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deHavilland "Mercury 2" Preamp - anyone?

OK, so based on some recommendations from other Audiogoners, and the * 30-day home trial period* , I ordered a deHavilland Mercury 2 tubed linestage which I should receive within the next 2 weeks.

As I understand it - it provides jaw-dropping soundstage, dynamics and is "timbrally pure." It uses a "type 85 tube" Im not familiar with, and some "cascode" circuity, maybe someone can educate me here. Also point-to-point wiring and top, top shelf components throughout.

According to their designer and marketing people, it competes with preamps in the $15-20K range, even though it retails for only $3995. Too good to be true? I will decide, and if it aint everything its cracked up to be.... It goes back for a full refund. I think more manufacturers shoud offer that option - it shows real confidence.

Right now I am sans preamp (running the Audio Aero Capitole MK II, SE Version into a fully modded Berning ZH270, driving Sonus Faber Guarneri Homage's, with wiring by stereovox and electra glide epiphany's all around)

Here's a link:

www.dehavillandhifi.com/MERCURy_pre.htm

your thoughts?
artg
lonestarblues
25 posts
 
Let us know your impressions of the Mercury preamp. I love my Dehavilland Aries amps & Verve preamp. Kara, the designer of Dehavilland gear is a gem. I bought my Dehavilland gear 2nd hand from the original owner from Audiogon. Kara is down to earth and super friendly. Kara is ready, willing and able to answer questions and help out
even 2nd hand owners of Dehavilland gear. I have talked to her on the phone several times and through email. That really impressed me that she took the time to answer my questions. And told me to to contact her if I had more questions. Kara and Dehavilland make great sounding gear and support owners of their gear whether you buy it it new or used.

Regards, Mike
talk2me's avatar
talk2me
325 posts
 
I just heard the Mecury2 with Odessey mono extemes(red boards) with JM Labs Alto Be and I was in heaven.Courious what the Merc2 would sound like with the GM-70 mono's.
4167885122
1 posts
 
i am running a mercury 3 with teflon caps for my set kit along with a pair of GM70 with upgraded input tubes from Kare. i love the sound.

it nice to have the option of set, and push/pull because both sound so different.
kbuzz
214 posts
 
ive been curious about dehav. pre amps for a long time...
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