6SN7 Preamp Kit? Any Good?

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Gvt1911

6SN7 Preamp Kit? Any Good?
« on: 4 Jan 2011, 01:27 pm »
Hi Folks,
Looking for some kit to do for the winter. Don't have much money and I found this kit:
http://cgi.ebay.com/6SN7-SRPP-Tube-Pre-Amplifier-DIY-Kit-S3-Stereo-/220710460509?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item33635e5c5d
Was wondering if it was worth doing?  :scratch:  Any suggestions? :thumb:
Thanks

poseidonsvoice

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Re: 6SN7 Preamp Kit? Any Good?
« Reply #1 on: 4 Jan 2011, 02:01 pm »
Gvt1911,

Well...I wouldn't.

Why?

I don't need 23 dB of gain. And most systems don't imho.
I've tried lots of SRPP preamps and they have an 'edge' to them that didn't work in my system. The top tube is supposed to be an excellent current source, which in an SRPP design it isn't. These are excellent active current sources.

The power supply schematic and parts on the linked web page is generic, adequate for the design but ho hum in quality. In fact the PS design can be improved considerably, think choke input and you are on the right track. Try AC heaters instead of DC which almost always gives me a washed out sound that is flat and undynamic with the exception of current regulated DC heaters.

Try an Aikido instead - a much better design in my honest opinion. He also has designs with full power supplies directly on the circuit board if that's what you want. This one looks good.

Of course you get what you pay for. Flame throwers welcome, I won't be responding...

Anand.

jtwrace

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Re: 6SN7 Preamp Kit? Any Good?
« Reply #2 on: 4 Jan 2011, 02:22 pm »
If you don't need all the gain and aren't set on 6SN7's what about one of these?
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=88985.0

poseidonsvoice

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Re: 6SN7 Preamp Kit? Any Good?
« Reply #3 on: 4 Jan 2011, 02:30 pm »
If you don't need all the gain and aren't set on 6SN7's what about one of these?
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=88985.0

An excellent suggestion. A kit too, if that fancies you!

Anand.

jtwrace

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Re: 6SN7 Preamp Kit? Any Good?
« Reply #4 on: 4 Jan 2011, 02:50 pm »

Gvt1911

Re: 6SN7 Preamp Kit? Any Good?
« Reply #5 on: 4 Jan 2011, 04:09 pm »
Thanks for the input. I did build an Aikido preamp and was not thrilled with it. Some CD's sounded great while most others sounded "strange". :(



 John's boards are top notch and it was a fun project. :) I have a Dodd MLP preamp and love it, but wanted to go with some form of 6SN7 unit, since I have a bunch of them and believe it to be a VERY good preamp tube. I am now using a Cary AE-3 MKII with good results after I upgraded the caps.
Thought maybe the ebay pre would be OK, but I guess I should save my money. Gotta find something to keep me off the streets. :icon_lol:

jtwrace

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Re: 6SN7 Preamp Kit? Any Good?
« Reply #6 on: 4 Jan 2011, 04:11 pm »
If you go 6SN7 then you need these.  :D http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=87989.0

poseidonsvoice

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Re: 6SN7 Preamp Kit? Any Good?
« Reply #7 on: 4 Jan 2011, 06:06 pm »
Thanks for the input. I did build an Aikido preamp and was not thrilled with it. Some CD's sounded great while most others sounded "strange". :(



 John's boards are top notch and it was a fun project. :) I have a Dodd MLP preamp and love it, but wanted to go with some form of 6SN7 unit, since I have a bunch of them and believe it to be a VERY good preamp tube. I am now using a Cary AE-3 MKII with good results after I upgraded the caps.
Thought maybe the ebay pre would be OK, but I guess I should save my money. Gotta find something to keep me off the streets. :icon_lol:

Fantastic build! Well you know the Aikido sound and I'm afraid that the 6SN7 SRPP you linked would sound worse by comparison.

You might need to up the ante and build a full differential design or start using DHT's in the linestage  :P

Anand.