2. amps-preamps
  3. 128487-91515

It is a good idea to purchase a vintage tube pre-amp.

Since the new one are pretty expensive and what I can afford is an old one with budget of US$2000~3000. Since I don't have much knowlege on electronics, but I have authentic listening capabilities. Is it good idea to buy an old gear of tube pre amp. around 10 or 15 years such as Audio Research SP-15 or something similar (the newer one within my budget is better of course).  I would prefer a stable, long time use gear without much trouble.
faust168

Showing 6 responses by faust168

faust168's avatar
faust168 OP
74 posts
 
Also, thanks for all of you for your kind response and help or suggestions. Best wishes for you to have pleasant listening too.
faust168's avatar
faust168 OP
74 posts
 
After I purchased a 2nd Accuphase C275V, I find that it grade in sound is unable to compare with the pre-amp. I owned more than 30 years ago.  The problem is the old tube amp. has problem occasionally which required maitenance which is trouble some for me for I am not an engineer. Without comparison, you don't know how good my old tube is. The SS's slim and lean sound reproduction makes me tasteless.
faust168's avatar
faust168 OP
74 posts
 
Tks for your kind opinion, in order to prevent troubles, I am trying to avoid too old models. But as you know, the new models are quite expensive and one of my friend also gives the new models bad review in sound reproduction.  Such as R3, the dealer tells me that when the LED is in trouble, there is no parts for replacement........
faust168's avatar
faust168 OP
74 posts
 

baranyi,


After using a Accuphase C275V SS pre, I find my old tube amp. sounds much better with thick, solid, string which unlike SS's thin sound reproduction. I think, I'll try to find a bargain good tube.

faust168's avatar
faust168 OP
74 posts
 

Dear vpi:


Tks for your response. One of my friend reminded me that the ARC's SP10 or 11 might have trouble which need maintenance easily. Since I am not a electronic expert, I am a bit afraid to think about having one for consideration of troubles ahead.

faust168's avatar
faust168 OP
74 posts
 
The problem is how to keep good maintenance of the vintage gears.  Some parts are hard to find, some changes might change your sound reproductions. Also, judging on it's rare quantity, it is hard to find the right, experienced, dedicated engineer to fix it.  
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