Tekton Double Impacts

Cleeds, I wouldn’t by any means say that Charles is "completely mistaken." While it is of course true that there are differences in the taper characteristics of various volume controls, it is also true that, as he said, "35 db is far too much for virtually any audio system to utilize. " And I would add emphasis to the word "far," especially in applications involving digital (as opposed to vinyl) sources.

And while "you can design a control’s taper to set the output anywhere you like along the control’s rotation," a preamp which provides 35 db of gain but has a volume control taper that results in the control being positioned in the area of say 12 o’clock when used by most listeners in most systems would be an unusual design to say the least.

Regards,
-- Al

Hey guys, just a generic note on my test preamp. I use this as a unit for my bench only (it's not something I design for consumption), and it has a variable output level as well as input control that can reach up to 35 db (generally 35 db is not used in everyday testing). I was simply stating that using that preamplifier, I was able to get plenty of drive into the 6SN7 driving the 2A3. Using a lower gain preamp, the 6SN7's can still be driven, but needed a bit more volume on the preamp to do so. The 6SL7 simply has more gain in front of the power tube- needing less preamp drive at it's input. 

almarg

Cleeds, I wouldn’t by any means say that Charles is "completely mistaken." While it is of course true that there are differences in the taper characteristics of various volume controls ...

That was the only aspect of his post to which I responded, Al.  Many audiophiles cling to the misguided assumption that the actual physical position of a volume control in some way correlates to actual output power. You certainly understand that a volume control that is half-way between full-on and full-off may drive an amp at half-power, quarter-power, or nearly full power, or anything else. There's no way to tell without actually measuring.

I don't argue that 35dB seems like very high gain for a line stage preamplifier and it isn't clear to me what, if any benefit, such high gain would offer.

I would like to call out Response Audio as someone who makes great tube pre-amp..

@aniwolfe - Thanks for the preamp suggestion

@porcheracer - Thanks for mentioning the Don Sachs, I’m very curious how it sounds when you get it.

Truth be told I’m on the fence as to whether to add a tube pre-amp I don’t need, but may very much want for sonic reasons or maybe I should upgrade my Benchmark DAC2 HGC (which surprisingly, some here seem to hate viscerally, LOL, I’m just kidding.) to the AURALIC VEGA DAC which John Atkinson says sonically edges out the Benchmark DAC2 HGC (that btw he loves & so do I....hahah :-) ) by a smidgen.

or screw it all...& I’ll just get the Linear Tube Audio’s MZ2

@jcarcopo,

I looked at the LTA MZ2 and talked with some people I know and trust from another forum about it. Based on testing and critical listening, they are not fans of Berning's ZOTL design.

My main point of research became the deHavilland UltraVerve 3. Then, I was made aware of the Don Sachs preamp by someone here and on another forum I frequent. I could find no reviews, professional or private party, that were anything but positive for these two preamps. I feel like I could not go wrong with either one. The Don Sachs seemed like a better design overall and used more of the 6SN7 tubes of which I happen to 20 quality pairs. I like the fact the preamp was highly customizable for my specific setup.

Now I just have to wait for a while to get it. That is the price you pay for buying a custom made product from a person that has a decent amount of business.

I have already been told that the cap selection made for my preamp will require 100 hours of burn-in to start sounding right. Fun....