2. amps-preamps
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Preamp shootout: Linear tube audio, Modwright, etc.

Hi Audio friends,

The world of preamps is taking me down a lot of rabbit holes and I'm curious what everyone out there thinks.  My journey here started with using my Dac direct to amp.  As soon as I inserted a dedicated pre the debate over pre vs. no pre ended.  Didn't realize I was missing a third of the music.  My current rig: wilson sabrina's, Coda TS v2 power amp, exasound DAC, silnote & cardas cables .  I was using a Modwright LS100 and I'm currently trialing the Linear tube audio ref pre.  The LS 100 is holographic, images well, but is not nearly as open or detailed as the LTA.  The LTA is gorgeous through the mids, but is a little muddy through the bass and not really suited for hard rock.  Wonder if different tubes would make a substantial difference to the LTA?  If anyone has experience please share. 

What other options might be considered in this price range?

 

cshadow
cat_doorman
237 posts
 

There’s a tube rolling thread about the MZ3, which was the same circuitry as the pre until the latest update, but I didn’t see anything specifically about bass issues.

Another contender for you might be the Aric Audio Motherlode II. Review

big_greg
6,647 posts
 

@cshadow You might want to read through this thread - more commentary on Herron preamps.  I believe the OP also had a LS100 before the Herron.

 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 

"I think a lot of us tried the DAC to amp experiment so do not feel alone. I used to discount the importance of the preamp and thought it was a place to save money. My current preamp costs as much if not a little more than my amplifier so yes, I clearly changed directions on this topic. My .02 is to put all you can into your pre and punch a little above your weight if possible. Cheers."

+1 @phcollie. There's no better teacher than experience.

Charles
cshadow OP
19 posts
crozbo
33 posts
 

If you want to wander off the beaten path slightly, I suggest you take a look at the LKV Research Line One pre-amp.  It is a solid state differential balanced preamp, no remote, separate power supply, and to my ears better than the LTA microZOTL preamp (which I use to own) for detail, sound staging, and overall musical presentation.  It will not win any beauty contest, but it is worthwhile considering.

wjob
64 posts
 

Are you testing the original or upgraded (level 2) LTA preamp?  I just got my LTA preamp returned with the upgrade today and the bass is a bit deeper/tighter. Still evaluating other aspects of the upgrade - definitely a bit better overall.  I would agree with those who posted above about rolling the small tubes - since the LTA doesn't drive the tubes hard, it makes it easier to upgrade without worrying about burning through expensive tubes.  I put in some NOS Siemens 12AU7s and the sound definitely was a little clearer and cleaner over the stock tubes.

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