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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
jayrossi13's avatar
jayrossi13
188 posts
 
@tvad

I’m using a Supratek Cabernet with a SIT-3, it’s a really synergistic pairing. My speakers are Klipsch Forte III’s, however, which are very efficient.

The gain adjustment comes in handy on horns.
mikem
260 posts
 
@charles1dad , The SIT3 improves with a lower ohm load, according to Nelson pass. using a 16ohm speaker, He suggests using a 4 ohm resistor across the terminals leads.
Its a different animal than most amps..
whoopycat
169 posts
 
Good thread.  I don't have much to add, other than Charles mentioned Coherent speakers.  I am currently running a SIT-2 with Coherents and it is the best amp/speaker pairing I have personally heard.  I have the Model 10 (no longer in production), which is 94db efficient.  

Those Tetra speakers look awesome.  I remember that Stereophile article about Ron Carter's system and his Tetras looked stunning.  
zm
121 posts
 
I run an SIT-3 with 8 ohm Omegas and definitely got better performance out of it by dropping 8 ohm resistors in parallel with the speakers. I run it with both an MZ2 and Don Sachs Model 2, works well with both although obviously very different presentations.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
@whoopycat,
Coherent Audio speakers seem to fly beneath the radar. All comments I've come across in regard to  them are consistently very positive.  
I have no doubt your audio system sounds beautiful with those speakers driven by the First Watt S,I,T. 2 amplifier.
Charles 
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