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TRL Dude Dilemna

Based on all the high praise for the TRL Dude preamp here and other sites, I took a chance and bought one from a local A-goner to see if it could displace an Air Tight ATC-2 preamp currently in my system. The two amps I currently use are a McIntosh MC-402 and Viva 845 SET Monos. It turns out that the Dude is not compatible with either amps due to an impedance mismatch. So I only got to hear the Dude in a compromised performance mode.
I was not quite wanting to give up on the Dude yet given everyone else's enthusiasm about its performance. I am considering the Samson monos as a natural match. I can convince myself that the Samson's could be better than the MC402..My real issue is that I would have to give up the Vivas. Not sure I can make the leap that a solid state amp will satisfy me as much as those SET Vivas. Then there is the leap of faith that I cannot hear the Samsons with purchasing them....
Has anyone replaced their SET amp with Samsons and remained satisfied with the decision? My speakers are the Green Mountain Audio Continuum 3 which are about 90db efficient with an impedance 6.5 Ohms, +/- 0.75 Ohms 150Hz to 20kHz. Thanks for your input..
tellefsen
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Jennifer Lopez? hey I`m with you, sorry Dude.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,481 posts
 
Mark, you're missing Eva Longoria and Anne Hathaway.

As far as the TRL preamp, I'm convinced it does things other pre's don't get.

With the addition of Deulund Alexander Caps (installed myself) game over!
jtwrace's avatar
jtwrace
443 posts
 
Where did you install the Dueland caps? You got rid of some of the big Sprague caps?
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,468 posts
 
The Duelund caps are the coupling caps. I also put these in and Pat and I are amazed at the sound. Keep in mind they cost $400 for the set of 2. We purchased the 3.3 uf value. They are first rate caps and very expensive.

They replace the small caps located towards the front of the Dude. The ones laying on their side. Your's are most likely white MIT caps.

Improvement can be heard in all area. Yes, all areas. Not a slight difference, but rather obvious. More of the Dudeness comes out. More of everything you love about the Dude. It does not change the character of the Dude at all. Just more dynamic, more extended bass and highs, improved air and tone, bigger stage etc....

One other thing I must tell Dude owners. Tube rolling is another place to really have fun with. Not just the 6sn7's , but the 6080 and OD3 in the power supply. I purchased NOS tubes for these positions from Andy at Vintage Tube Services and wow was the improvement nice. He selected nice RCA tubes for me that test perfectly.

The combined impact of the tubes and Duelund caps is amazing and a must for Dude owners. I also use 1940 RCA 6sn7 tubes from Andy.

While I am at it. Get Paul's power cord on the Dude. When you do these things your Dude will be in the best shape of its life and will treat you to tunes delivering unsurpassed joy and smiles. Really!
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,468 posts
 
One more thing I really need to add. Paul has a great ear and uses coupling caps in the Dude that are neutral sounding and of high quality. Understand I am a budding DIY guy and have modified amps, speakers etc... I enjoy it and am learning. Paul knows more about sound and electronics in one hair on his head then I do.

I rolled a bunch coupling caps in the Dude and the Duelund Alexander caps are the only ones i liked better then Paul's stock caps. This is my preference folks. I do believe they improved the sound in all the ways I mention. In my system, room, and my ears.
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