be the cat's meow (I *LOVED* what the stock buffer did in my system), but it'll likely require double your stated budget.

FWIW...

-Jim

Danny Richie · « **Reply #17 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 09:59 pm »

I have had one of those pre-amps (the Dodd Reference). You are going to have a tough time finding a pre-amp to replace it and not be a couple of steps backward. I'd recommend his new battery powered pre-amp (it is even better) but it is not in the $1,500 price range. Depending on what you might can sell that one for though it might not be much additional expense. You might can even make it a lateral move with regards to price. The reference model sold for $5,200. The new battery powered reference is only $3,300.

zybar · « **Reply #18 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 10:05 pm »

Quote from: Double Ugly on 26 Jul 2007, 09:50 pm

What are you using for a source, gongos?

I don't have Revelations (not yet, anyway! ), but if you're looking for transparency and need only one input, look no further than the Placette Audio Remote Volume Control (RVC). You can pick one up direct from the man himself (Guy Hammel) for $1k, or you can usually find 'em offered at a little over half that on Audiogon if you don't mind used. One just sold for $600 (an absolute steal IMHO), but given your budget, I'd call Guy and get a brand new one.

I sold mine a while back, and it's the one component I wish I'd kept. It simply does nothing to the sound that I could detect, and if your system will work with a passive, I'd give it serious consideration. A well-known reviewer told me he used an RVC for years until it was finally bested by the darTZeel (~22k). I'd take the $21k and run if I were you.

Wayne and John Chapman's Burson Buffer-based creation might be the cat's meow (I *LOVED* what the stock buffer did in my system), but it'll likely require double your stated budget.

FWIW...

-Jim

I have the Bolder/Bent/Burson creation at right now and will have it as part of the main system at Sunday's gathering at my house.

I am sure there will be some posts and what it sounds like.

I can say that it is built very well and looks quite nice.

Given that Wayne and John were the mad scientists behind this project, I am pretty sure it is going to kick ass!!

George

Big Red Machine · « **Reply #19 on:** 26 Jul 2007, 10:21 pm »

Well eventually I will have 3 preamps in the house to compare: have the Sonic Euphoria passive, waiting on a Promitheus Apollo and a Dodd battery pre. I am excited to hear both the new ones when I finallyget them. I am guessing the Dodd will win out but we shall see. Anyways, 2 of those 3 will be for sale here - just wish I knew when that might be.

Like the SE very much as passives go. Always wanted to try the Placette. Miss my Cary SLP98 somewhat. The Mapletree looks enticing as well as SAS.