2. amps-preamps
  3. 1271198479

Tube Preamp for Solid State Monoblocks?

Hi Guys/Girls of the Hi-fi World

I just acquired the Audio Zone D2 Monoblocks rated at 200wpc and of the Class D variety.

I have been hearing great things about a tube pre and solid state power amp combo and I think this would suit me well.

Any suggestions for a good tube pre (preferably under $700 used or new)?

Also, I already have a little dot MK III, would this be a good match?

Any input is greatly appreciated!
everettjsj2
newbee
4,790 posts
 
Tube pre-amps can be an excellent substitution for a ss one depending on what you expect or want to accomplish by adding one.

What about adding a tube pre-amp do you think would 'suit you well'. The reason I ask is because the answers you might receive will be influenced by your expectations as well as offers of other possibilities.
proac1
20 posts
 
I was looking at the same monoblocks. Can somebody tell me if i can use the Copland CTA402 integrated as a preamp to match it up with the monoblocks?
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Proac1 if the CTA402 has pre outs you can use external amps with it.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
9,670 posts
 
Can somebody tell me if i can use the Copland CTA402 integrated as a preamp to match it up with the monoblocks?
No, you can't.

First, it appears to not have preamp output jacks. It just has tape output (and input) jacks, which presumably are not controlled by the volume control.

Second, most or all tube integrateds (or more precisely, integrated amplifiers that have tube power stages and output transformers) should not be used as preamps, because operating the power amplifier section without a speaker load can cause damage.

Regards,
-- Al
proac1
20 posts
 
A1, thank you very much. I have been waiting for a while to get an answer after posting the same question on other threads. This helps.
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