2. amps-preamps
  3. 1221300837

Comparing Ultraverve to CJ 16 or Supratek preamps

I have been a very happy owner of the Dehavilland Ultraverve for the last year but like most here I start thinking about some of the other preamps one reads about in the forums here. I don't feel it is lacking in any areas but still I wonder if there is even more magic to be had with something else (strangely I rarely see any Ultraverves for sale and that might mean something in itself).

One is the Conrad Johnson 16 LS (1 or 2 or even the 17) and the other the Supratek preamps. So if anyone has compared any of these two with the Ultraverve I would be interested to read your thoughts on them.

frankk

Showing 1 response by oregon

oregon
809 posts
 
In general, the CJ pres are warm and lush sounding. At first very seductive, but some people (me) can quickly tire of it. The CJ seems to have this syrup effect on most recordings. Some folks like it.
But I for one enjoy a more neutral sound, one that brings out lush if that's how it was recorded, or sharp attack, if that's how it was recorded.
The DeHavilland, which I've had in my system (along with a CJ 14) is much more revealing of the music as it was recorded- sparkle, warmth, clarity, bite, lush, etc. The CJ seems to me, one dimensional- lush.
I agree with Kbuzz, contact Kara. Ask her about tube rolling for the sound you miss, or are looking for. The DeHavilland has much more potential, IMO.
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