WTB: Entry level tube preamp..i've got the tube bug :)

starkiller · « **on:** 13 Jul 2009, 10:34 pm »

well, it seems i have the tube bug. looking for an entry level tube preamp. i love my jolida cd player so now on to the pre. needs at least two rca inputs, and 4-6 outputs. have a creek cd-60 cd player for partial trade as well as the preamp being replaced, acurus L10. the creek has the rare factory remote and manual and the acurus has the manual and full brouchure.

Thanks!

srb · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Jul 2009, 10:44 pm »

I don't know of anything with 4 - 6 outputs (?)

Steve

starkiller · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Jul 2009, 10:48 pm »

oops, my error...4-6 INPUTS, 2 OUTPUTS....

rlee8394 · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Jul 2009, 11:38 pm »

Starkiller,

Give this a look.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=65165.0

Ron

pardales · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Jul 2009, 11:44 pm »

Niteshade could probably build you something that will fit your budget, needs, and be better than the mass market stuff. As suggested above, AVA stuff is great too.

chadh · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jul 2009, 11:52 pm »

There are two SAS 10A linestages listed on Audiogon right now: one for $749 and one for $700.

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/srch_fs.pl?searchstring=SAS&B1=go

By all reports, that's one great pre-amp. The Mapletree pre-amps are also great: used, you can get one for around $600. There's a sale pending on one listed at Audiogon now for $650.

The Niteshade suggestion is also a good one.

Chad

srb · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Jul 2009, 11:54 pm »

Not sure what price range is "entry level", but here are a couple to look at on AudiogoN:

Counterpoint SA-2000 - 5 In / 2 Out (I think) for $579
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1252521467&/Counterpoint-SA-2000-black--gr

SAS 10A preamp - 5 In / 2 Out for $749
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1252347138&/SAS-Audio-10A-tube-linestage-p

PrimaLuna Prologue 3 - 4 In / 2 Out for $950
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1251138961&/PrimaLuna-ProLogue-3-silver

Steve

drphoto · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 Jul 2009, 12:02 am »

Hey, I've got an old Conrad-Johnson PV-3 you can have free, if you pay packing and shipping!

This was CJ's entry level unit back in the early 80's.

It has a built in phono preamp, but I disconnected it internally and used the holes where the phono imput jacks were to install a second set of outputs. If you're the least bit handy w/ a soldering iron, you could reconnect the phono.

It works fine. Does it sound as good as my Odyssey Tempest? No....but hey....it's free!

Should be cheap to pack and ship as it's small and light.

starkiller · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 Jul 2009, 12:16 am »

drphoto

Wow! does this have the inputs and outputs i need?? cant find much on the web for it.

drphoto · « **Reply #9 on:** 14 Jul 2009, 01:09 am »

Sorry, it only has 2 line level inputs. Gonna be tough to find low priced units w/ more than that.

Here's some limited info from CJ. http://conrad-johnson.com/It_just_sounds_right/a-PV3.html

starkiller · « **Reply #10 on:** 14 Jul 2009, 01:11 am »

well, it will be a great start for me though! you also have a pm from me, i will take you up on your generous offer! shipping to 98327...and you can you fill me in on tube choices and stuff i would greatly appreciate it!

usp1 · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 Jul 2009, 01:13 am »

Quote from: starkiller on 14 Jul 2009, 01:11 am

well, it will be a great start for me though! you also have a pm from me, i will take you up on your generous offer! shipping to 98327...and you can you fill me in on tube choices and stuff i would greatly appreciate it!

Darn...I was hoping you would pass. Nice score!

TomS · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 Jul 2009, 01:39 am »

This is why I love this place. Very nice gesture drphoto

starkiller · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Jul 2009, 02:14 am »

fer sure! a very generous offer, and very helpfull to a tube newb

now that the unit will be on its way soon, can anyone tell me what brand and or model of tubes i should be looking for? i would guess that good sounding tubes are becoming scarce and i would like to have some backups.

topround · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 Jul 2009, 02:21 am »

Don't forget..this pre phase inverts!!
Very important...reverse your speaker cables at the amp or the speakers.

drphoto · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 Jul 2009, 03:00 am »

Good point on the phase inversion.

The 12AT7 tube is a nice Phillips, the 12AX7's are Sovtek.I got these directly form CJ...like 4 years ago. I wouldn't throw a lot of money into NOS tubes on something like this.

I just pulled the unit out of the closet. Seems like all the screws for the cover are missing....sorry 'bout that. Maybe take the lid to a hobby shop or electronic store and try to figure out the thread....I think they were threaded.....not just sheet metal type screws, although that would probably work.

I don't think I'm being a nice guy by offering this up for free. I need to get rid of some stuff and I don't think there would be any buyer for it. But it would break my heart to just throw it out, or give it to some thrift store, were it would languish. It was part of my first 'real' system...along w/ a CJ MV-45, a CJ Sonegraphe CD, Thorens TD-165 and Thiel 0.5's we had some damn good times.

starkiller · « **Reply #16 on:** 14 Jul 2009, 04:04 am »

ok, will hold off on tubes and listen to it for awhile then

just saw a songraph for sale here in town for $150

ah yes, our first "real" system...mine was a rega 3 tt with grace f9e, apt holman preamp with dual apt amps, and ls35/a's with dual satterburg subs...:sigh:

and despite what you say, i still really appreciate it!

cujobob · « **Reply #17 on:** 17 Jul 2009, 07:33 am »

If you still end up looking after trying out the CJ preamp.... I highly recommend a Mapletree Audio Line 2A (or Ultra 4A if you want phono). Dr. Peppard can add another input for free if you ask and you'd get 4 inputs, 2 outputs, a tube regulated PSU, either 12SN7 or 6SN7 tubes by flip of a switch, and incredible sound for the money. Never for a second regretted purchasing my MAD preamp...it took my system to a new level.

rockadanny · « **Reply #18 on:** 17 Jul 2009, 11:37 am »

Ditto on the Mapletree pre!

Airborn · « **Reply #19 on:** 20 Jul 2009, 08:49 pm »

X 3 on the Mapletree pre. The Ultra 4A SE is a great entry level tube pre with nice sounding phono stage.