dehavilland ultraverve preamp with ss amp

we all hear differently. if two audiophiles listen to the same stereo system, there will be three descriptions of the sound.

i have heard the ultraverve in my own system and with other dehavilland products. i stand by my description. it is likely that someone else in the same wroom with me would have a different assessment, which illustrates the problem of eliciting opinions.

The Dehavilland ultraverve is not overly tubey sounding. If you have the stock input 6sn7 tube in the Ultraverve then you may get the sound you're describing. However, in changing the one input tube (6sn7) you can get either softer tube sound (RCA/vt-231) or a fast sound (Syl Vt-231, GTA). The Syl 6sn7 input tube would definately give you a faster sound with less mid range. Because there is only one input tube in this preamp the sound will be noticably dependant on the selection of the one 6sn7 tube. Works just fine with Solid state amps and noticely better than the small tube 12at7 preamps (such as VTL or Manley based 12at7 & 12au7 preamps which worked ok). Also consider the IC going from your preamp to your amp.

Thanks for that follow up. I haven't given up on the ultraverve as an option. About to audition modwright 9.0, anyone with experience with this preamp. Thanks, Joe

Hey...This may be too late. I hope not. I have Mundorf caps in my Ultraverve and the speed and top end are even better. But that is a pain in the ass. Yes, tube choice makes a substantial difference with this preamp. I use a PS Audio Gain Cell amp, the GCA 100,with mine, and the results are just extraordinary. The most detailed tube with this preamp is the Sylvania 6sn7W tube, which is the best 6sn7 I have ever heard in any preamp. The CBS Hytron also loves the Dehavilland; the sound is very alive and involving. Everyone loves the Tung Sol Round Plates, but I prefer a tube with more dynamics. I have 2 pairs and I'm going to sell them when I get around to it. The Cremona's are a bit laid back for me anyway; I use Totem Mani 2 Signatures because I prefer the palpability of the top end and the lively three dimensional sound. The Cremona's are great speakers, but they need a bit of get up and go. The Gain Cell amp will mate well with the big tube sound of the Ultraverve. Good Luck

I have a hot-rodded Ultraverve and in my opinion the dynamics are unsurpassed (have yet to try a First Sound Presence but would not be surprised if it is in the same league).
I find it great that one can change the sound up without spending much as the unit only requires one 6SN7 output tube instead of having to buy pairs.