2. amps-preamps
  3. 1064952582

I think I want a tube preamp

Hi kids, I'm hoping for some advice. I have Linn Wakonda that I think has always been the weakest link in my system, plus I've been curious about a tube preamp for a while. Does anybody have any experience with the Quad QC-24 vs the Cary SLP-88? I am on a very limited budget, and would have to sell the Wakonda or trade it in. I need to keep it at $1200 max. I'm using a Linn Karik as a source, and a Cary SLA-70b Sig with KT90's driving ProAc response 2.5's. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
alcides
khaki8
206 posts
 
Eastern Electric Minimax. Just got a Blue Moon award from 6moons.com Just got mine today and out of the box sounds great but needs 100 hours of breakin I'm told. The pictures don't do it justice. Truly a beautiful and small piece of eye candy. The faceplate is a bow front panel of brushed aluminum with matching knobs and the body is painted in grey/blue automotive car paint and is stunning.
Retails for $1200.
jrd351
332 posts
 
the quad would be a nice pre for tour system, and there seem to be used ones in mint condition for under $600....its a lot more for your money than the minimax in the sound dept.
jwmazur
191 posts
 
I agree with Khaki8!! This preamp is fantastic. I put some NOS tubes in it and it went even further. The dealer, Galen Carol Audio in San Antonio gave me a great price on it and was great fun to work with. The importer, Morningstar Audio Imports, is fantastic for support.

This little jewel just sings. I have had had some well regarded tube preamps in my system, including the Hovland HP-100, and I feel no angst at not having something more expensive.

Give it a try. You can't lose.
mattybumpkin
590 posts
 
I have been doing some reading and the mini max does seem to be quite a bargain, would love to hear it. Two things to be aware of is that it inverts the phase and it has a high output impedance. These are not bad things, but just things you should be aware of when either attemping to match with an amp or are running in a system.

Regards,
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