2. amps-preamps
  3. 126620-32

Do all tube preamps leak DC?

 I want to pair an Audible Illusions L1 tube preamp with a Job 225 amp. Although both pieces have high gain, the gain can be reduced manually via two gain controls on the L1 preamp coupled with a master volume control. But here is my concern, the Job 225 amplifier has a Direct Coupled circuit that could potentially pass damaging DC leakage on to the speakers. So the question remains, do all tube preamps pass DC to one degree or another, specifically the Audible Illusions tube preamp?
phd
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,405 posts
 
I have been running Audible Illusions preamps (Modulus3, Modulus3A, and Modulus3B) for years into 3 different power amps, 2 Classe' amps and an Odyssey and never ever had a problem.  My only gripe is the preamps have too much gain!!!
phd OP
1,320 posts
 
Thank you Erik & paul79 for your input, I'm feeling better with this combination already. Although 6 Moons considers the Job 225 has set very high standards & his first listening tests with a tube preamp was one of the cons as he was getting some crackling sound which suggested that there was some DC leakage and quickly switched to a ss preamp. He also thought  Job should consider DC servos in the future to correct this. This is why I was somewhat concerned.
phd OP
1,320 posts
 
Stereo5, yes I do see your concern with too much gain and although Audible Illusions did provide a way to reduce the overall gain on the L1 that provision was not afforded to the M3a (still is a spectacular sounding preamp in its own right though).
erik_squires
16,121 posts
 
Next you can get into the world of cap upgrades...:) :) :)

Best,


Erik
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Most great ones do not.
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