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Good tube preamp for McCormack DNA 500???

I just purchased a dealer demo McCormack DNA 500. I have decided I want to pair it with a tube preamp and I'm looking for the best fit within my price range ($2500 new or used). My research has uncovered a thread here on Audiogon that quotes the designer, Steve McCormack, recommending that any tube preamp paired with the DNA 500 (10k ohms input impedance) should have less than 800 ohms output impedance and the "lower the better".

Heeding this advice here is my top five: (1) Manley Jumbo Shrimp @ 50 ohms; (2) Purity One @ 180 ohms; (3) VAC Stantard LE @ 350 ohms; (4) Joule Electra 150 MK.II @ 400 ohms and (5) Conrad Johnson PV 15 @ "low" (can't find specs.) ohms. These are all currently for sale on Audiogon and are used except for new Manley J.S.

The rest of my system consists of Aerial 10-T speakers with mid-$$-range Synergistic Research cables and a highly modded Anthem CD-1 digital source. I prefer a warm, rich sound with no rolled off highs, mids or bass. Remote control is a must but I don't have a high care factor on balanced vs. single ended.

I would appreciate comments from anyone who has had success with a tubed preamp and the DNA 500 or anyone who because of their vast knowledge or experience with such matters cares to comment. Thanks in advance for you input!
shoff
brf
1,715 posts
 
What is your sonic objective? More warth, detail, dynamics?

The Sonic Frontiers Line 3 will work with the McCormack but will sound completely different than a tubed CJ, VAC or the Joule.
mike_in_md
84 posts
 
I have a DNA-1 coupled with a custom Line 2A SE pre from Mapletree Audio Designs(uses a pair of 6SN7s and a 6X5 rectifier). Sounds fantastic and was only $1200.00 See it here http://hollowstate.netfirms.com/
droz
20 posts
 
I would second the recommendation of the CJ 17LS. I use this with the McCormack DNA 500 and Thiel CS6 speakers; I have been very pleased with the results.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
The SF 3 will probably have the lowest output impedance you'll find in a tube pre, it's DC coupled, so DC offset isn't as likely to damage the amp, it has true differential balanced outputs to match the true differential balanced inputs of the McCormack DNA 500. Oh yeah, it also has compartmentalized separate power suppl(ies), balanced and SE inputs/outputs, tape loops, remote control, headphone amp output, and most importantly is one of the most neutral sounding tube pres your likely to find.
rootmann's avatar
rootmann
78 posts
 
I use a VTL 5.5 feeding my DNA-500 into a pair of Magnepan 3.6R's. Works well for me.
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