Pre-amp to combo with Mccormack DNA 0.5

I've got a DNA 0.5 Deluxe and use it with a TLC-1 with great results. The TLC has two outputs, one passive and one buffered. I connect the passive outputs to the 0.5 and the buffered to an HSU sub. Sounds wonderful. You should be able to find a used TLC-1 for $350-400.

Moonrat: I wish I could find a good deal on a CJ here, in Brazil there are no representatives for this brand... I'll try to get my best though

Labtec: I'm considering a passive unit, I think that to get a good Active unit I'd have to cash out $1000+. Especially considering the abusive prices in my country...

Sfar: The salesguy told me I WOULD NOT BE ABLE to use the buffered and passive outs SIMULTANEOUSLY. That's one of the things that put me off the TLC-1, as I wish to use a sub. Now, you're telling me that you DO use both at the same time. I sincerely enjoyed the TLC-1+DNA 0.5 combo, and now I enjoy it even more. Can you confirm this information?

Many regards to all...

I have a DNA .5 Deluxe that I recently modded to near rev A status.Definitely save up for the mods after you get your preamp. You'll never even think of upgrading again, unless of course you go for a whole different type of system - like a 3 watt triode amp.

As for preamps, I originally had a TLC-1 passive. It ruined me for life. There is damn few active linestages that have the transparency of a passive unit. Unfortunately, the passives lack dynamic impact. If you listen to any kind of rock or jazz or BIG classical, then I would suggest bypassing the passive route and going for an active unit.

The McCormack amps have a high input impediance for use with passives, so are also a good match for tubed linestages. After a lot of searching I finally found a unit that was almost as transparent as the TLC-1, and gave me much better dynamics (BTW - the mods to rev A also improved the dynamics greatly). You will definitely have trouble finding it anywhere though, those who buy one don't get rid of it often. It's an Audio Prism Mantissa preamp, now owned by Mark Levinson and sold under the Red Rose banner.

Now, if you don't go with a passive to begin with you may not have my problem with transparency. But if you do go passive first, don't say I didn't warn you.

Enjoy,
Bob

Thank you for warning me, I use mainly more agressive music, so I could have problems with the passive unit. WHat do you think of Mcintosh C36 or C40 instead?

I've got a chance to acquire either a Quad 99 pre-amp or the acclaimed Adcom GFP-750 instead. How do those sound?