Invasion of the mini preamps

mattybumpkin · « **on:** 24 Oct 2003, 02:23 pm »

I don't know if it is just me or not since I am looking for a tube pre, but I have noticed there are quite a few mini tube pre's out there for under a grand. usually 1 or 2 inputs, 1 output, minimal features, etc.

Dared, Dodd, Decware, Eastern Electric, PhillyAudio, Space-Tech, IRD, Radii, etc.

Are these really a good bang for the buck? How do they compare to bigger pre's like the Conrad Johnson PV10AL or an Audible Illusion 1L or 3A. These older models can be had for about the same $.

I want a tube pre for my McCormack DNA-125, which is quite sensitive (100K input impedance, 1 volt RMS sensitivity). CDP is 1-2 volts.

Thnx,

Matty

byteme · « **Reply #1 on:** 24 Oct 2003, 04:13 pm »

Having only heard the Philly out of that group it's hard to tell. However, I'm on the IRD list for a demo of the purist. I've recently been seeing a few AI Line 1's on audiogon. I've got no need for a phono section so never look for those preamps, but the AI has had such a good reputation I'd love to listen to it. However, dual volume controls would drive my wife over the edge, so, sadly (or maybe not! one less choice!!) it's not an option.

I love the Philly though, especially for what I paid for it. The only drawback thus far is the tubes that make it sound the best (396a's) are apparently some of the most microphonic tubes on the damn planet.

jqp · « **Reply #2 on:** 24 Oct 2003, 05:18 pm »

Quote from: mattybumpkin

I don't know if it is just me or not since I am looking for a tube pre, but I have noticed there are quite a few mini tube pre's out there for under a grand. usually 1 or 2 inputs, 1 output, minimal features, etc.

Dared, Dodd, Decware, Eastern Electric, PhillyAudio, Space-Tech, IRD, Radii, etc.

Are these really a good bang for the buck? How do they compare to bigger pre's like the Conrad Johnson PV10AL or an Audible Illusion 1L or 3A. These older models can be had for about the same $.

I want a t ...

IRD does not make a tube pre - you may be thinking of the nOrh ACA2b.

I have heard great things about both of those, and I am also on the waiting list for an IRD preamp demo!

mattybumpkin · « **Reply #3 on:** 24 Oct 2003, 05:32 pm »

Yes,

I stand corrected, the IRD is not tubed.

Matty

mattybumpkin · « **Reply #4 on:** 24 Oct 2003, 05:40 pm »

The IRD does sound interesting though....

gotmikey · « **Reply #5 on:** 24 Oct 2003, 05:52 pm »

I've demo'd the Dodd and now own one. For $450.00 you can't beat it although a remote would be extra nice.

TIC · « **Reply #6 on:** 24 Oct 2003, 07:58 pm »

I have also auditioned the Dodd. It is an excellent piece. Great sonics and incredible build quality. An additional benefit is the cost of retubing-only 2 inexpensive tubes!

Two inputs and an HT bypass/processor loop is plenty for me. The Dodd is a fine product at $450.

If you need to spend less, you could build a BottleHead Foreplay.

Enjoy,

TIC

Danny Richie · « **Reply #7 on:** 27 Oct 2003, 10:42 pm »

I still have to highly recommend the Dodd unit.

I am good friends with Gary Dodd so you can take my opinion for whatever it's worth.

But, undeniably his $450. pre-amp is the same circuitry design as the Melos MA-333 that was in Stereophile's class A recommended component list.

See list: http://pachome1.pacific.net.sg/~axiom13/reccom97.htm

Gary has used higher quality parts and made it more reliable too.

Oh yea, Gary bought out the remaining Melos inventory several years ago.

I don't know how this one can be bettered for the price.

myoung · « **Reply #8 on:** 29 Oct 2003, 07:41 pm »

I'm auditioning the Dodd preamp this week. It's too soon to tell whether it will help my modest system -- I'm hoping for a boost in dynamics with LPs by placing it between my Plinius Jarrah phono pre and my nOrh SE-9 integrated. The nOrh has a passive preamp stage, so I figured it was worth trying the Dodd, especially since Gary builds 'em just up the road.

So far, I'm extremely impressed with the build quality and the very cool looks of the preamp. All of the connections and controls are absolutely first-rate. As for the number of inputs and outputs, I only use two sources, so that works fine for me.

BTW, when I picked up the preamp, I mentioned I was looking for a headphone amp, too, and Gary handed me his demo. Again, my time with it has been limited, but based on a first listen -- WOW! A buddy and I have a listening session planned for this weekend featuring both the pre and the headphone amp and comparing 'em with his ARC preamp and his MiniMax headphone amp.

Mike

mattybumpkin · « **Reply #9 on:** 29 Oct 2003, 08:04 pm »

Mike,

I would be very interested in your feedback in regard to the above.

Let us know,

Matty

Danny Richie · « **Reply #10 on:** 29 Oct 2003, 08:55 pm »

Hey Mike,

I heard the headphone amp too. I couldn't believe it. It was the best I have ever heard hands down. Wow is an understatement.

I posted some info on it in my forum and recently added some pics.

See here: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=4333.msg36644#36644