Preamp choices...

Whitese · « **on:** 9 Sep 2003, 08:38 pm »

I am debating between a Monarchy 33 and a McCormack TLC-1...to replace or use once in awhile for rock and electric music...

currently I have:

Berning TF-10 tubed pre...a bit on the loose side.but beautiful sound
Kinergetics Chiro C200 amp (140w/ch)
Parasound CDP-2000 ultra
JBL L-96 speakers, with DH Labs ST-100 hybrid cables
Interconnects are Vampire Wire Copper

TIC · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Sep 2003, 09:24 pm »

Whitese,

I previously owned a Monarchy Model 33 and I did like it at the time. However, I'm a bit confused by your choices.

The Monarchy Model 33 is a DAC with a built-in pre-amp. Yes, it does have the ability to have multiple digital AND analog sources connected to it, but it is first a DAC.

Are you looking for a DAC to use with your Parasound CD player as the transport or are you just looking for a different pre-amp to use in place of the Berning?

If your goal is to try a different DAC than the one built into the Parasound, then the Monarcy could be a good choice, however, if you just want a different pre-amp, I would look elsewhere. The $ in the Monarachy is spent in the DAC section, not the pre-amp section.

My $.02 worth......

Enjoy,

TIC

Whitese · « **Reply #2 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 08:15 am »

TIC..

My main goal was to try a different preamp.....reviews for the Monarchy's pre section have been good, the DAC section excellent, so I figured that as an added bonus, or at least an option, I could use my cheaper Parasound CDP1000 with the Monarchy, and sell the Parasound CDP2000 and the Berning preamp.

I do like the Parasound CDP2000 though and its DAC, so I guess I shouldnt mess with that.

Tbadder1 · « **Reply #3 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 04:40 pm »

So here's a story: One day I decided to buy a Bel Canto Pre-1 with a DAC2 installed internally. What a great piece of equipment. The Pre-1 really allowed the musical information to just pass unimpeded, and the DAC added a beautiful liquidity, that balanced the musical presentation. I was really happy. People were stunned at how good everything sounded. But as all audiophile are wont to do I got the upgrade bug and had to sell the Pre-1. It was perfect cosemtically and functionally,but no one, and I mean I had 50 offers would give me any thing other than the blue book on the pre-amp only. I lost more money than I deserved and some lucky bastard is still feeling pretty smug about ripping me off. However that was the marketplace and you can't reason with capitalism; you can only get stomped by it or do the stomping. You understand my point so I won't go any further, but I heartily agree with the TIC ("SPOON!") put all the money into the best pre-amp you can afford. Down the line you'll save yourself the disappointment.

Peace Love Dope
Dan

byteme · « **Reply #4 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 05:32 pm »

I don't have any experience with either of the pre's you mentioned, however, I have this one - http://www.phillyaudio.com/preamp_7b.html and absolutely love it. I wrote up a review in the Critics circle...

nature boy · « **Reply #5 on:** 10 Sep 2003, 11:22 pm »

Anyone heard this little gem:

EASTERN ELECTRIC MINI MAX:
So cute you'll want to hug it, the new Mini Max tube preamplifier from Eastern Electric is wowing everyone with its remarkable performance.
The designers of the Mini Max have reduced the preamp to its most elemental form, eliminating anything that saps performance. Inside you'll find an all hard-wired layout (no circuit boards), great parts, wonderful attention to detail and superb construction.
Performance is... well you'll just have to try one yourself. But be prepared; you may not want to let go of this one! The Mini Max is a real winner at only $1195.

Gary Dodd's offerings are really, really nice too!

NB

tom1356 · « **Reply #6 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 01:30 am »

May I humbly suggest you try a magnetic based passive pre.
Bent audio sell kits using the TX-102 TVC and they are simply incredible.
They have a forum here at audiocircle.
www.bentaudio.com

Carlman · « **Reply #7 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 02:26 am »

Quote from: nature boy

Anyone heard this little gem:

EASTERN ELECTRIC MINI MAX:
So cute you'll want to hug it, the new Mini Max tube preamplifier from Eastern Electric is wowing everyone with its remarkable performance.
The designers of the Mini Max have reduced the preamp to its most elemental form, eliminating anything that saps performance. Inside you'll find an all hard-wired layout (no circuit boards), great parts, wonderful attention to detail and superb construction.
Performance is... well you ...

No offense intended but.... If you read this with a 1930's announcer voice, it's a very funny post... Did you intend this to be a cheasy ad or are you really that enthusiastic? Kind of reminds me of an ad for a hoola-hoop or something.

Den · « **Reply #8 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 06:27 am »

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=4402

8thnerve · « **Reply #9 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 01:00 pm »

Quote from: Carlman

No offense intended but.... If you read this with a 1930's announcer voice, it's a very funny post... Did you intend this to be a cheasy ad or are you really that enthusiastic? Kind of reminds me of an ad for a hoola-hoop or something.

I just hooked up the MiniMax in my home system tonight, and I would guess that he is really enthusiastic. The last time I heard a preamp this good was the Ayre K-5x and the BAT VK-3i and since it was a while ago, I can't make any direct comparisons, but this unit is definately remarkable. It's not even burned in yet...

TIC · « **Reply #10 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 02:18 pm »

I have a demo Dodd pre-amp on the way. It is the $450 model which is built using the original Melos circuitry. There is a lot of information on this pre-amp on this site, so do a search if you are interested. I have read that it sounds wonderful and compares to the original Melos which cost $3000 when new.

I'm really looking forward to the demo and I thank Gary Dodd for making the demo available for shipping cost only. I get to audition for a week and I should have the unit early next week.

So, if you can wait, I may have a review of the $450 Dodd by next weekend.....

Enjoy,

TIC

Whitese · « **Reply #11 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 05:50 pm »

I emailed Dodd to try to get an audition unit,,,anyone else heard it already? I wonder how it stacks against a AVA for example...

Danny Richie · « **Reply #12 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 07:36 pm »

I have heard it several times.

I can't imagine there being anything better out there for the price.

The Melos that this circuit is a replica of sold for $3,950., and it got lots of raves. Gary's version cuts features like a balance control, headphone jack, number of inputs, etc, but the parts quality is better and a lot more reliable.

For $450. it's a steel. It sounds too good for that price.

One of the last guys that got a demo unit posted info about it here. His views were no different than anyone else's. He loved it but did not have the money to keep it.

One of the others guys that received a demo unit called Gary and told him he was not getting it back and that he would have a $450 check in the mail the next day. He love it too.

Same goes for all the regulars from the North Texas Audiophile group. Everyone gave it a big thumbs up.

But hey, don't take my word for it. Try one out for yourself. Your only disappointment will be if you try it out but don't have the money to keep it.

Gary's budget reference pre-amp beets it easily but that pre-amp is $1,400.

There is info in my forum about it and some pics.

His reference pre-amp is the best I have heard at any price but is considerable higher at a little over 2 grand.

Highly recommended.

Paul L · « **Reply #13 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 10:04 pm »

TIC,

I am curious whether you have compared the Monarchy 33's line amp against other active preamp using the DAC output from the 33. The line amp section was from Monarchy's 10B line amp which was very respectable.

TIC · « **Reply #14 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 10:58 pm »

Hi Paul,

I only used the model 33 using its internal DAC and the variable output from its internal pre-amp. It was a couple of years ago and my other associated equipment has improved since then, but I do remember liking the Model 33 in the configuration that I used.

I did use an alternate input on the model 33 sometimes, but it was connected to the pre-outs on my HT receiver so I could run my HT sources (tuner, dvd, tv) into my 2-channel system. This does not make for a great test as my HT receiver was mediocre at that time.

The model 33 was a nice unit, especially at the used price I paid at that time. It sounded good and seemed well built with the exception of the printing on the back which was flaking off a bit.

I also previously owned a pair of Monarchy SM-70s. This is another nice sounding product from Mr. CC Poon.

Anyway, I would not mind hearing the model 33 (or Model 22) again since my system is improved. I have a friend with a modified Model 22A. I may try it in my system when I have the Dodd pre-amp on loan. Currently I run CD direct and don't have a pre-amp of my own.

BTW, do you know if CC is planning a new DAC? The Model 33 and Model 22C are getting a little old. I'm curious to know if Mr. Poon is working on an 96K or 192K upsampling DAC or a non-oversampling model.

Enjoy,

TIC

Paul L · « **Reply #15 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 11:17 pm »

Hi TIC,

I believe you got yourself a pair of De Capos, right?

I am also waiting for the DAC. As far as I know, that is a 24/192 DAC and will be available until next year. CC's plan is next CES. I am in a dilemma to find a source that can drive the wonderful SE160. The SE160 is only one stage gain poweramp and the sensitivity is a bit low for our passive. We need at least 4V to 5V source to make it sing. The Mod DI/O is an option. I am also thinking of the 33 because of its built in Class A line stage is pretty respectable. The line amp is one stage gain and buffer. You know my philosophy is the less the better for equal quality. But CC said the 33 is very labour intensive product and does not want to re-start the production at this time. That means I may need to look at 22C.

nature boy · « **Reply #16 on:** 11 Sep 2003, 11:26 pm »

Carlman,

Did not intend to be "cheesy" with my post, just lifted the information off a retailers site and pasted it in. My level of enthusiasm may increase after I listen to the MiniMax.

NB

TIC · « **Reply #17 on:** 12 Sep 2003, 02:32 am »

Paul,

I do own a pair of De Capos (not "i"). They are a very nice speaker and sound very good in my system even though my room is less than optimum. The one great thing about them is they sound great with all of the monitor attributes, but they also have plenty of bass in my room. I'm done with trying to get a sub to integrate. I don't need a sub with the De Capos!!

Good to hear that CC is working on a new product. The Model 33 and 22C were getting a bit old. His stuff has always been a good value. BTW, I bought my model 33 for $400 about 18 months ago. Unfortunately, I was playing "revolving systems" at that time and only kept it for a few months. I ended up going CD direct and bought a Theta Miles (balanced), then a Cary CD-308, Birdland Odeon Lite (w/volume control) and I'm picking up a Resolution Audio Opus 21 tomorrow. Found the O21 locally at a good price, so what the heck. I've never owned a SOTA digital rig, but I hear that the RA Opus21 is the real deal!!

BTW, current amps are Bottlehead Paramours w/TJ 300b/2.5v output tubes or a Dodd 8 watter. Both have plenty of power for the De Capos in my room.

Good to hear from you Paul.

Enjoy,

TIC
Tom Turner in Cincinnati

TIC · « **Reply #18 on:** 4 Oct 2003, 10:22 pm »

For those who expressed interest, there is a Monarchy Audio Model 33 listed on AudiogoN tonight. $550 for a 1 year old unit that was purchased directly from Monarchy last year.

This is a little more money than I paid for mine when I purchased it 1.5 years ago, but it's not a bad starting point.

BTW, I don't know the seller. This is a "public service" announcement!!!!

Enjoy,

TIC

Whitese · « **Reply #19 on:** 5 Oct 2003, 12:23 am »

I decided to keep my Berning TF-10...I will eventually compare it with the DODD preamp in the medium future...and keep the winner!