[88man]

I've been trying to keep an open mind about tube preamps. I received some great suggestions from several members on U.S. tube preamps. Since it's impossible to hear any of these preamps in person, I have to rely on reviews and user judgement. I am looking for a sound that will offer a different palate from my Odyssey SS preamp. I am leaning toward the 6SN7 topology.

I am looking for a big, extended FR, transparent, 3D, sound with a large soundstage. Considering the following:

1. VTV Ultra Sonic Line Stage - ? no reviews
2. Mapletree 2A - too "classic tube" sound; few reviews suggest slightly rolled off highs.
3. Melos MA333R - impossible to find
4. AE-3 MkII - impossible to find
5. Transcendent Ground Grid Preamp - topology not 6SN7
6. Decware CSP2 Preamp - topology not 6SN7

Nothing is perfect. I've read all that I can about the following preamps, and on paper it looks like the VTV Ultra Sonic Line Stage Preamp may have the sound that I am looking for. Thanks to JackD201 for his initial suggestion for the VTV! I tried e-mailing VTV, but didn't get a response. So I thought if others can comment on the sound of the VTV Ultra Sonic Line Preamp?...

Thanks.

[poseidonsvoice]

Can't answer your question, all I know is that it is a direct coupled design using a common cathode gain stage and a cathode follower that is AC coupled to the output. The AE-3 is similar. I used to own a Bottlehead Foreplay that used the same general design philosophy using 12AU7's and I really loved it at the time. Its a tried and true topology that works.

Here is another preamp you didn't mention but uses the 6SN7 and is DIY if you are up to it.

Blue Velvet.

Best,
Anand.

[JimJ]

There's someone on DIYAudio that built a 6SN7-based Grounded Grid...just search for it and you'll come up with the thread.

Or, you could build an octal Aikido board and use 6SN7s. John Broskie has all-in-ones that have a SS rectified PSU already on the PCB, or just the preamp stage if you want to go tube rectified or have your own design.

[poseidonsvoice]

There's someone on DIYAudio that built a 6SN7-based Grounded Grid...just search for it and you'll come up with the thread.

Or, you could build an octal Aikido board and use 6SN7s. John Broskie has all-in-ones that have a SS rectified PSU already on the PCB, or just the preamp stage if you want to go tube rectified or have your own design.

I agree. The Aikido that I've heard just has wonderful sonics. Inexpensive as well. Great choice.

Anand.

[twitch54]

6SN7.........Cary Audio clearly comes to mind !

[88man]

... I was away for a while. Good advice here. Firstly, I tried calling Vacuum Tube Valley and their number is disconnected - so there is that answer!

Anand, I've had the Blue Velvet schematic for 2 years, and have always been fascinated to build it. I've steadily bought some components for it too - NOS Matched Sylvania 6SN7-GTB tubes, RCA OA2 tubes, etc... Someday I'll get the Tung Sol 6SN7 Round Plates if the circuit sounds good...

Jim, the Aikido seems like it's a versatile beginners kit. I could even use the Blue Velvet power supply in the Aikido since it has tube rectification, tube regulation, and heater voltage regulation all with a B+ of 204Vdc. Making judgments from a PCB design, I wasn't aware that the Aikido Octal had good sound.

A 6SN7-based Grounded Grid sounds alluring too. I'll have to look into it...

Thanks guys!

[JimJ]

The Aikido is pretty flexible for power supplies...the BV supply would work great

I'm really tempted to build one myself, just need to figure out how I'm doing the chassis...