6SN7 based Pre-Amplifier

I had the opportunity to listen to a Canary CA906 (2 6sn7s per channel with extensive tube rectification and regulation) in my system with both the VAC Phis and NP220s.
This is probably the best production preamp I have every heard.
Details later.

I wrote a mini-review on the CA906 and submitted it to www.high-endaudio.com.

Just bit the bullet on a Ming Da MC-2A3.
Not nearly the same class as the CA906 in terms of build
(I have NEVER seen layout and soldering as good as Canary products),
quality of components used, and most importantly sound but
there's a big difference in price.

Ming Da MC-2A3's hopeful for mods given the space available inside and rather easily understandable layout. Weird power supply though,
gives all the attention to the B+ not zero regard for filament voltage.

Also not all MC-2A3s are the same... some boasts M-Caps and other
premium components. Mine has MKPs and what looks like Vintage Gudeman. Also the 'Philips' caps look suspicious.

If I had ample $$ I'd go for the Canary 906, but the Ming-da is gonna be quite a bit of fun I suppose.

I have many years in the Audio field ,and for the moneys I have listened to and compared notes on parts quality
value and sound , for a 6as7 based preamp , the New Consonance cyber 222 Mk-2 is a real gem it has it's own
seperate outboard power suppy, it now uses Auri cap capacitors and 1% film resisitors and uses a micro processor controller relay for the volume panel.
The unit weighs over 33 lbs ,it was at $2000 and was lowered and improved how many companys look at how to do both and succeed.The build quality is as good as any $4000
unit I have owned .I put in a decent power cord, replaced
the EH 5ar4 with the Best MUllard which has much better control and dynamics , and a matched quad of Chrome dome Sylvanias from the 1950 for under $300 for the tubes,
you now have a pre that will go toe to toe with most any $4k unit ,and do compare apples for apples for value.

The Consonance sure looks enticing, the tube config also looks right.
(Love them 6SN7s)
The concern is whether Consonance can build a 6SN7 preamp
thats quiet and not bloom-and-gloom bloated.
It would be great if the inside is point to point wiring
(potential for turning the thing upside down into a known-world-class design if it comes up short)
But for that price I guess you cant go wrong.

The Ming needs all the tubes replaced. It is a fantastic pre-amp and not just a bargain. Modifying this would only add a bigger smile. Just plan on spending some good money on the top tubes. RCA 6sn7 Grey glass is a must with maybe a Ratheon 6sn7gt in the power supply position which I believe is the left position. Lots of combinations with this pre since there are 4 different families of tubes. You can't even begin to compare this tube to anything until you tube roll. The stock Chinese tubes hold it back in a big way.