2. amps-preamps
  3. 161076-3879

Tube Preamp for SMC Audio power amp. (300B?)

I have been using 2a3 and 300b SET for years. Unfortunately never quite enough power to rock the house so I have been using my 2a3 set as a preamp to a SMC (McCormack) DNA 0.5 (fully upgraded).

The SET has issues as a preamp and so I am looking for a tube preamp (with remote volume) to complement my SMC amp, Ayre DAC, Greenmountain EOS with RAAL Tweeters.

I have loved the sound of my 300b and am wondering  if anyone has experience with the Manley 300b preamp. Might be out of my price range so alternatives would be great.  The added value for me is I have some very nice and expensive Emissions Labs mesh 300b tubes.

Sure the SS guys say there are options that sound like tubes but my experience is there is a 3 dimensional quality to my tube amps that can be somewhat acheived with a tube preamp and Class A SS amp.

I would love to come in under $4000 and generally always buy used stuff.  Must have a remote volume (blasphemy I know), and hopefully a gentle turn on.  SMC recommends leaving the power amp on 24/7.

Thanks in advance for your useful responses.
drewh1
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
Audiotroy - thanks for your helpful feedback.  Very direct and useful.  I am not sure if these hit the market used but I'll keep my eyes open.

drew.
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
One other question - to those of you who use the Don Sachs - any issues with power on, noise, surge etc.  The SMC guys are concerned about tube preamps having power up issues.

thanks.
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
Soix - I just talked to Pat at SMC.  The standard RCAs are 100k, apparently the  balanced inputs have a lower impedance.  I do not have balanced inputs on my amp.

drew.
soix
9,942 posts
 
So you’ll want to go with a preamp with about 10kOhm output impedance or preferably less. BTW, there’s a Sachs pre on US Audio Mart for $2150.  A pre I’d look at would be the Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL.  Best of luck in your search.
drewh1 OP
115 posts
 
soix - I checked that Sachs on Audio Mart, 4 yo and only $500 cheaper than the newest version. I checked with Don and he is not offering any more upgrades for that one, so I pulled the trigger and got on his waiting list - sounds like December. I have a DIY Pass buffered pre so I'll immerse myself in SS so that the DS will sound even better when it gets here.

Thanks again for your input.
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