2. amps-preamps
  3. 1210777811

Nuforce 9 SEV2 mated to Transporter - what pre?

I had my Nuforces for about 5 months now. I am thrilled at how these amps simply lack any sonic signature I can detect. Whatever I put around them simply seems gets amplified. Sorry I can't descibe what I'm hearing properly. Dead silence then music, all of it. But something is still missing.

I'd been using a SB3 that I modded and now own a Transporter. After a considerable amount of critical listening I have come to the conclusion that as clean and dynamic this combo sounds, it lacks soul. I knew beforehand that the omission of tubes in this setup would have to be addressed. My plan was to send the TP to Modwright and add the tube output stage. Now I've decided that before the TP gets modded, if it does at all, I want a tube preamp. My current setup is no preamp at all. I have some idea's from posts that I've read.

Dodd battery
Audio Horizon 2.1
Modwright 36.5
other???

Thanks for your advice!
desalvo55

Showing 2 responses by kenk168

kenk168
177 posts
 
Hello,

Have you experimented with isolation/dampening/decoupling devices in place of the stock feet?

I liked my MCH3SE-C7 (multi-channel, HT equivalent to the 9V2SE) when I first got it. However, over time it grew fatiguing especially with the brighter recordings at higher volume. I have essentially cured it now with a set of Finite Element Ceraball footer (or something equivalent, but I strongly caution against hard footers such as spikes as it will only exacerbate the problem) supporting the amp on top of an 1.5" chopping block. If that's not enough, try another set of Ceraball for your source (cd player) and pre. I found that the amp's extremely revealing nature merely points to system imbalance elsewhere if it isn't synergistic with its liking. Now, I love the set up and can enjoy music for hours at a time w/o fatigue but just pure enjoyment.

Hope this helps,

Kenobi
kenk168
177 posts
 
Hi Desalvo55,

I've tried the following and the Finite Element remained the best for this application--Black Diamond racing cones, Vibrapods and cones, Spikes of variuos brand and material, cup-ball-cup variety, wood blocks, sorbathane, cork, etc...

The main thing to remember (in my experience anyway) is that the hard, spiky variety will bring out details where needed. On the other hand, the softer material will provide more warmth and smoothing effect. Know the nature of your components and provide the proper antidotes in the correct dosage. It's all about yin/yang balancing and synergy.

Regards,

Kenobi
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