2. amps-preamps
  3. 1291933636

$3500 to spend on a tube preamp....ideas?

Suggestions? Amps are Herron M1 monoblocks, Speakers Von Schweikert VR4-JR's. I borrowed a McIntosh C2300, and while it was good, it wasn't THAT much better than my Modwright 9.0 Signature. Bass was a little deeper, soundstage a bit more open, instruments more focused, but again, probably not worth $3500 to upgrade to. Also had an LS26 from ARC in my system, again, similar performance level to the C2300 and slightly more dynamic than the Modwright. With $3500 to spend, is there anything that can get me to that next level in dynamics? I am really happy with the other hardware in my system.

ideas: Herron VTSP3a, Rogue Athena
VAC Standard LE, Modwright LS36.5, Conrad Johnson Premier LS 16II, Dehavilland Mercury 3:

other options?
chiho
johnsonwu
469 posts
 
The x8 got a few of my friends fooled.
It's EXACTLY in the x8 that we found these fake caps.

Follow this link to see the pride of ming da: 68.183.226.200/mc2a3-2/FakeFilamentCaps.JPG

$800 is a good price though, not a penny more.

No respect for tube specifications, and a rip off of Allen Wright's 3 stack totem pole follower.
jp1208
502 posts
 
looks like Ming DA is stepping up a bit with the MC300. At least they show using some Jensen's.
johnsonwu
469 posts
 
In the same picture depicting those "Jensen" caps are these caps (this pic is from the mc-2a3x8)
http://68.183.226.200/bill/DSCF0157.JPG
you decide whether they are real or not.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
drrsutliff
860 posts
 
Get the VAC Standard LE. The LE version is superb (I own one and am amazed by it everyday). I changed from using more expensive NOS tubes to the VAC sourced ones after a conversation with Kevin Hayes and have not looked back. It is voiced in a way that comes across as "right" to my ears. The only way I would part with mine is if I could afford to move up the VAC line.
jp1208
502 posts
 
Johnsonwu, I see the picture but it looks different than the MC2A3x8 version from Pacific Valve. So those are fake M caps? I am wondering if there is an ebay version and Pacific Valve version? I emailed Ming and they said Pacific Valve buys direct from the factory and is an authorized dealer. They also stated that if you do not buy from an authorized distributer chances are you will not get an original. If you bought one of these pre/amps direct from an authorized distributor and found fake caps I would think you would be able to prove this to them and send the unit back. Did your friends buy the x8 version from this distributor?
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