2. amps-preamps
  3. 163401-13968

preamp upgrade suggestion around $2000

Hi,

I am looking to upgrade my preamp.  I am currently using a Luxkit A3300 preamp.  Other components are:
Naim Uniti Serve streamer
Musical Paradise MP-D2 DAC
Otomon Lab custom build 300B amp
Spatial Audio X5 speakers

I am looking for a tube linestage between $2000-$3000.  From several years ago, I read good things about the following:

Cary SLP98
Modwright SWL 9.0 SE
Supratek Chardonnay
And more recent ones with good reviews:

Coincident Statement LineStage
Linear Tube Audio MZ2/MZ3
Don Sachs Model 2 preamp
I have three questions:

1) Is there other models I should consider?  
2) are those in the first group still good options since they are older models?  3) anyone have experience in them and can do some comparisons?



gte357s
zm
121 posts
 
I should clarify that I don’t think the Sachs is a particularly noisy unit; just that it is noisier than the MZ2, which is a supernaturally quiet preamp. Kind of the same dynamic to my comment about the bass - the Sachs bass is good, it’s just that the MZ2 bass is tight and slams like solid state.

The Sachs is an excellent unit, but if OP is looking for something on the cooler side to balance out the tubes elsewhere in his system, I would probably steer him to the MZ2 out of those two units. 

I love them both for different reasons and on the whole wouldn’t say one is “better” than the other. They have different strengths and weaknesses, and I think it comes down to personal taste.

*Edited to correct that I’m using the Black Treasure CV-181 in my Don Sachs, not the same tubes as previous poster as I originally wrote.


nwres's avatar
nwres
233 posts
 
zm, try the Shuguang Treasure WE6SN7. I had the BT's, sold them. You might be surprised.

zm
121 posts
 
@nwres thanks for the tip, I might give those a try.  I’ve tried to avoid going down the 6SN7 tube rolling rabbit hole, but if I’m being honest it’s probably only a matter of time.  And the MZ2 can use 6SN7 too.....
adg101
1,063 posts
 
gte357s

Looks like your DAC has preamp out... if so have you tried going direct bypassing a preamp? I have a ModWright LS36.5 which is a great preamp and previously had the SWL 9.0 SE which is outstanding for the money as well. As nice as my ModWright is I am currently listening to my RME ADI 2fs DAC/Teddy Pardo direct to my amp and it’s outstanding. You don’t mention or note vinyl in your setup so I would suggest forgoing a preamp or at least give it a try if you haven’t.
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
@adg101 

I am glad you ask.  Yes, I did.  My power amp also have volume control.  Before adding the preamp in the chain, I directly connect the DAC to the amp.  Then after I bought the DAC, and also try the preamp mode of the DAC.  I confirm that, to my ear, having a preamp gives more definition to the music especially on the bass.  This is the reason I decided to spend more money to upgrade the preamp.
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