Currently using a Cary AES DJH preamp with various 6SN7 tubes & NOS EZ81 rectifier. This is an excellent sounding preamp with point-to-point wiring. Looking to upgrade. Would prefer very realistic uncolored preamp, even better than what I have. What can you suggest? Running a McCormack DNA-1, driving Von Schweikert 4.5 speakers. Silver interconnects and speaker wires, multiple turntables and CD/SACD player. I've read some good things about the Shindo Aurieges. Not sure if its output impedence is a good match for the McCormack. Also thought about Modwright. Upper spending limit is under $4k new.
DeHavilland Ultra Verve is way above your current preamp and uses one 6SN7 so you can roll the tubes you have. Different rectifier, but the tubes last forever. Kara Chaffee is excellant also.
There is a Joule LA 150 Mkll for sale on Agon well within your limit, new it was$5500!!! I'm using this for pre and am very happy, it is uncolored, dynamic and extended in top and bottom. It replaced a C/J Act 2!!!
I'm using a DNA-1 Deluxe in my system. Check out Mapletree Audio Design. I recently had the DR. build me a custom line 2 and it sounds just like what you are looking for.Uses 6SN7 tubes with a 6x5 rectifier. Two chassis design. Website here http://hollowstate.netfirms.com/
I'm using a DNA-1 Deluxe in my system. Check out Mapletree Audio Design. I recently had the DR. build me a custom line 2 and it sounds just like what you are looking for.Uses 6SN7 tubes with a 6x5 rectifier. Two chassis design.Custom is less the $1500.00 Website here http://hollowstate.netfirms.com/
SAS Audio Labs 11A. 3k new -- 30 day money back guarantee -- state of the art in every way -- rotary adjustment can change output impedence to match amplifier -- known to work well with both solid state and tube amps -- very neutral -- been described as straight wire with gain -- quite simply a great preamp. sasaudiolabs.com
•Changes in amplifier input impedance, 20k ohms to 100k ohms, will change the tonal balance, especially in the bass/mid range. The 11A has an adjustment to compensate for changes in amplifier input impedance. No other manufacturer that we know of has this feature.
Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. I like the idea of staying with 6SN7 tubes, as it has been difficult to find the smaller 6922/etc. tubes in NOS that are quiet to start with and stay quiet. The 6SN7 tube is just a lot better from the get go in my opinion. As a result, I will look into the DeHavilland Ultra Verve and Ultra Verve Jr. and see if I can pick up a used one. But I'm not ruling out the Shindo Aurieges.
I would not rule out the Mapletree mentioned above, do not let the $800 (with Blackgate caps)price fool you. This is a very well conceived product, and the fact that it can use 6sn7/12sn7 (same sound) allows you to get pricey RCA/Sylvanias at have the price in 12sn7 form.
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