[schw06]

Guys,
   I have ~$3000 to spend on a tube preamp. I own a Modwright transporter with the turbomods and a pair of class D monoblocks. I would prefer a balanced preamp. Advice is appreciated but also looking for sellers. Thanks!
Dave

[orientalexpress]

Van alstine T-8 preamp ,great price too

[Big Red Machine]

Recently took ownership of a Response Audio Purity pre based on 12AU7 tubes.  I was going to the Dodd after the MW36.5, but am very happy with this unit.  I t truly gave me the clarity and detail I was after with the ability to roll tubes.  There is a dual mono balanced version coming but it is more than $3k.  I found I did not need the balanced unit after running the SE beta unit very hard.  If not for the Purity I would have a Dodd for sure now.

[topround]

I know this is very beneathyour budget, but I would reccommend the Mapletree Audio 2 or 4 SE, I have both and have found them to be a really great combo with class d amps. I tried them with the CIA amps, Nuforce and other digi amps, the tubes add a special touch with great drive.
OK it is so cheap you could buy a pair of NOS TongSol 6 or 12 SN7 round plates at the usual exhorbitant price and be in heaven.
Trust me on this
And if you don't like it, sell it, it would sell in about 15 minutes as opposed to the Dodd which would sit for a while.

Mike

[WolfsongAudio]

David,

     Make sure to reserve some $$$ for the Blue Herons.  I have the tweeters in and the Woofers should be here in a week or so.  Not going integrated?  Still on the merry-go-round?  Well climb on next to your pals.  We are all here with you.

Mike

[Big Red Machine]

Forgot to add I use WYred4Sound amps.

[WolfsongAudio]

Also,  

     Look at some of the Aesthetix Calypso units out there.  Fully balanced, quiet, alive.  At or under your budget.  Just make sure you have some Meadowlark money left over.  LOL.

Mike

[steve k]

I just traded up from a Mapletree 5B to a VTL 5.5. While I loved the sweet midrange of the Mapletree, the VTL is a quantum leap upward in my system. Dead silent black noise floor, better extension on top and bottom, sweet midrange, big soundstage and much more resolving in detail without being harsh or forward. The VTL has tons of headroom and dynamics probably due to the dual mono power supply that is bigger than a lot of power amps. It gripped my Magnepan IIIA bass panels like I've never heard (I had always attributed control over the bass panels to the power amps but the 5.5 made a bigger difference than the 300 watt tube monoblocks I have driving the bass panels. You can pick one up used for $1800-$2000 if you can find one--it's well worth consideration.
steve

[rydenfan]

I would pick up a used Modwright 36.5 as it will likely have the best synergy with your Modwright Transporter

[topround]

I would think the synergy between the amp and pre would be extremely important, more so than the source

[rydenfan]

I would think the synergy between the amp and pre would be extremely important, more so than the source

Agreed. My only point was that Dan voiced the Transporter mods to work in conjunction with the 36.5.

I believe there are a few 36.5 owners who have had success with Class D amps as well, so he should be covered there.

[rydenfan]

I would also recommend the Audio Research LS 26

[mfsoa]

In the grand tradition of recommending gear you own, check out VAC.

My VAC has sounded great with everything it's been hooked up to.

There is an LE on Agon for 1500, a great price.

I think there is an upgrade path to a MKII for $1000, but check the VAC site for details.

I think Topround has a buddy w/ a >$3K, very new VAC pre for sale.

-Mike

[cruz123]

The Dodd is awfully good for about $2500 brand new, but it doesn't have balanced connections.   As mentioned, the VAC Standard is an excellent option as well.   There's also a couple of Lamm LL2's over on A'gon, but they're not balanced and no remote, etc.  The Audio Horizons 2.1 has a lot of fans as well and offers balanced connections.   There are a lot of good options at $3k.     

[schw06]

The amp manufacturers recommend using balanced inputs if possible but I appreciate the input! If anyone is selling a preamp in the price range feel free to pm me or respond. Thanks!
Dave

[ted_b]

Yes, a used Modwright LS 36.5 (one box) would be perfect.  I have the dual mono two-box )but had the one-box first), and a pair of monoblock Class D amps (Spectron), and a Modwright Transporter.  The synergy is there in spades!  As David pointed out, the TP was voiced for the 36.5 and the mixture of 36.5 tubes and Class D power is very very organic.

others to consider;  (all used) VTL 6.5, BAT, ARC LS 26 or Ref II Mk II, Audio Valve Eklipse (not fully balanced but XLR's), Aesthetix Calypso

[Plink]

Hi Dave, I sent you an email.  I don't have a balanced preamp but the one I do have is highly regarded.  Cheers, Paul.

[schw06]

If anyone has a preamp they were going to sell, feel free to contact me and save audiogon fees
dave