2. amps-preamps
  3. 1188364335

tube pre suggestion

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently running an all nuforce system with the P8 preamp and the ref 9SE (currently v1, soon to be v2) amps. I have this hooked to Thiel PCS speakers.

I'd like to dump the nuforce pre and try something else. I've heard that a tubed pre is the way to go with my amps...a buddy of mine who I trust heard the Modwright SWL 9.0 SE with the nuforce amps and said it was incredible.

I'm new to experimenting with preamps--my other system has a Krell integrated so I've never needed to play with in this area. Any suggestions on where to start? My budget is $1500-$2k, and I'm thinking used market exclusively to maximize my value.

Comments from the Audiogon Gurus are appreciated!
samgupta101
samgupta101 OP
63 posts
 
Just wanted to thank everyone again for all the great suggestions. I've got many more leads to check out that I otherwise would not have known.

Mdrummer01--we also share the same choice of ICs...i've been runnng the AZ matrix IIs as well. Great soundstage and the used market is pretty fertile with them!

thanks again :)
-Sam
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vicdamone
850 posts
 
This may be out of left field but..............

After a short time I found the combination of my SE's, and my speakers to be so transparently resolving that the presents of my tube preamplifier had me listening to the preamp. There is absolutely nothing incorrect about this after all this is all about a matter of taste and I can't comment on the P8.

I would strongly suggest you audition a battery powered preamp against a tube model along with a player/DAC with tubes in the output stage before you commit.
sherod
1,690 posts
 
Grant,
To get the best sound out of the AH preamp, if you have a nice pair of Siemens CCa tubes, put them in locations one and three. The preamp is also sensitive to power cords so experiments will be necessary there as well to fine tune the sound. Allow 40-60 hours break in( possibly more) for the new preamp before serious evaluations. Have fun in your evaluation. I'm also anxious to hear how the Belles 350A compares to the VAC Musicblocs.
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