2. amps-preamps
  3. 1291933636

$3500 to spend on a tube preamp....ideas?

Suggestions? Amps are Herron M1 monoblocks, Speakers Von Schweikert VR4-JR's. I borrowed a McIntosh C2300, and while it was good, it wasn't THAT much better than my Modwright 9.0 Signature. Bass was a little deeper, soundstage a bit more open, instruments more focused, but again, probably not worth $3500 to upgrade to. Also had an LS26 from ARC in my system, again, similar performance level to the C2300 and slightly more dynamic than the Modwright. With $3500 to spend, is there anything that can get me to that next level in dynamics? I am really happy with the other hardware in my system.

ideas: Herron VTSP3a, Rogue Athena
VAC Standard LE, Modwright LS36.5, Conrad Johnson Premier LS 16II, Dehavilland Mercury 3:

other options?
chiho

Showing 4 responses by jp1208

jp1208
502 posts
 
Look at the new Ming DA MC300 pre/amp. The MC2A3 pre/amp (not from ebay) sounds very good and this new pre looks like they have added much better parts.
jp1208
502 posts
 
Johnsonwu, I think Ming Da may have taken your recommendations and started using much better internal parts. Now it looks like they are using some Jensen caps and US made resistors. If you ever get your hands on the MC300 please write a review like you did on the MC2A3. They have also updated the MC2A3 version to MC2A3x8 I believe. MC300 looks like this http://www.mei-xing.com/English/cp/3_300.html
jp1208
502 posts
 
looks like Ming DA is stepping up a bit with the MC300. At least they show using some Jensen's.
jp1208
502 posts
 
Johnsonwu, I see the picture but it looks different than the MC2A3x8 version from Pacific Valve. So those are fake M caps? I am wondering if there is an ebay version and Pacific Valve version? I emailed Ming and they said Pacific Valve buys direct from the factory and is an authorized dealer. They also stated that if you do not buy from an authorized distributer chances are you will not get an original. If you bought one of these pre/amps direct from an authorized distributor and found fake caps I would think you would be able to prove this to them and send the unit back. Did your friends buy the x8 version from this distributor?
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