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 2 responses by trelja

trelja
3,226 posts
 
Don't skimp on a preamp. The ST70 is a far better component than most realize today. Using something too downmarket will show up as the obvious weak link in the chain, and hamstring the ST70 from giving you all it has.

The Audio Electronic Supply (Cary) AE-3 is a superb choice with the ST70. A sleeper, if you can find one as they're quite rare, is the Vacuum Tube Valley Ultrasonic. The AES offers remote control, the VTV does not.

Both sound good no matter they're used in budget or far more upscale systems.
trelja
3,226 posts
 
Hoopster, your opinion is at least as valid as anyone else's.

I also like the suggestion from Gopher regarding the EE Minimax.

Personally, I even get great results using a CD player (including my Dynaco CDV-2) going straight into my ST70. In my second system with either the Merlin VSM or Fried A/6 loudspeakers that the Dynaco pairs so well with, I feel far more than satisfied on a late night.
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