2. amps-preamps
  3. 141406-119306

To use a preamp with my Line Magnetic 805 integrated amp, or not?

Hi Everyone,

So I have a Line Magnetic 805 integrated amp that has been fantastic. Adds that warmth that I now know that I was missing out on and now really enjoy in my setup. The 805 is an incredible integrated, especially with some tube rolling. I have found that I prefer its sound signature to many more costly amps in the market. As with the audio hobby though, I wonder if adding a preamp and using the 805 as a power amp would enhance the sound of my system even more?

What are your thoughts? If yes, what preamp would you suggest? Would a good match be solid state or another tube preamp?
freesole
wig's avatar
wig
1,270 posts
 
I was going to run Don Sach's DS2 Tube Pre-Amp with my LM805 but decided to go all in for Don's Combo, Kootenay 120 KT88 Amp along with his Pre-Amp is Outstanding!

Wig
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@wig Ah! Did you end up ever trying the Don Sach's DS2 preamp with your LM at all? It is rare to find someone that has tried an external preamp with the 508/805. 

Congrats on your combo btw. I bet it sounds delicious. 
rcprince
3,073 posts
 
I would try before I made any change.  You're adding additional circuitry and connections (generally not advisable) to what seems to be a pretty decent preamp in the LM, plus you will have the added expense of (and angst in choosing the right) interconnects for the combination.  You might have trouble keeping the synergy already built into the LM. 
wig's avatar
wig
1,270 posts
 

Several LM805 users switched to a separate Pre-Amp due the very cheap and basic line-stage and all came away with a much more revealing and musical LM. I didn't get the opportunity to try the pre-amp being that I sold the LM and there was a 3 month waiting list for Don's DS2 to be built.

Don Sach’s KT88 is so much better across the board and is the best equipment I have owned.


Wig

freesole OP
159 posts
 
@rcprince I am looking at trying :) I think this will be an experiment of sorts. I’m unsure of what difference adding an external preamp will make but it seems that the success rate of adding a pre to an integrated is very dependent on the system. Won’t know until I try it out.

@wig I actually really, really enjoy my LM but perhaps it is the case of not knowing what I don’t know. I have compared the LM to Naim, McIntosh, Primaluna, Hegel, Modwright, etc and liked the LM by far more than the rest. Great to hear that you like Don's stuff so much though! I might bite and get his preamp to try. 
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