2. amps-preamps
  3. 1402500030

Need advice on a tube line stage

I'm looking to add a tube line stage to the herd. It will partner with a Bryston 4B SST2 amp through Thiel CS2.4 and GoldenEar Triton 2 loudspeakers. Primary source is a Cambridge Audio 840C CD player.

Budget is ~ $1,500 up to maybe $2,500 (but that end of the budget would probably force me to sell my current Parasound JC2).

Some options appear to be:

Trancendent Sound Grounded Grid (new $900)
Audio by Van Alstine Transcendence 9 (new 1,400)
Modwright SWL 9.0SE (mint used $1,450)
Quicksilver Remote Control Line Stage (new $1,600)
Audio by Van Alstine FET Valve CF (new $1,900)
conrad-johnson Classic 2SE (new $2,200)
Audible Illusions L3 (new $2,500 with some $ voodoo)

I would like a slightly more liquid presentation than I currently get with my current rig. More "musical". I no longer value extreme transparency as much as I did, partially because I'm no longer mixing records and don't need my system to double as a reference. That said, I don't want anything overly soft or veiled.

Thoughts?
Ag insider logo xs@2xja2austintx
response34's avatar
response34
169 posts
 
Hi JA,
It will be interesting to see your findings with a passive unit(s). Curious as to which ones you will be trying.
I have found that passives and solid state amps don't provide the most potential the amp has to offer. There seems to be a lack of resolution and "drive" with passives.
After designing tube preamps for almost 20 years, I don't think I have 5 customers that prefer a passive unit. Not trying to start a debate of active vs passive but simply would like to hear about your findings.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
ja2austintx OP
64 posts
 
That is consistent with my previous experience; hence, I have a couple of passives that aren't being used. :)
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Wow thats great.
musicfile
341 posts
 
I have a great Audioprism Mantissa that would fit the bill
It's been fully upgraded and sounds very good
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Ja2austintx
I hope you have 10kohm log value passive pot, as your poweramp is quite low in input impedance.
If any higher than 10k it won't be a great impedance match into your poweramp, gain will be fine, but impedance not very good.

As for inputs, the one I linked to (above) has 4 inputs with the better rotary selector, and great quality Alps Blue Velvet pot

PS: It's just been pointed out to me, for a few dollars more this seller has the same unit but with even better disctrete switched 1% metal film resistor volume pot, even better than the Alps Blue Velvet.

[url]http://www.ebay.com/itm/Passive-Preamplifier-Stepped-attenuator-passive-preamp-/271424718624?pt=US_Home_Audio_Amplifiers_Preamps&hash=item3f322c8720[/url]

Cheers George
More to discover