2. amps-preamps
  3. 177037-119255

Preamp help please!

Recently I have been using the Supratek Sauvignon in conjunction with a First Watt SIT-3 and Klipsch Cornwall lV speakers. I really liked the combination. The other day I repositioned the preamp on my rack and the Supratek stopped functioning. I was planning on having the unit overhauled for a noisy left channel and capacitor upgrades anyway so this has hastened that eventuality. The gentleman doing the servicing usually takes his time and I expect this process to take 3-4 months, so in the meantime I installed My Coincident Statement MK1. The Statement linestage has a pair of original equipment Shuguang 101D’s. I was disappointed in the lack of body/tone/texture to the sound compared to the Supratek 6sn7.

Would a pair of WE NOS 101D’s help this preamp have more body/tone/texture? Or should I find another 6sn7 preamp? Suggestions?

128x128coachpoconnor

Showing 3 responses by sns

sns
3,003 posts
 

I've had some very disappointing experiences with recently purchased Psvane WE101d, two failures, one after around 25 hours and other DOA. I no longer know of US or Canadian source for Psvane, both mine purchased from China, don't trust Chinese sources! Until Psvane has good source here I'm done. Perhaps Israel has source?

 

So, I've gone to Linlai Elite solid plate, this is very good tube, about on par overall to Psvane, Psvane a little lighter, airy in highs, Linlai more solid in middle. For a bit of time thought I liked Linlai mesh plate version, over time heard a bit of glare from mids. Should have listened to Israel on this, it was on Rachel's (Grant Fidelity) advice I purchased in first place. I have Shuguang standard, that tube not in same league as any of these, not ugly sound, just blah, lacking resolving, transparency.

sns
3,003 posts
 

I should add combo of Statement, First Watt and Klpsch Heritage won't provide max of sound traits you're seeking. I understand you heard more of these traits with Supratek vs Statement  in concert with your other existing components. Per previous post MkII and other upgrades will get you closer, as to vs Supratek, I can't say.

I don't know if should assume you were satisfied with Supratek/FW/Klipsch, but if you were, I'd first go for Linalai solid plate and see how far that gets you. Only then should you consider other pre's or upgrade of Statement.

 

The greatest deficiency I see in your present setup in providing for max of traits you're seeking is the FW. Klipsch Heritage and tube amps are much more sympathetic setup than SS. In defense of FW, it would be my first choice for SS and Klipsch Heritage. A 300B amp in combo with either of your present two pre's will provide all you're looking for.

 

I can only say my setup with Khorns, 300b or 845 SET's and Statement doesn't lack a single bit in traits you're seeking.

sns
3,003 posts
 

@coachpoconnor I hadn't read your entire op. NOS WE101D tubes will be very difficult to fine.  Forget about the Psvane WE unless you can find proper seller. The Linalai I spoke of will be great improvement in the qualities your seeking.

I can say this about the Statement pre. It is not in realm of warm, full sounding tube components. Far more about resolution/transparency. I had Israel upgrade mine to MkII status along with Amtrans volume selector, I further diy modded with Audio Note Seiryu film caps and Takman carbon film resistors, these replaced Nichicon Fine Gold and generic metal oxide respectively. The MkII upgrade along with the upgraded tubes will get you far more of traits you're looking for. AN and Takman added a bit more of these traits, above and beyond the MkII.

 

In this configuration i can't imagine anyone finding it lacking in traits your seeking. Greatest liability at present is relatively few choices in 101 tube.

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