2. amps-preamps
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Single input Line-Stage Pre-amp

I have a simple question about a simple product so please no suggestions for pre-amps in general as there are numerous threads about that I can access in the archives. My question is, are there any (many?) manufacturers who are marketing a stone simple, uncompromising, single input / single output line stage pre-amp (exactly like the many such offerings there are in Phono preamps)? In both my two-channel systems I only have a single component I wish to listen to. I don't need the extra space and switching compromises that a multiple input preamp provides. I seem to recall that Decware and perhaps some other DIY kits may offer this, but do any of the high-end manufacturers make something like this...preferably a tube design. I do love my Cary SLP-50A...it's small, has only three inputs and one output, overbuilt like a tank, and sounds fantastic paired off with my SET amps, but just wondering if I could get something even more to the point with just a single input and no switch? Any suggestions?
jax2
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
Hey Marco!

I own the Luminous Audio AXIOM passive pre, and for $125 it is very good, but seems "flat" in the soundstage compared to tube preamps if you know what I mean. It has very good dynamics and frequency response though.

I am in the process of purchasing a THREE input tube preamp that is getting good reviews. It's called the MiniMax and is from a new company called Eastern Electric. A very simple design utilizing point-to-point wiring similar to the Blue Circle preamps and it's only $1200. Read some of the reviews at: www.eeaudio.com. When I get it I'll send you an e-mail and let you know what I think.

Check it out!

Dean
mejames
986 posts
 
placette has excellent passive and active units which are EXTREMELY transparent sonically.
rcprince
3,074 posts
 
I'd be curious if Dennis Had might be willing to make one for you if you asked him. He seems like enough of an enthusiast, always trying out something new, he might make you a special order. Since you like your Cary unit, something you might consider.
cellorover
424 posts
 
I recently asked myself the same question and did a fair amount of research and experimentation. Many passive devices will reduce dynamics. Sound quality is also a function of the CD player output. AudioNote has tones of gain, so most passive devices work well. So it is important to listen to the options.

Stan Warren has a schematic for a new buffered line stage. If you send him a SASE he will send you the schematic and 1 day later you have a preamp. Placette is one option. Gilbert at Blue Cirlce will make his BC3 preamp for you with a single imput. Portal Audio will be introducing a remote controled volume control in the near future. Ray Samuels at Ray Samuels Audio has a simple 2 input unit. So, yes, there are options, but you need to take the time to listen and be sure that it will mate with your system. Get a used McCormack and have Steve update and modify it to single input at the same time.

Hope this helps.
reubent
7,037 posts
 
JAX2,

Per my suggestions, just because they are inexpensive doesn't mean they aren't good! Why spend big bucks if you don't need to. BTW, the Dodd is pretty good, using the circuitry from the $3500 Melos that Gary Dodd bought the rights to. Also, the Space-Tech. has gotten good reviews and has been compared to $3000-5000 units. I have not heard it personally.

I also use SET amps. For my single souce needs, I don't use a pre-amp at all. I use a Resolution Audio Opus 21 CD player w/built-in volume control. At $3500 list, it does a great job for CD playback and pre-amplification.
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