blakey72 Posted June 12, 2019 Share Posted June 12, 2019 Buy something legendary and keep it. This is an investment. http://www.westonacoustics.com/page0071.html 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audible1 Posted June 14, 2019 Share Posted June 14, 2019 my experience with ML amps of this era is that the power amps sounded relatively bright, which matched their rather softer sounding preamps. I haven't personally owned the 431 exactly but have owned the 300 and 500 series amps. They were always best when matched with their own preamps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
statman Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 I've done a very extensive and detailed guide to previewing tube preamps. Its on my blog www.supratekaudio.blogspot.com.au If moderators wont allow the link I'll paste it here as text. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelossus Posted June 15, 2019 Share Posted June 15, 2019 1 minute ago, statman said: I've done a very extensive and detailed guide to previewing tube preamps. Its on my blog www.supratekaudio.blogspot.com.au If moderators wont allow the link I'll paste it here as text. That was a great read. I am in the market for a tube preamp also and Supratek is on the short list. Just a quick question: I require balanced outputs as I run a reasonably long run from my preamp to my electronic crossover. You stated a 600 ohm output impedance as standard for your 6sn7 models, what is the impedance at lower frequencies like 20hz? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
statman Posted June 16, 2019 Share Posted June 16, 2019 Pretty much the same at 20Hz as 1000hz. I put quite a lot of explanation into the reading of specs in the article, but its easy enough to build a preamp with extraordinary specs that sounds quite horrible. Phase coherence is the big one when it comes to determining the difference between a great and middling preamp, but thats for another day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted June 16, 2019 Share Posted June 16, 2019 53 minutes ago, statman said: Phase coherence is the big one when it comes to determining the difference between a great and middling preamp, but that's for another day. "Phase coherence"? I'm wondering how come phase would vary across a preamp's FR? (I can understand that at either end of the FR - say around the HF & LF -1dB points - the frequency roll-off creates phase changes ... but I don't understand what would cause phase changes within the rest of the preamp's FR?) On 15/06/2019 at 1:30 PM, kelossus said: That was a great read. I am in the market for a tube preamp also and Supratek is on the short list. 2 mates of mine own Supratek preamps - they certainly should be on your short list! On 15/06/2019 at 1:30 PM, kelossus said: I require balanced outputs as I run a reasonably long run from my preamp to my electronic crossover. What's the length of your run from preamp to active XO? In my last system, I had 11m RCA interconnects between preamp and active (mono) XOs - with no issues in terms of treble roll-off or noise. So I'm doubting you really do need to go to balanced interconnects. Mind you, I did make sure to use very low capacitance cable. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean Gale Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Okay I haven't read the whole lot but are we talking balanced or unbalanced ( hate saying that because it infers inferiority ) ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyr Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 12 minutes ago, DEANO23 said: Okay I haven't read the whole lot but are we talking balanced or unbalanced ( hate saying that because it infers inferiority ) ? If your post is asking about my mention of 11m interconnects ... "RCA interconnects" are, by definition, unbalanced. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean Gale Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Okay I haven't read the whole lot but are we talking balanced or unbalanced ( hate saying that because it infers inferiority ) ? Yes of course I fully understand that I for one prefer balanced because it just leads to less problems and to me sound "just better". I'm thinking if selling my Ayre preamp because it's getting little real use other than a passive home theatre pass through. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean Gale Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Oh but it's best sound is out of the balanced connections Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kelossus Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 13 minutes ago, DEANO23 said: Oh but it's best sound is out of the balanced connections What model is it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean Gale Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Okay I haven't read the whole lot but are we talking balanced or unbalanced ( hate saying that because it infers inferiority ) ? Ayre 5xe mp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean Gale Posted June 17, 2019 Share Posted June 17, 2019 Sorry Ayre K-5xe mp model my god spell checker has fun trying to type that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dean Gale Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 Read the stereophile review on it , beautifully piece of equipment sounds glorious but pretty essential that it be used as a balanced unit though the rca's work simultaneously for sub out or bywiring . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al.M Posted June 18, 2019 Share Posted June 18, 2019 (edited) For other Preamp options keep an eye out for Supratek, Conrad Johnson, PrimaLuna, Cary, Passlabs etc. Edited June 18, 2019 by Al.M 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wahoo Posted June 25, 2019 Share Posted June 25, 2019 Just out of your budget is Supratek. Secondhand may be within. Reputed to have one of the best phono pre. Looks great Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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