2. amps-preamps
  3. 1301002577

A good Preamp for ST70

Hello. I recently bought a Will Vincent ST 70 and I am wanting some advice on a good preamp. Built in phono is not a must but I would like to stick with tubes. This particular St70 has an interesting retro look to it with the meter on the front and of course the exposed tubes. As such I would really like to find a preamp that not only sounds good but has a similar look. As a contrast I would use the CJ PV 14 I have now. I hope that makes sense. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Tracy
kollert

Showing 3 responses by hoopster

hoopster
184 posts
 
Consider a DAC with a passive pre. These can be found tubed for $200 to $600 new. I have a Grant Fidelity TDAC9 ($215 new) with tube output in a second system with a ST70. Two analog inputs and three digitals. Running a Denon 3900 to analog for SACD and through the DAC for redbook conected with the excellent Veloce Black Cat digital cable. The sound rivals my UDP1 in my min rig. A vintage Thorens TD160 with a Goldring 1042 completes the setup. Well, almost completes the setup, a Wadia 170 ipod dock is on the way. then the journey will be complete...maybe.
hoopster
184 posts
 
I do not disagree with Trelja who has probably forgot more about tube amplification than I know. I think he is very much on point when he says the ST70 restored and upgraded is a very under appreciated piece of gear. However, I can tell you the sound through the Grant made me sell my CJ PV10 (which I have loved for many years) because I felt I did not nead it any longer. I bought the Grant as one of those I am going to try this thing moments and after living with it decided it was the way to go for me. Got a decent sounding DAC in the deal also, not state of the art but very pleasing. In the immortal words of Newbee, YMMV.

The Grant does not give you that classic tube look though. Another consideration might be a Mapletree pre which I have never read but only good things and want to try at some point in my main rig. I have a TAD 150 Signature there matched with a TAD 60 amp there which are very synergistic IMHO. (I tried a PV14 there but ultimately liked the TAD pre better.) Also the George Wright pres show up here from time to time. These may be a consideration. Again, I give these considerations with the disclaimer that I have not heard them either. Only putting forth these because they seem to be well thought of. I have not heard the Cary/AES Trelja mentions or the other one but I am sure they are solid choices.
hoopster
184 posts
 
Atmasphere,

What is the ball park cost of a rebuild/update on a Dyanco tubed pre? That is something I may want to consider at some point. Seems it might be difficult to find one original cheap enough to make this work if you are paying to have the work done. I found my ST70 already rebuilt/updated fortunately for a good price.
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