[guest1632]

Hi all,

Well, thinking about getting a Tube preamp, It seems the price point about $1500 or so seems to be a good starting point. With that in mind, I'm looking at either the Juicy Peach newly revised, or a Audio Electronics Supply AE3 preamp. I am kinda new on the tube stuff. Thought I'd try one. Used to Solid State gear I have a TVC, but was wondering if I could do better with either of these prees. Any thoughts are welcome.

Ray Bronk

[miklorsmith]

Used Modwright 9.0SE isn't the tubey-est but it's a fine linestage.

[guest1632]

Used Modwright 9.0SE isn't the tubey-est but it's a fine linestage.

I've heard that it's good. The Stan Warren pre is supposed to be gbetter. Don't know if I want to spend that much.

Do you have the line stage for sale?

Ray

[chadh]

Used Modwright 9.0SE isn't the tubey-est but it's a fine linestage.

And I see them showing up on Audiogon for only about $1100 or $1200. 

There are other options of course.  I'd feel guilty if I didn't mention Albert at Space Tech Labs (http://www.space-tech.lab.com), who made my pre-amp.  And eventually someone will have to mention the Ultra 4SE from Dr Lloyd at Mapletree Audio (http://hollowstate.netfirms.com).  The only real problem about these two options is that you might get a great pre-amp but have too much money left over.

Chad

[miklorsmith]

Do you have the line stage for sale?

 

You'd think so, usually these recommendations end with somebody offering one for sale.

Beware the blanket "better" tag.  There are so many dimensions of performance that rational minds will disagree over just about any such descriptor.

[oris98]

I have upgarded from Modwright 9SE to BAT VK31SE with no look back.  However, VK31SE is more than your starting range.  You can start with their lower model 3i or 5i, etc..  

[guest1632]

Used Modwright 9.0SE isn't the tubey-est but it's a fine linestage.

And I see them showing up on Audiogon for only about $1100 or $1200. 

There are other options of course.  I'd feel guilty if I didn't mention Albert at Space Tech Labs (http://www.space-tech.lab.com), who made my pre-amp.  And eventually someone will have to mention the Ultra 4SE from Dr Lloyd at Mapletree Audio (http://hollowstate.netfirms.com).  The only real problem about these two options is that you might get a great pre-amp but have too much money left over.

Chad

Hi Chad,

Hey thanks for the other mentions. I certainly don't mind the leftover money. heheh.

Ray Bronk

[twitch54]

Hi all,

I am kinda new on the tube stuff. Thought I'd try one.

Ray Bronk

Ray, with your above quote in mind, may I suggest sticking with your ABC's !!  meaning.......ARC, BAT, CJ, Cary,  if for no other reason than if you decide you don't like the tube sound these brands are well established, and very easy(generally speaking) to resell. This is in no way a knock on any others.

FWIW, I'm an ARC guy, and at your price point an LS-16 (used) would be one suggestion.

[Parnelli777]

Can't say enough about this thing. Fantastic for the money is an understatement. When they come up on Audiogon, they're usually sold in a day or two.

http://www.wright-sound.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=10

[guest1632]

Can't say enough about this thing. Fantastic for the money is an understatement. When they come up on Audiogon, they're usually sold in a day or two.

http://www.wright-sound.com/scripts/prodView.asp?idproduct=10

Hi, So you have one?

Ray

[doorman]

FWIW http://www.transcendentsound.com
 The GG pre is an amazing performer!
                                                            Don

[Parnelli777]

Hi, So you have one?

Ray

Yes. Smooth, organic, lifelike, but not mushy. All octals. I put in a pair of Sylvania 6SN7W tall bottles awhile back, I can't complain–this little thing is a nice unit for the $$$. If you're looking for remote operation of any kind, George isn't your guy. His stuff is spartan and strictly utilitarian to say the least.

[guest1632]

Hi, So you have one?

Ray

Yes. Smooth, organic, lifelike, but not mushy. All octals. I put in a pair of Sylvania 6SN7W tall bottles awhile back, I can't complain–this little thing is a nice unit for the $$$. If you're looking for remote operation of any kind, George isn't your guy. His stuff is spartan and strictly utilitarian to say the least.

How much were the Silvania 6SN7 tall bottles?

Ray

[wendell]

you might be able to find a used dodd pre, the one before the battery pre, uses 4 6sn7 and it's in your range used  or maybe a DeHavilland UV

[Parnelli777]

How much were the Silvania 6SN7 tall bottles?

Around $250.

[lonewolfny42]

Hello Ray....

How's things in AZ ?

As for a tube preamp...many to choose from in that range...but first....what amp and speakers are you using...that would help...thanks.

                      Chris

[Airborn]

And eventually someone will have to mention the Ultra 4SE from Dr Lloyd at Mapletree Audio (http://hollowstate.netfirms.com).

I'll gladly be the Ultra 4A SE pimp that Chadh anticipated.  I got mine about a month ago and it is very, very good for <$1,000 new.     Dr Lloyd Peppard is great to deal with and answers the phone himself.  You can't go wrong unless you just don't like tube sound.

[dorokusai]

I've had some great success with many pre-amps <1K. Just to name a couple....the Dodd Audio ELP(350 used), Anthem Pre-2L(<650) and the Conrad Johnson PV-7(<500).

I mean it all depends on how convenient or hardcore you want to get. If you just want to experience and roll tubes, you can get groovy for less than 1K.

Mark

[guest1632]

Hello Ray....

How's things in AZ ?

As for a tube preamp...many to choose from in that range...but first....what amp and speakers are you using...that would help...thanks.

                      Chris

Hi Chris,

Yeah, I know, just don't have the foggiest notion of what to get. I'm not looking for a fat sound, rather something that is neutral, yet will let me hear what the tube stuff is all about.

Right now, I have the Greg Ball's SKA (simply killer amp) Gd150. My speakers are a pair of Source Audio little bookshelf types. That will change soon. I am currently using a TVC but if the tube preamp is better than the TVC, then the TVC will go away. I also have an old Linn 75 watt amp. So that's it.

Currently, i am considering this Transcend preamp, with 3 12AU7's, the Audio Electronics Supply, AE3 which has 6sn7, the Juicy Peach with 6H30's, and well, maybe the 10A from SAS Labs.

I'm told the Spacetech stuff sounds good, but the chassis work is a bit flimsy. Don't know that for sure.

Well, that's what I know for now.

Ray

[lonewolfny42]

OK....thanks Ray.

I've heard the Greg Ball amp....Raver Hogg had/has one...brought it to a Rave.

Juicy Music is nice....more of a tube sound(now with remote).....as is the Mapletree (heard that at many Rave's....belongs to topround - nice pre !).

Another to consider....EE Minimax....you can play more with the tubes....not lean or over tubey....midway.

I've not heard the Transcend or AES preamps.

The SAS 10A....liked it...had it here.... midway type...good build quality.

My fav is the Modwright....used a good value.

If a remote is needed....would be the Juicy Music or Modwright from the above list.

                  Chris