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6SN7 based Pre-Amplifier

I enjoy my 6SN7 based Counterpoint SA-11 pre-amplifier for years. Now I am looking a 6SN7 based pre-amplifer at more manageable size for my second system. The other equipments are

1. Source - Resolution CD-55
2. Power Amplifier - Counterpoint NP-100
3. Speaker - Opera Mezza
4. Interconnect cable - Silver Audio Appasionata
5 Speaker cable - Silver Audio Symphony 48
4. Music - 75% classical 15% new age 10% jazz
5. Room Size - 12 x 15 x 9

Candidates

1. AES AE-3
2. Consonance Cyber 222
3. Ming DA MC-2A3
4. Cary SLP-98

For the owners of these gears, could you share your experiences? Espeically, the Ming Da and Consonance pre-amplifers.

Of course, I am open for other suggestions.

Happy Listening.

Otto
yu11375
johnsonwu
469 posts
 
The Consonance sure looks enticing, the tube config also looks right.
(Love them 6SN7s)
The concern is whether Consonance can build a 6SN7 preamp
thats quiet and not bloom-and-gloom bloated.
It would be great if the inside is point to point wiring
(potential for turning the thing upside down into a known-world-class design if it comes up short)
But for that price I guess you cant go wrong.
jp1208
502 posts
 
The Ming needs all the tubes replaced. It is a fantastic pre-amp and not just a bargain. Modifying this would only add a bigger smile. Just plan on spending some good money on the top tubes. RCA 6sn7 Grey glass is a must with maybe a Ratheon 6sn7gt in the power supply position which I believe is the left position. Lots of combinations with this pre since there are 4 different families of tubes. You can't even begin to compare this tube to anything until you tube roll. The stock Chinese tubes hold it back in a big way.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
For $800 I don't know any better the this puppy

Cheers
johnsonwu
469 posts
 
Regarding the Ming Da MC-2A3.

Am already using RCA2A3 for rectifiers, GE british EL34 for regulators,
and swapping from among my RCA smoke glass, CBS, stubby Sylvania chrome tops, and KenRads.

Each combo yields a different flavor (color) and I am having a hard time deciding which one's best. The only thing I can say is that any of the
above NOS is better than the stock EH.

Also swapped out the "Philips" lytic cap next to the 6SN7s for Black gate 350V 150uF, and the "BC" lytic in the regulation circuit for Mundorf Lytic.
I am hoping it will make the bass tighter (cant expect too much afterall this is a pure zero feedback design).

Coupling caps/output caps are swapped to Jensen 0.22uF and Mundorf silver oil 2.2uF.

Things are settling in (the initial brightness of the Jensens are starting to fade) so I cant really give a verdict yet.
cyclonicman
693 posts
 
I owned the Cary SLP98L for nearly three years and it is an excellent preamp in it's price range. It presents a very good soundstage and is very musical. I was very happy with it, but decided to upgrade to an Audio research preamp. I also found it to be very transparent and accurate. It sounds even better with vt231's or 5692's if you are after a more mellow sound.
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