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

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btw, do you have a simple tube tester?

"you'll be happy for the rest of your life if you make an ugly tester your wife".

name that song!

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"Get an Ugly Tester to Marry You."

ps I have 2 tube testers. For an old scope. I use solid state.

What gear did you use the Mk1 with before, and did you like it then?

Could it be a mismatch with the Pass?

If you don't like the sound I would just sell it and purchase a tube preamp with considerably more tube rolling options.

Being restricted to 101D's (or 6H30's for the matter) is not a good place to be in, IMO, as one of the great benefits of tube gear is tailoring the sound with different tubes.

Perhaps look into the extremely well reviewed $1300+ (depending on options) Linear Tube Audio MZ2 preamp/amp as you could sell the Mk1 and have enough leftover to cover the repairs on Supratek.

I use inexpensive Bottlehead kit gear with really good old production tubes and get really good sound.

Probably the only person who has run Visseaux (engraved base) 2A3's in a pair of Bottlehead Paramours.

 

 

DeKay

Coach: I too have a Sit-3 and Cornwall IV’s. I am using a different preamp....I live in Maine (!) and if you’re close by, you’re welcome to come by and have a listen... Preamp is a Black Ice Fusion 360 which uses a 6SN7 tube.....

deKay- I originally paired it with my Pass XA-25, but the MK1 Coincident had Psvane 101d WE replica’s, that sounded good, however I really enjoyed the Supratek and Sit-3 combo. The LTA mz2 is headed back to the shop.

I purchased a Cary SLP-98P this morning. I’m hoping I like the sound as well as the Supratek. Thinking 6sn7 is the key.

 

Michaelc2020- thanks for the offer!.. Never been to Maine, I’m convinced the SIT-3 is special.