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Good tube preamp for McCormack DNA 500???

I just purchased a dealer demo McCormack DNA 500. I have decided I want to pair it with a tube preamp and I'm looking for the best fit within my price range ($2500 new or used). My research has uncovered a thread here on Audiogon that quotes the designer, Steve McCormack, recommending that any tube preamp paired with the DNA 500 (10k ohms input impedance) should have less than 800 ohms output impedance and the "lower the better".

Heeding this advice here is my top five: (1) Manley Jumbo Shrimp @ 50 ohms; (2) Purity One @ 180 ohms; (3) VAC Stantard LE @ 350 ohms; (4) Joule Electra 150 MK.II @ 400 ohms and (5) Conrad Johnson PV 15 @ "low" (can't find specs.) ohms. These are all currently for sale on Audiogon and are used except for new Manley J.S.

The rest of my system consists of Aerial 10-T speakers with mid-$$-range Synergistic Research cables and a highly modded Anthem CD-1 digital source. I prefer a warm, rich sound with no rolled off highs, mids or bass. Remote control is a must but I don't have a high care factor on balanced vs. single ended.

I would appreciate comments from anyone who has had success with a tubed preamp and the DNA 500 or anyone who because of their vast knowledge or experience with such matters cares to comment. Thanks in advance for you input!
shoff
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
I used the Cary SLP-05 with 10T's with excellent results. I wasn't using the DNA-500 but am sure they would sound wonderful together.

The 10T's need help keeping the bottom end under control. The SLP-05 was one of the best tubed preamps I have used in bass performance. The rest of the performance is also very, very good.

If you can audition one I would seriously consider the SLP-05 if it works with your budget. It's not excessively "warm" per se, but does have the midrange magic which you may be referring to. The extension top and bottom are outstanding for a tubed product in my experience.

Good luck with your search!
fplanner2010
283 posts
 
I used the VAC Standard LE with my DNA-500 Driving Legacy Whisper speakers. Got all the characteristics you indicated you are looking for. Can't go wrong with VAC, plus their service is great, if needed. Good synergy with the DNA-500, which I still have, btw.
rusty_jefferson
8 posts
 
I just posted on another thread about my new Musical Concepts Chameleon preamp, so sorry to anyone following both.

It utilizes interchangeable "daughter boards" to allow users the option of quite a variety of different tubes, hence to be able to tailor the sound of the preamp. Why have just "A" sound, when you can change boards/tubes and have several. Quite an impressive idea. Also, the output impedance is variable by board/tube selection.

http://www.musicaldesign.com/MC_Cham.html
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
I have to disagree with the advice Jimswantko gave you. I own the SLP 05. I doubt you'd get the best out of it or the DNA 500 if they were paired toghether. The output impedance of the SLP 05 gets pretty high at lower frequencies. I wouldn't pair it with an amp that has a 10k ohm input impedance like the DNA 500. I think the result would be lean bass.
shoff OP
133 posts
 
Well, I made my decision. I went with a new Conrad-Johnson ET3-SE. The other two finalists were the Manley Jumbo Shrimp and the VAC Standard LE. I'll let the CJ burn in and see how I like it.

Thanks to all of you for your input. It caused me to do some research that I might not otherwise have done. One of the things I learned is that the customer service of VAC is absolutely fantastic. Kevin Hayes of VAC emailed me from his i-phone late one evening from CES because he learned second hand from one of his customers that I had some questions about purchasing a used model. WOW!

I also had a great experience with a CJ dealer. I give him the highest possible marks for his passion for music, integrity and professionalism. I will provide his contact info to anyone who wants it.
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