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Any comments on the deHavilland UltraVerve preamp?

I am thinking about replacing my Audible Illusions Modulus 3 (not a 3A) with a new deHavilland UltraVerve preamp. Has anyone had any experience with the UltraVerve? The reviews have been great, but I would rather have comments from people who actually own one.

Thanks,

Mastro
mastro
mastro OP
3 posts
 
Thank you Dawgcatching. I really appreciate your comments. Have you heard the BAT VK 3ix, Audio Research LS17, or the Parasound JC2? If so, how do you think they compare with the UltraVerve?

Thanks,

Mastro
dawgcatching
139 posts
 
No, I haven't heard any of those. What I did have in my system over the past 2 months were the ARC LS26, Classe CP-700, Herron VTSP-1a/166, and the Ultraverve. The LS26 is probably the comparison you are interested in: the LS26 was a little less warm in the midrange (with a Tung-Sol black glass in the UV), a bit more clarity, perhaps a tad deeper soundstage. For example, percussion in orchestral music came across clearer with the LS26, and sounded a bit more vibrant and real (also with piano). I thought the low end was similar on each preamp. Overall, I preferred the LS26. The ARC is at least 3x more expensive on the used market and definitely was no where near 3x better. Maybe like 3-4% in my system: the UV2, if the sound is what you are looking for, is well along the curve of diminishing returns. Still, I wouldn't mind owning the LS26!
classical1
168 posts
 
Hi Mastro:
I used to have an UltraVerve & thought it was everything those reviews say. The only reason I got rid of mine was I went to equipment with all balanced inputs.

I now have a BAT VK-3IX which I think is a great preamp for the price (probably similar in price to the Ultraverve.) I couldn't compare them now as it's been @ 3 years since I've heard the UltraVerve.

I could be mistaken but I think DeHavilland has a 30 day return policy. I think highly of both companies for their product & customer service. I feel I'm staying with BAT for the long term.

I think both of these preamps offer a very good value. Good luck!
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
i auditioned the ultra verve , in preparation for a review. i returned the preamp without reviewing it.

if you favor a tube preamp that sounds more like solid state, you may prefer this preamp.

i replaced the tubes, but still noticed an unforgiving, overly focused,sound, bordering on an analytic presentation.
fiddler
581 posts
 
Mr. Tennis, why would you possibly return the preamp because it didn't suit your listening taste. That's what reviews are for; to tell us lemmings what you liked or disliked about a certain piece of equipment and why. By describing it for the rest of us who may not have an opportunity to listen to the selected piece of equipment, you could at least give us one person's interpretation of the scenery.

On the other hand, if you are afraid to write a negative piece due to the possibility of not getting future equipment to review, then that explains your decision to return the preamp without review. If that's the case, it's another sad example of the cancer in this industry.
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