2. amps-preamps
  3. 185752-1614

Any High End Tube Preamps with *gasp tone controls?

After dropping in a vintage Scott 222C into my system while my amp was out for repair I'm really missing the tone controls now that my amplifier is back. It seems sacrilegious but I just can't get the bass where I want it without a bit of boost plus I'm sure my hearing is changing as I get older so why not be flexible... even if it results in me being thrown out of the audiophile club.

dhcod
dhcod OP
710 posts
 

My Luxman tone controls are outstanding.

Which one do you use? I'm trying to get my tube tech to let me borrow his CL35 III. I read that the CL34 might be the best sounding, though.

newbee
4,767 posts
 

I'm all in for a Loki TC placed in a tape loop. I use one and the change it makes when needed far surpasses any potential down side. Used between the amp and preamp, I'm not so sure. If you don't have a tape loop, I'd seriously consider placing it between the source and the pre-amp. FWIW.

toro3's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
toro3
334 posts
 

@invalid the Space Tech Lab VSUB-100 looks really interesting.

For myself, I’ve always been really interested in the Decware ZROCK2 with its simple 2 EQ curves. 

dhcod OP
710 posts
 

McIntosh MX 110Z in the house. This thing loves Jazz. Tone controls are nice but maybe not at the most useful frequency? I saw something about that on an another post. The loudness is pretty useless. Just bloats everything out. But Jazz is wonderful sounding...

Next week Luxman CL35 III.

I tried a Loki Mini last night and it muddled up everything in my setup. I'm trying to get ahold of a Max.

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

McIntosh MX 110Z in the house. This thing loves Jazz. Tone controls are nice but maybe not at the most useful frequency?

Ok..I’ll bite. What are the most useful frequencies?

Jazz is wonderful sounding...

Why only jazz? What strengths and weaknesses made this old tuner/preamp good with jazz but less ideal with everything else?

The MX110 was part of the first stereo system that I ever heard back in 1965.  Pretty sure that more modern McIntosh would be worth a listen.

More to discover