2. amps-preamps
  3. 956425327

Help! Need tube preamp to finish system.

I've been working on putting together a good stereo system for about 2+ years now and would like opinions/advice on what I consider to be maybe THE MOST important part of a good rig; the preamp. My system consists of the following starting with the front ends: Sonic Frontiers SFCD-1, Ah! Tjoeb 99', Sim Audio P-4001 class A linestage w/external power supply, Marchand XM126-2AA vacuum tube crossover w/external power supply, McIntosh MC275 for bass duties, Mesa Baron for the stats, Kinergetics SW800 subs and Martin Logan CLS II's. Discovery powercords (where able) and DH Labs interconnects and speaker cables throughout. I don't need any suggestions of pre's with processor loops as I already have a decent rig for the HT thing. All advice and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, March
marchman
sedond
1,387 posts
 
hi all, re: my adcoms, i really don't think there's a synergy problem here - bass was outstanding before, and while adcom stuff takes a beating in the hi-end press (mebbe too much value for money?), i've never heard anyone knock its bass response. only comments about its bass i've heard is that ya have to spend mega-bucks on something like a big krell/levinson/etc, to get marginally improved bass response. what i think is going on here is i early-called it in complaining about the rogue 99's bass response. it *has* improved markedly in the week since i've hooked it up, and while i hope it improves more, even if it doesn't, its *other* virtues are exemplary enough to satisfy me until i can consider the funds required to try something like a bat 50se, which is beyond my budget, even used. and, besides, the wife has already forbidden me to sell it & re-hook up my linn kairn! she *loves* it! ;~) so, i have pulled the ad, and shall place an ad to sell the linn. regards all, doug
sedond
1,387 posts
 
hi tom, no problem about the typo, i'm an idiot anyway, remember - i dint even *see* it 'til ya pointed it out to me! ;~) regards, doug
david99
1,467 posts
 
Doug- Do you have some killer tubes in the 99? I replaced my factory NOS which I paid extra for with some better NOS.Kevin Deal @ Upscale Audio is up on whats good for Rogue gear.I got better bass with better NOS.3 Black Diamond Racing cones under my 99 really tightened things up too.You are not an "idiot" You made a wise decision.Give the Rogue some time and I think you will be glad you didnt dump it.I found the Harmonic Tech.Pro-Silway MK 2 interconnects really was a great match for the 99 and my Dyana. Tell your wife she has good ears and to keep you in line!!
sedond
1,387 posts
 
hi david, rogue installed nos phillips tubes w/their *magnum* upgrade. i'd be curious as to what other tubes might give tighter bass response in thte rogue 99. thanks, doug
david99
1,467 posts
 
doug-My 99 came with Penta's in the linestage.In the phonostage they came with (2) Sovtek LPS 12AX7 and (2) Jan Phillips 12AU7.As I had ordered what I thought was ALL NOS tubes I investigated.I called Penta Labs.They claim they "DONT KNOW" what their tubes are(?) and dont even try to help the curious! In fact they are a bit rude.I called Mark and he said he thought the Pentas are Jan Phillips,but he assured me they are NOS.ANYWAY!! I kept the Penta's in the linestage but replaced the Sovteks in the phonostage with Telefunkens,the Jan Phillips with Radiotechniques.These have a similar sound to Bugle Boys.My deeper and tighter bass came from the better NOS phono tubes.If you dont have a phono stage all you have to worry about is the linestage tubes.Again,I feel you should call Kevin Deal @ Upscale Audio. He is a tube expert and Knows a good "Bass" tube for you.Wait a bit longer for your 99 to fully burn in before you spend more money.My 99 took 200-300 hours to level off and show what it can do.Be patient,you may find you dont need better tubes.
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