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Nuforce 9 SEV2 mated to Transporter - what pre?

I had my Nuforces for about 5 months now. I am thrilled at how these amps simply lack any sonic signature I can detect. Whatever I put around them simply seems gets amplified. Sorry I can't descibe what I'm hearing properly. Dead silence then music, all of it. But something is still missing.

I'd been using a SB3 that I modded and now own a Transporter. After a considerable amount of critical listening I have come to the conclusion that as clean and dynamic this combo sounds, it lacks soul. I knew beforehand that the omission of tubes in this setup would have to be addressed. My plan was to send the TP to Modwright and add the tube output stage. Now I've decided that before the TP gets modded, if it does at all, I want a tube preamp. My current setup is no preamp at all. I have some idea's from posts that I've read.

Dodd battery
Audio Horizon 2.1
Modwright 36.5
other???

Thanks for your advice!
128x128desalvo55
desalvo55's avatar
desalvo55 OP
257 posts
 
I've seen a lot of posts regarding the AH 2.1. I noted that the options on that pre can really push the price. It's not a bad thing as it's nice to have options! I like the Dodd because I don't need a high dollar power cable and it seems to possess dead quite simplicity. I wish it had balanced connectors and a HT bypass but still workable. I'll check out the AH 2.1. and the deHAvilland Mercury II.
kenk168
175 posts
 
Hello,

Have you experimented with isolation/dampening/decoupling devices in place of the stock feet?

I liked my MCH3SE-C7 (multi-channel, HT equivalent to the 9V2SE) when I first got it. However, over time it grew fatiguing especially with the brighter recordings at higher volume. I have essentially cured it now with a set of Finite Element Ceraball footer (or something equivalent, but I strongly caution against hard footers such as spikes as it will only exacerbate the problem) supporting the amp on top of an 1.5" chopping block. If that's not enough, try another set of Ceraball for your source (cd player) and pre. I found that the amp's extremely revealing nature merely points to system imbalance elsewhere if it isn't synergistic with its liking. Now, I love the set up and can enjoy music for hours at a time w/o fatigue but just pure enjoyment.

Hope this helps,

Kenobi
rydenfan
67 posts
 
I highly recommend the Modwright 36.5
yoby
538 posts
 
Kenk168 nailed this one. Excellent vibration control changes everything.
desalvo55's avatar
desalvo55 OP
257 posts
 
I don't have any direct isolation under my Nuforces or my Transporter. I do however have my devices sitting on the Adona isolation platform rack. I thought this might be enough. That being said I really don't experience listener fatigue on this setup, HOWEVER, my wife does. I chaulk it up to the tweeters used in my Def Tech BP2000's.

I know, I know, but hey, first off, I have a pair of LS-6's on order as well as a pair of their UFW12-HR subs which should provide an amazing combination - really amazing. I can tell you this. Def Techs never sounded so good. Stupid good considering their heritage..

Giving the nature of my setup, I find that it's the little things that mean a lot. Things like the difference between the Furutech plug and a Oyaide 079 plug - they sound different - the Oyaide perhaps too clean or sterile! Knowing that I will heed the advice given and try some isolation footers.
Thanks for the advice!
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