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High Output Preamp for First Watt SIT-3?

I'm new to the audiophile world and recently purchased a First Watt SIT-3 with Magnepan .7s.  I have a Mytek Brooklyn Bridge for streaming, though I prefer to play vinyl with my Mofi Ultradeck.  The Mytek serves as the phono stage (69dB gain for MM?), and I don't use a preamp;  the Brooklyn is connected directly to the First Watt. 

I understand that the SIT-3 is only 11.5 dB of gain, and that's extremely low compared to most amps.  I like most everything about the system except for the fact that I have the Mytek maxed out volume-wise many days.  Certain LPs are cut quieter, and I wish I had more power.  There are times streaming where the Maggies aren't getting to their sweet spot.  I realize the Maggies are a lower sensitivity speaker. 

What should I look for in a preamp to fully drive the SIT-3?  Eventually, I'd like to replace the phono stage instead of relying on the Brooklyn.  Is there a tube preamp featuring a phono stage with sufficient output to drive my amp in the $4k range?  Otherwise, I'm eyeing the Modwright PH 9.0 and a linestage preamp, realizing that this will probably be costlier.  I'm looking for a warm sound, not analytical but engaging. 

Any help is greatly appreciated.  I'm a working musician with a basic understanding of related electronics but little experience in this world. 

murphbass
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Mglik, ,
You make some very compelling points. When all is said and done subjectivity rules. You have to choose what ’you’ feel sounds best and provides the most enjoyment and satisfaction,. Murphbass says he’s on the "cusp" of what he wants with his current audio system make up. So it’s quite conceivable that the addition of system signal gain could put him where he wants to be. We are discussing what ’he’ wants.

With the right cartridge (which Al has asked about and rightly so) the suggestions posted here of various high gain preamplifier/line stages could be the solution in this specific scenario. I have to acknowledge that from murphbass’ perception (not mind or anyone else) he is quite close to his objective.
Charles
kw6
692 posts
 
Don’t look down on Klipsch. I have owned Martin Logan stats and my Maggie 1.7is are sitting in a box. I had a 200 watt amp when I was using the Maggies. Right now I am using Klipsch Heresy IVs with the Pass Xa-25 with a c-j ET3se. Sound is more solid and dynamic. Very musical! BTW would love to try your Sit-3🙊
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Al,
As soon as I posted I saw your response, you beat me by a minute. It seems that we have reached similar conclusions (😊)  regarding gain versus more power to drive the Maggie. 7 speakers. 
Charles 
murphbass OP
9 posts
 
Mglik-
Great info.  Quads have always been on the 'list.'  There's a lengthy thread on the Hoffman forums about which amps make them 'sing' that I bookmarked yesterday but have yet to read.  Does 'sand' refer to silicon and transistors, the graininess of solid state or something else?

I was a working musician until the coronavirus cleared my calendar.  Fortunately, I'm also an essential worker.  The Maggies don't reproduce the lowest octave(s), but in some sense, it is the truest representation of acoustic and electric bass I've heard.  My audiophile friends tease me about being a bassist yet not getting the support from my system. 

Greg-  I was hoping to hear from someone with the .7s and SIT-3.  Encouraging to know that you are liking that setup with a good preamp to match.  Similar room, too!
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Murphbass,
Didn't see your latest post until I'd left a reply. Anyway I feel you made a good decision when all is factored in. There are truly excellent higher sensitivity dynamic speakers available (I listed a small sample a couple of days ago). I don't believe that you will miss the Magneplan speakers. 

I also believe you'll love SET amplifiers if you decide to go that route. As with mglik I'm a devoted SET aficianodo. 
Charles 
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