Anyone heard the Audcom AP-120?

ooheadsoo · « **on:** 22 Mar 2004, 03:24 am »

I need a VERY inexpensive preamp. I was thinking bottlehead foreplay for the longest time, but there are just so many compromises that come with that system out of the box. I have practically no electronics knowledge, though I can solder if I have to. However, adding outputs and a tape out...all beyond me. The independant channel volume controls don't make it too friendly either, and the stepped attenuator upgrade is a disastor for me because I need very fine low level volume adjustment.

This brings me to the Audcom AP-120. The two or three reviews I have read are very positive! It's also got the second output that I need to use with my subwoofer. I'm not sure if it has a tape out...it'll be bad if it doesn't but then, the foreplay doesn't have one either, stock. Anyone here in the circles hear this preamp?

mgalusha · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 Mar 2004, 04:36 am »

There is some information in this thread. The thread is primarily about the panasonic receiver but there is some info on the Audcom. I really loved the looks of this pre and was amazed at the value for the money. It was a little soft top and bottom but it appears to have a lot of potential.

I think Wayne (Bolder Cables) is planning to work up some mods for it but I don't know for sure.

Mike G

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Mar 2004, 04:38 am »

I had heard at least one person had sent theirs to Wayne for modding. Paul from Bzbees also mods them.

The thing that everyone seems to have said is to roll in the 12au7's. However, I'm concerned that the gain will be insufficient for my poweramp.

mgalusha · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Mar 2004, 04:45 am »

The Audcom had tons of gain. Even on it's lowest setting it seemed to have plenty of gain. I don't know what the stock tubes are but even if the 12AU7's drop the gain you may be fine unless you have a very low gain power amp. Of course I'm just speculating and may be completely wrong.

mike

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Mar 2004, 05:11 am »

The stock tubes are the 12ax7's I believe, which is probably why it has tons of gain. AFAIK, the 12ax7 has one of the highest gain ratings.

Thing is, at any but the lowest sensitivity setting on my poweramp, I sometimes get hum that is very annoying. Instead of having my poweramp serviced, I'd just like to use a preamp that lets me use my lowest sensitivity setting where I can never hear the hum. I had to bump the sensitivity setting up because I'm currently using a passive preamp.

hjsouth · « **Reply #5 on:** 27 Mar 2004, 12:44 am »

See my post dated March 26th under Boulder Cable. hjsouth

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #6 on:** 27 Mar 2004, 01:38 am »

I read your comments. Thanks!

7V · « **Reply #7 on:** 28 Mar 2004, 07:34 pm »

Quote from: ooheadsoo

I had heard at least one person had sent theirs to Wayne for modding. Paul from Bzbees also mods them.

The thing that everyone seems to have said is to roll in the 12au7's. However, I'm concerned that the gain will be insufficient for my poweramp.

I've got the Audcom AP-110 preamp, modified by Paul, and I love it. In my system, the 12ax7s sound fine. I haven't tried the 12au7s.

I don't know how similar the AP-110 is to the AP-120 but if it's in the same ball-park I would recommend it at the price, without hesitation.

Oh, and there's masses of gain.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #8 on:** 29 Mar 2004, 04:49 am »

Where do you buy Audcom? Is there a web dealer or a link?

ooheadsoo · « **Reply #9 on:** 29 Mar 2004, 05:04 am »

Sekei is the only one I know of that has the 120 on their website, though they sold out of their initial run in a jiffy.

www.sekei.com

There's also an audcom dealer for the 110 on agon, but I'd be happier to deal with Andrew at sekei.

vrs · « **Reply #10 on:** 29 Mar 2004, 05:13 am »

hopefully in a couple of weeks, we can hear the opinion of DAM about the modified unit by Boulder.The other dealer in audiogon-his prices may be higher, but his mods are cheaper.But i do not know the extent of mods.I guess it all balances out.