2. amps-preamps
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Decent preamp to match my modest system?

I have a pair of 1980 vintage Cornwalls with Crites tweeters and ALK networks, and I alternate between 6V6 and PP EL84 Magnavox console pull amps. Front end is a Denon DP-52F turntable with a Denon DL-103 and Cinemag-based SUT.

I've had a Superphon Revelation, Accuphase C200 and an Audible Illusions 2C. All three had their pluses and minuses, though I liked the Superphon's sound the best *except* for the outboard transformer buzz I could never conquer. I'm not religious about tube vs. solid state. I'm half tempted to just scratch build a Joe Esmilla-ish tube preamp, but I can be persuaded to try anything, even a cheap '80s Japanese box, if the sound is good.

Any ideas?
soldersplatter
ts0711
91 posts
 
A used AI mod 3 with the mc phono board will smoke the mapletree.... No disrespect intended but I bought a mapletree 4 se when I had my modulus upgraded. It's OK for the price but you can do much better.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,384 posts
 
Ts0711:

I agree with you 100% regarding the AI mod 3. I have a Mod 3A with the John Curl MC phono preamp and it is superb. I recently bought the newer Mod 3B preamp and I am going to have the mc phono boards removed from my Mod 3A and installed in the Mod 3B. I tried to use a Denon SUT instead of having to pay a tech to unsolder and resolder the mc pre, but there is NO comparison with the sound with the Mod 3 mc pre beating it hands down.

The build quality is very remarkable considering the price. It is even more so in the newer Modulus 3B, and the sound quality is a night and day difference compared to the Modulus 3A.
ts0711
91 posts
 
@stereo5,

The 3B is truly a work of "Art"... I've got the JC gold board in mine and have been loving it for a few years now. If you want better you have to break into the >$5,000 price range. I've got the original VPI Aries with a Rega 300 incognito arm and Denon 103R cartridge for vinyl playback and see no reason at all to upgrade. From time to time I swap out the AI for my Bent passive with an Italian phono pre, but ultimately I come back to the modulus 3B.
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
682 posts
 
Throw a low powered SE amp on those puppies and you'll really hear what those Cornwalls are capable of. I heard great things of the low powered 1626 Darling amps and there are other custom SE amps are always available from time to time as well.
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