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Best tubed full-function preamp with remote

Until a few days ago I was a happy user of a McIntosh C220 mainly due to its switching capabilities and its unobtrusiveness (I am extremely sensitive to sibilance). Recently I bought an Audible Illusion Modulus 3B for my secondary system and it bettered my McIntosh significantly. More colours, more dynamics more life-like presentation and still no sibilance.

Because of use in a home theatre setting I need a remote (minimally with volume control). So what I now need is a full function (MC-able) tubed preamp with remote. Models that come to mind are ModWright LS100, Ear 868, Aethetix Janus, McIntosh 2300, Hovland 200 other?? I would prefer a one box design and 2nd hand price not more than 4200.00.- $.

Analog front end: VPI Super Scoutmaster with a Denon 103R; Digital front ends: OPPO 95 with Modwright tube modification and PC with JRIVER and Wyred-4-Sound Dac2. Speakers are Gallo Ref 3.5 driven by a Cayin 9021, V211 based SET amp plus a Gallo subamp.

Any opinions or options that I missed????
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mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,982 posts
 
Dan recommends a Mullard 5AR4/GZ34 in place of the stock Sovtek. Sorry, I didn't mean that you should replace it with a completely different tube. However, Dan has mentioned to me that a 5U4G will also work and give a little more of a relaxed sound.

Here is a thread on tube rolling with the LS100:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=92112.0
ces4x4
16 posts
 
I agree with onhwy61, wait and give it time. I also own a C-220 and its what it doesn't do that makes a good pre-amp great. You mention more colours with the 3B versus the Mac, I have to wonder if those colours are part of the recording or something the 3B is adding. If those colours are present in every recording you listen to then I suspect the amp is adding something. Even if it is and you really cant live without it then go with it. Listening taste is very much a personal thing.
shakedown
135 posts
 
Mofi....Would that also be the same for the SWL 9.0 tube rectified power supply tube??? The one inserted in mine was a Sovetec...curious to know if the Mullard would be of any significant difference.

Sorry for going off topic for a second folks...
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,982 posts
 
Shakedown, yes! I started in the Modwright realm with a SWL9.0SE, then sold it and went to the SWL9.0SE Signature.

In both units, I used a Mullard 5AR4 and it was a BIG improvement. Also, if you haven't tried yet, swap out the 5687's for a pair of Amperex Holland 7119's.
shakedown
135 posts
 
Mofi...Look to be a few versions/makers/year of the Mullard....any particular version/maker/year I should consider or steer clear of..

Thanks

And yes...I got a pair of the Amperex...nice as well, but it seems my preference was the tung sol 5687s due to my setup...you have sparked my curiosity on the rectifier tube now...
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