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Considering a New Tube Pre-amp

I have used a Quad QC-24 pre-amp for thirteen years. Designed by Tim deParavicini, it isn't bad. But recently, and just for fun, I got out a pre-amp I bought some thirty years ago, cleaned it up and tried it out - a Copland CTA-301 MkII. It seems clearer with much tighter control of bass, and it looks like it's staying in place, at least for now.

But you know how these things go, it has raised doubts. Made me think that there is obviously room for pre-amp improvement. I wish to stay with a tube pre-amp, and I don't need a phono section as I have a separate phono stage, so I've been thinking about the following:

1. Cary SLP-98L. I've had good experiences in the past with Cary's now-defunct kit division, Audio Electronic Supply. I had their PH-1, AE-3 (both Dennis Had editions), SE-811 monoblocks and SixPacs. Downside, they have almost no dealers anymore and don't offer a warranty for international sales other than a dealer warranty (and they have undercut all their dealers who have dropped the brand).

2. Atma-Sphere MP-3. No personal experience here, but everyone says wonderful things. My power amps don't have balanced inputs, and only my CD/SACD player has a balanced output, so I'd have to order one with RCAs, losing one of the main advantages.

3. A wild card - the Manley NeoClassic 300B pre-amp. The most expensive and hard to find many reviews. But one still dreams of 300B sound....

One problem is that these are all US-made, and I may have to wait until the tariffs are withdrawn. I'll have to save up anyway as I'm now retired and the days of wasteful spending in hi-fi are in the past.
What do you think if you have experience of any of these pre-amps?

dogberry

Showing 1 response by billpete

billpete
233 posts
 

@russ69 I know we have crossed paths here with prior SLP 98 discussions. Just wondering what is your favorite tube combination for your SLP 98? I just picked up some Raytheon GTB's from 1950 and 52, put them in the rear slots to replace EH gold pins and was very pleased. Front slots have Sylvania chrome top GTB's, red letter 1950's. Best combination I've had yet. Have some RCA VT 231's on the way and looking at other VT 231's as well. Quite pleased just with where it is now. Mine is also the SlP 98  F1 and P model with Lundahl step up upgrade to MC. I don't always use the phono section as I have a Cary PH 301.

@dogberry Don't mean to steal your thread. I don't think you could have missed with any of your choices or with the one you made. Glad you like it. I am very pleased with my Cary components and am pretty sure you would have been as well.

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