coolguyalex Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 (edited) x Edited October 9, 2020 by coolguyalex error
Sir Triode Posted September 9, 2012 Posted September 9, 2012 I don't know if you know it already but AI M3s tend to eat tubes. So be prepared to shell $$ for tubes ever so often. The ARC SP10 is the same.
coolguyalex Posted September 9, 2012 Author Posted September 9, 2012 (edited) x Edited October 9, 2020 by coolguyalex Error
Sir Triode Posted September 10, 2012 Posted September 10, 2012 (edited) I've heard this, but then I've also heard the opposite. Kind of hard when I have no direct experience with the unit. It's dependant on the tubes though is it not? AI has recommended tubes that are rugged enough for their preamps. So if you want to use NOS, you might up spending a fortune in replacements every couple of years. http://www.audioasyl...=tubes&m=213200 http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1124397547&openfrom&1&4#1 The SP10 falls in the same category. An alternative would be to use PCC88/7DJ8s if the AI M3 will take them. The 7DJ8s use a 7V heater so on a pre that uses 6V heaters, will last a lot longer. The 7DJ8s are identical to the 6DJ8s otherwise. Edited September 10, 2012 by triode12
Lansche plasma guy Posted September 13, 2012 Posted September 13, 2012 Sorry the Audible Illusions Modulus 3a does eat tubes. Not quit as bad as the previous version but.... Its also even more than most valve stuff totally dependant on the sound of the tube do if you want the best sound start hunting and they will be expensive. A mate had one for years and went through NOS sets at least once a year, sometimes more often. It loved from memory the better Bugle Boys which was a problem because although they sounded the best they were prone to noise in the circuit so although reading high many may not be suitable. But he had it for years and it did sound excellent. He really didnt want to sell it but the tube thing drove him crazy. LPG 1
coolguyalex Posted September 14, 2012 Author Posted September 14, 2012 (edited) x Edited October 9, 2020 by coolguyalex Error
coolguyalex Posted September 14, 2012 Author Posted September 14, 2012 (edited) x Edited October 9, 2020 by coolguyalex Error
Sir Triode Posted September 14, 2012 Posted September 14, 2012 (edited) If you want preamps with a lots of tube bloom then From your list the SP8, I haven't heard one but from reviews, seems to have the same sound signature as the SP10. And it doesn't have the same reputation of eating tubes that I have researched. These are not hard to find on Ebay. If you can find one, the MFA Magus is a great buy if you want a preamp with a good tube phono stage at a good price. They used to come up on Audiogon quite often but since the changes to Audiogon earlier this year, this has stopped. They are still supported by their designer (Scott Frankland), I can PM you his address if you do decide to get one. He was kind enough to send me the schematics of the magus and even made a list of improvements I could do to it. He is very helpful and friendly. They generally sell for between $800-1200USD depending on their condition.I was lucky enough to snag a B2 rev in mint condition from Ebay earlier this year for under $900USD (shipping was another $200). They went through several revisions over their production run (1985-1991). The latest C rev is the hardest to find. Most that come up on sale are A1 or B1 revs. But all of them can be upgraded to C rev easily. They are a very musical sounding pre - like the AI3 and were considered in their time as one of the best buys in the business. If you want to purchase new, then the Doge 8 has been getting a lot of press in the last few years. Some reviewers think it is a giant slayer FWIW. http://www.noteperfe...dogeelectro.htm http://www.stereomoj...ifierReview.htm http://www.cattylink.com/page86.html Edited September 14, 2012 by triode12
coolguyalex Posted September 14, 2012 Author Posted September 14, 2012 (edited) x Edited October 9, 2020 by coolguyalex Error
Sir Triode Posted September 15, 2012 Posted September 15, 2012 (edited) Funny you mention those two, as I was considering them also. I ruled it out because I couldn't find one anywhere. Likewise with the SP-8, although I'm probably more likely to find one of these before I find a Magus. The Doge 8 is my last resort if I can't find any of the models I've mentioned, perhaps even the updated Clarity model. Although if I decide to buy new, I could spend a little more and get one of those PrimaLuna models which seems to be highly regarded. So it seems like my options are: Audio Research SP-8/SP-10*, MFA Magus, Audible Illusions Modulus 3A* (I'm still interested..), Doge 8, Primaluna DiaLogue 3, E.A.R. 802 (there is one of these on eBay that the seller says he can convert and send to me for $2500 which I'm still considering, it seems like such a beautiful amp). I read somewhere that the Doge 8 Clarity model wasn't reliable. Apparently the company doing the mods aren't very good and several owners reporting problems. I don't remember where I read that but it could have been the Audiogon forum. Anyway, they are asking too much for them IMHO. You could get a competent tech to upgrade the output caps on the vanilla Doge 8 with TRT Dynamicaps for a lot less than than what they want and probably get just as good or better result. I'm interested to know why the Doge 8 is your last resort - it seems the best of the lot esp since you can get one brand new and also has the convenience of a remote. Older pres like the SP8 and Magus are pushing 25 to 30 years in age and should be checked over by a competent tech as a precaution (apart from being converted to 240V use). Upgrading the components wouldn't be a bad idea too. The Magus is very good but not as extended in the extremes. i.e. treble and bass, Where it excels is in the midrange. Very musical preamp. Apparently with the upgrades (esp with modern day output cap replacements) suggested by Scott, this ameliorates these deficiencies and also improves longevity of the components too. I cannot comment on the Prima Luna models as I have not heard them but looking at the pics of their innards, they do look very well made for the money (great value). The caps aren't top notch though (even for the premium model) and can be improved upon rather cheaply. again. I'd use dynamicaps. Edited September 15, 2012 by triode12
coolguyalex Posted September 15, 2012 Author Posted September 15, 2012 (edited) x Edited October 9, 2020 by coolguyalex Error
Sir Triode Posted September 15, 2012 Posted September 15, 2012 Cool - I understand. From a resale standpoint the SP8/10 would have it all over the ones in your list. BTW, did you get my PM?
SumonKabir Posted October 11, 2012 Posted October 11, 2012 (edited) I have a AI2B and yes it does eat tube. But if you can use Amperex 7308 PQ white lebel tube ($260 pair for line stage) then you are OK for at least 2 years. I am in the middle of modification the unit with help of another audigon memeber so different tubes can be used. Mod includes replacing few caps, diodes, resistors etc. Plate voltage will be changed from 125 v to 75v. Parts has been ordered from Germany and it is not cheap. Close to $280 alone for the parts. I am in perth too. Edited October 11, 2012 by SumonKabir
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