Aric Audio Super 6sn7 Linestage

Take a look at my Stereo Times review on Aric’s Motherlode MK-II 6SN7 preamplifier. And yes, I have reviewed preamps from the other companies, mainly quite good, but Aric Audio’s is better built, costs less, and his customer service is first rate.

Terry London

Hi Terry,
Why did you change your screen name?

Seems to be the same ~$4k tube preamp short list I’ve been looking at if you add in LTA.  I’ve read a lot on each, but haven’t had much luck on finding many head to head comparisons of tone or soundstage. Each has its advocates. I’m pretty sure any of them would be great with the minor differences (that make the magic) due to synergy with the rest of your system. You might list your other components to help people chime in with anecdotes.

I'm currently running a Pas Labs XA30.8 and a Modwright Marantz CD/SACD player. More back story,  a friend let me borrow a Prima Luna EVO 400 preamp. Overall very impressed, a more full bodied sound but with plenty of detail and resolution. A few issues were the volume control and a bass that sounded a bit loose at times. None of these a deal breaker but I would like to explore options. A friend recommended Aric Audio and the Super 6SN7 caught my eye. I really do appreciate the input.

You would be wise to reach out to Aric. I originally worked with Aric several years ago when he built me a MM Phono Pre. After taking delivery and seeing build quality and hearing the sonic differences of that and my Pass phono pre at the time, I was blown away! I then worked with Aric and we came up with a one off super preamp called The Motherlode, yes the original. I immediately sold my Pass XP30 and never looked back. After several years and a conveyer belt of gear passing in and out of my audio rack, The Motherlode is the only piece of gear still in place. It is that good, and Aric's excellent customer service is a rare find these days! 

And for what it is worth, for some time I was pairing The Motherlode with a pair of Pass XA60.8's and it was much more than a great combination.

Aric is a good value and employs my favorite tube, and likely better than the 3 you mention but the Sch-t Freya Pre at $1,000 is a total steal.
Other than the obnoxious volume clicking sound you have to endur, its great. 

If you want to spend more I go to the LTA. F-ing amazing but pricey!

The others are just stops on the way!

I have been using Aric’s preamps for years. I recently picked up a lightly used Motherlode II. Wow! Dead silent. Great build quality,and incredible sound. I feel it’s very safe to expect top notch gear from Aric.

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to do a follow up on this thread. I pulled the trigger on a Super 6SN7 linestage after consulting with Aric. My particular unit has an upgraded power supply and volume control from the MotherLoad II. I wanted to get as much of the performance of the MLII as I could in a single chassis. 

Dealing with Aric was first class experiencel. Very reponsive to emails and kept me updated on the build progress. From start to end the entire process took less than three weeks. Build quality is top notch and all switches and dials have a heavy and expensive feel to them.

How does it sound? In a word, wonderful. Smooth, detailed with excellent dynamics. Its walks the fine line between macro/micro details without sounding overly analyitical or opaque. This is a very  engaging preamp and I'm thrilled at the results I'm getting . I'll have a more complete review shortly which I'll post in the Members Review section,

I want to thank everyone who posted on this thread for their advice and opinions. Its much appreciated. Special thanks to Audigoon member Tvad who pushed me out of my comfort zone on this and of course Aric for making this whole thing possible.

 

 

Aric is a true gentleman and class act.

 

Oz

Aric,without a doubt,builds some wonderful gear. It's great to hear you are enjoying your new preamp.  

Aric is great to work with and his stuff is great! I have the Motherload2 and his kt88 single ended amp. Both are amazing! 

Aric's preamps respond very well to tube rolling as well. What 6sn7 or 6sl7 tubes are you folks running? 

A question fo the group.  I am looking at Aric 6SN7, the Backart Rhumba and the LTA MicroZOTL.  My aim is to improve the timbre and tone of music.  Perhaps to add "soul ".

With that goal in mind, any thoughts on how to achieve that?

@mdrone 

Last year I had narrowed it down to Aric or LTA, and read everything I could find. After comparing some DACs, I realized my personal preferences leaned a little more toward detail and speed which, based on my reading, I figured the ZOTL circuit would have the edge on a more traditional tube pre. The MZ3 is also a headphone amp and an integrated which was a bonus. This got me started down the headphone rabbit hole, but I've decided I like it much better as a pre than an integrated. And if I'm being honest, having more functions on the remote (even if it is a cheesy Apple remote), was a plus as well. With the right tubes I think either can be incredible, but my gut tells me I gave up a little of what you're looking for to get what I valued more.

Search reviews by Terry London for the Motherlode and the LTA preamp. I used those and a bunch of others to come up with a general characterization of what the next level down models that were in my budget would do. If I ever need another preamp I'll start my search with Aric because I'm always going to wonder what I missed out on no matter how happy I am with the MZ3 right now. I'll probably be looking at one of his SET amps first though. Send him an email if you have questions.