Preamp suggestions, yes again

@markf31

good call on the modwright 9 -- i almost posted the link here when i saw it offered for sale - for the money it is a steal

couple things when you get it -- i found mine to be slightly microphonic, so be careful with placement and do the pencil eraser ping test to make sure it is silent -- other related point to this is at power on, mine pinged badly, but once the relay clicked in, the microphony subsided almost entirely

second, changing out the factory sovtek 5ar4 inside to an old stock tube really helped round out the sound a good bit - this unit by its nature and dan’s voicing is quite extended at the frequency extremes for superior imaging and spatial ’magnification’, but can be a little tizzy for a tube linestage - changing out the 5687 signal tubes can help that, but the rectifier made the most difference for me

good luck, have fun

thanks for your contribution, don

good to hear from you here

frank van alstine and klaus bunge are two stalwarts in made in usa hi fi amplification (though klaus has ties w symphonic line of germany)

hard to go wrong with either of their products, i have first hand experience

from my experience, klaus has a slightly more sophisticated sound (lil more silky mids and highs) and frank’s stuff is very transparent but not at all harsh

their production values and design are superb, not big marketers, but just wonderful products and people, no BS all substance, klaus can be a lil more edgy in his dealings with you but he means well and usually delivers

frank is just a prince, one of the best guys in audio