Tube Preamp Suggestions to warm up Bel Canto Monoblocks

pwhinson · « **on:** 24 Jun 2010, 06:32 pm »

I have a home theater setup with Thiels all the way around (powerpoints as the surrounds; 2.4 as LR, and SCS4 as center) along with a B&K Ref 50 - rather long in the tooth - and Bel Canto monoblocks.

The B&K has what they're calling a "stereo direct" or passive linestage mode which I've been using for regular stereo listening. Still I can't help but think that the B&K is doing SOMETHING to the signal because I hear a midrange suckout in the presence region which, when I put my brother's uber-expensive totally out of my league Aesthetix Calypso in - and it resolves the recessed midrange and provide mucho magic. So I'm looking for a tube amp that will drive the Bel Canto digital amps. I'm told the tube preamp needs to have a lowish output impedence. I don't was mushy-squishy euphonic tubes but I do was perhaps a slightly forward midrange. Any suggestions? Rogue Audio? Old ARC? Old CJ? Audible Illusions? Cary? (generally too expensive even used as near as I can tell), BAT?

Old anything I can buy used cheap? Help me develop a shortlist. All advice/suggestions welcome!

invstbiker · « **Reply #1 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 05:05 am »

pwhinson,

I have Bel Canto monoblocks MKll's and a LAMM 2.1 deluxe with NOS tubes. Sounds wonderful

Steve

rlee8394 · « **Reply #2 on:** 25 Jun 2010, 05:12 am »

This would work.

http://www.avahifi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=143&Itemid=220

Check out their new tube preamps as well.

Ron

pwhinson · « **Reply #3 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 05:28 pm »

Thanks for the suggestions. The Van Alstine rebuild of the dynaco looks very interesting although I would have to have them build one because I'm just not savvy with a soldering iron. I ran across a great deal on a used Rogue 99 magnum which I'm trying to buy (still negotiating). I couldn't find the output impedance on the val alstine website - that's an important number in matching a tube preamp to the bel canto digital amps. The lower that value the better.

mca · « **Reply #4 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 06:31 pm »

I have heard that the Rogue is a very "non tubey" sounding preamp. YMMV.

Will2 · « **Reply #5 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 06:46 pm »

Here are two direct suppliers with some great products for you to consider:

http://doddaudio.com/BatteryPoweredTubeBufferPreamp.aspx

http://www.bellaextreme.com/specials.htm

I'm not sure if you need gain or not - if so the Dodd buffer would be out - but the Dodd pre would work.

I've heard both and they sound great to me, but what do I know. If you are at all interested in either I'd encourage you to call them directly and see what they have that might meet your needs.

Cheers
Will

ebag4 · « **Reply #6 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 07:03 pm »

x2 for the Dodd!

I am running the buffer in front of a didgital amp and it sounds fantastic to my ears.

Best,
Ed

pwhinson · « **Reply #7 on:** 26 Jun 2010, 08:45 pm »

Thanks for the suggestions. I had looked at the Dodd stuff but I'm pretty limited in terms of funds so I generally buy used and I think the Rogue will be fun to play around with. From what I've read the Rogue is definitely not bloated or ill-defined on the lows or rolled off on the highs but does in fact have a bit of a forward midrange. Depending on the tubes you can make it very tubey indeed but I want ARC at the extremes but a little bit more magic in mids than ARC.