2. amps-preamps
  3. 1104446446

Tubed preamp suggestions?

Well I've finally decided to sell my Supratek Syrah. I loved it but the phono stage just wasn't for me. My AT 440ml MM was overloading it and I'm just not commited enough to vinyl for that good of a phono stage. The plan now is to get a nice tubed linestage and pair it with a high quality outboard phono stage that offers both mm and mc inputs. That would work with my current cartridge and allow for future upgrades. Some units I'm considering are the Joule Electra LA-100 MKIII and the Herron VTSP1A. They both sound appealing to me, the preamp will be paired with my Cary 300B Signature monos and Alon Lotus speakers. Either one of these linestages better, or better with my setup? Any others that I should be considering. This seems as if it's going to be a slow process since I can't seem to get any sellers respond to questions or potential offers! It's really strange, I've emailed 4 different people and have yet to get a single response. Ah well, it just gives me more time to ponder and solicit some opinions from you guys. Let 'em fly! And happy new year to everyone!!
128x128jond
metralla
945 posts
 
Jond, it will be very interesting to hear your report. I was particularly brief with my comments, but Ecclectique read my mind and said in detail what I was thinking. Anyway, the deal is done and we await your impressions.

Regards,
dannoh
2 posts
 
Upscale Audio is selling these pre-amps at what seems to be a pretty good price. Anybody know anything about this model?
Also, I seem to remember something about connecting the cd player to the tape loop of the pre-amp for a better sound. Any suggestions?
jond's avatar
jond OP
5,883 posts
 
Dannoh what preamps are you referring to? We need a brand name and model designation. As far as the tape inputs go, I concur, on all of my preamp I've run my cd player (primary source) in through the tape inputs bypassing the selector switch for a more direct signal path. The result seems to be a touch more transparency with no drawbacks.
dannoh
2 posts
 
The pre-amp from Upscale is the Antique Sound Labs AQ2002DT. I'm wanting to switch to tubes, but have a pretty tight budget. Any opinions on this model?
zorrosdens
1 posts
 
Hello Jond, I'm a type of beginner here and in the audio higher ends, but have some personal experience with simple and well made stuff. You may already be familiar with Tube Audio Design (TAD). They seem to have a very well made remote controlled unit you ought to consider; the TAD-150, check it out at http://www.2baudio.com. You may find it interesting to review....Good Luck.
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