2. amps-preamps
  3. 1065806189

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
unsound
7,329 posts
 
I've never heard one, but, the Bent products might be worth looking into.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
I have the Bent Tvc passive, mine is two input model and would work well with your Naim at 2.1v output..the Bent does not like cdp's with high output. It should also be a great match with your speakers. Talk to John at Bent Audio about a match with your amps.

Here is a link to a review of the Bent, this Model like mine has the older case design (the new models have a new case design) which is very nice..they also have remote.

http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/m.pl?forum=amp&n=16560&review=1

Dave
jax2 OP
3,031 posts
 
Thanks for all the input. I've decided to give Dan Wright's prototype amp a try (thank you Tvad). He's making one for me with a single input and a single output. I'll post the thread with the results. Dan was very responsive to both emails and phone calls, and was a pleasure to talk to. He also happens to be 3-hours south of me in Portland, OR. As Tvad mentioned the pre-amp is a prototype for one he intends to put in production, perhaps with certain refinements. It is a two-tube class a design. This is from an early email he sent me outlining the details:

4 Inputs, 1 output. (mine will have only one input)
19dB Gain.
Class A.
Zero Feedback.
2-Tube Mu design - 5687 tubes.
Grayhill selector.
Noble volume pot.
Cardas RCA's.

This circuit is a culmination of what we have learned
with our tube mods for digital gear.

Beta Price = $600.
Project Production Price = $1200-$1400.
30-Day Return if not satisfied with Beta Units.

Beta customers will be offered Production units for
60% of retail when available and we will take Beta
units back for 100% credit towards purchase of
Production unit.

The only condition for the 30-day guarantee is that the returned unit is mint. I was intrigued by both my conversations with Dan and his use of the NOS 5687 tubes (AudioNote uses these in some of their designs). I'm not sure if he's filled his quota for the beta program, but he mentioned that he was limiting that to a dozen units and I believe I was the ninth to agree to the deal.

Marco
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