Aric Audio Systems Unlimited Preamp


They have a tube model called Unlimited that appears to be a decent value for < $800. It is tube rectified and with pair of tube voltage regulators and 12AX7 driver tubes. It even has a phono stage. Anyone is familiar with this preamp?
128x128kalali
You're very welcome Ray, and much appreciated on the kind words! When switching over to the 5U4GB, the presentation will be slightly more laid back due to the higher internal resistance of the 5U4GB versus the 5AR4, but you may find this is a good thing! The reason why an OC3 and OD3 regulator may need to be subbed when switching to the 5U4GB is there is an additional 20 volt drop in the power supply output when using the 5U4GB, and depending on your wall voltage, may be just enough of a drop for the dual OD3's to not stay lit reliably. In that case, when you go to the OC3 and OD3 pair, the B+ voltage will be dropped to around 275 volts instead of 300 volts which is still right in the range for the Unlimited to operate and sound its best :-)
Aric,thanks again! I just ordered a Sylvania 5U4GB and a GE 0C3. Both should be here by Tuesday.
Awesome! You're very welcome and please do let us know how it works out! Best regards, Aric
I’m also very curious to hear how the 5U4GB and 0C3/0D3 combo will sound as compared to the 5AR4 and 0D3/0D3 arrangement. Please report back. I’m currently running a Tung-Sol 5AR4 (vs. the stock Sovtek) and a pair of NOS GE 0D3s. Couldn’t really tell much of a difference is sound quality. I just thought the GE tubes' Coke bottle shape looked a bit cooler. For me, trying different brand(s) of the driver tubes by far made the most difference in the sound signature of the preamp.
Aric, out of curiosity, what would be the effect of running a pair of 0C3s with the 5U4GB?
@kalali I would not recommend a pair of OC3s as the regulators as they'll drop too much voltage which will cause the dropper resistor to absorb too much current and run very hot (hotter than it's rated). Using the 5U4GB I would recommend the OC3 and OD3 which will provide a much more ideal voltage to other components in the preamp. It will drop very little voltage, and provides a slightly more laid back presentation :-) Aric