Preamp suggestion for Coincedent M300B Frankenstein mk2

@sns

Statement pre not near it’s potential with stock 101D tubes, no color, low level of transparency, resolution, I’d not think much of it in that configuration. An analog to it would be like comparing run of the mill Shuguang 300B vs any of the top flight 300B tubes in 300B amp, you’d not have really heard your 300B amp with the Shuguang.

Much in agreement , although my impression with the budget priced stock 101D isn’t quite as harsh. I am sure a decision made in an effort to keep cost of the Line Stage very reasonable. With stock 101Ds it’s still a very good sounding/performing component.

However the full sonic brilliance is hampered by the lesser quality tubes. Replacing them with the upper tier 101D completely erases the bottleneck and allows the Statement to absolutely shine unhindered. The 300b analogy by @sns is on the mark. I’d say 80% potential versus full 100% sound quality. In both cases (Line Stage and amplifiers) it makes no sense to have excellent components limited by inferior/average tubes. They deserve the top quality alternatives.

I can easily believe that the Coincident Frankensteins paired beautifully with the Shindo preamplifier. Why not? Two wonderful components. Before I decided to purchase a new Statement Line Stage, I’d given serious consideration to purchase a used Shindo Masseto (Thanks to the late Art Dudley’s enthusiasm) preamplifier (with its unique Telefuken pentode circuit). I have absolutely no doubt I would have loved this matched to my Frankenstein 300b mono blocks.

There is always more than one path to superb sound quality. I truly believe that the Masseto would have been one. In the end I was just drawn to the use of the DHT 101D in a minimalist circuit utilizing interstage and volume control transformers. In essence DHT feeding DHT 300b SET amplifier. The results have been sublime for me. The best quality 101D are a necessity. One of the very best audio decisions I have made.

Charles

Recently went from Audyn True Copper Max and Miflex KPCU  to Duelund Cast tinned copper in custom build 300B's. Wow, Cast relegates all other audiophile film caps I've tried to distant second place!
 

Yes, thanks to good advice from grannyring years ago who suggested them for my Coincident speaker crossover and my DAC. The Duelund CAST Cu foil capacitors have been superb for me. Expensive capacitors and worth every cent. I’m not surprised by your terrific results.

Charles

@sns 

I had given thought 6 or 7 years ago to getting an adapter and trying vintage Western Electric 101Ds. They were/are relatively rare and expensive. I was very happy with the Psvane W.E. Replica 101D and decided to stay put. If you do go that route let me know what you hear.

Charles

DHT pre’s really special, natural synergy with SET amps, all the wonderful aspects of these circuits and tubes are holistic with DHT in both pre and amps. My take is why diminish those special aspects with different topology in pre

Well said, and why I have had this arrangement for 13 years! I’ll admit however that I have no idea how good the Constellation preamplifier sounds with the Coincident Frankensteins. Given Constellation’s esteem reputation, I have to assume it is quite good. I can only attest to the excellence of the Coincident Statement Line stage.

Charles

I'm feeling the pull of obtaining the Coincident Statement line stage
 

I don’t believe that this is a decision you’d subsequently regret. If the objective is superb sound quality this is unquestionably one way to achieve it.

Charles

@kennyc

When do you expect to receive the Frankensteins and Volti speakers? I can imagine that your current Constellation preamplifier should pair very well with the Frankensteins. They are both quite high quality audio components. Some transistor components can potentially present a “dry” sonic character. I have no idea if this would apply to the Constellation at all.

Charles

FYI- per Coincedent the upgrade from Frankenstein mk2 to mk4 is $1.5

I believe that you'll be very pleased with the Frankensteins driving your Volti speakers.

Charles

@kennyc

I agree 100% with @sns and his description of the Coincident Statement line stage (CSL). As he noted, very transparent sound presentation but is in no way analytical or clinical, just open and pure sounding. The 101D tubes preserve the tonal and timbre fullness/vividness of instruments and voice, admirably natural sounding.. I have had the CSL and Frankenstein pairing for 13 years. I appreciate them even more as time has passed. If is now in MK II generation and probably better than my original MK I version.

You did not mention a price range. Potential negatives perhaps (No issue for me)

1. No remote control

2. Two chassis design with large seperate power supply

3. Only 2 inputs

4. Dual volume controls

5. Only sold direct from Coincident.

Positives, superb sound quality

Utterly reliable and very rugged and solid construction external and internal.

A splendid sibling match with the excellent Frankenstein 300b SET mono blocks.

Charles