2. amps-preamps
  3. 139260-20264

Replacement for DeHavilland Ultraverve

I have a DeHavilland Ultraverve. It sounds great, no complaints.  I need a little more functionality-mono and phase buttons are what I'm after. I see a Herron 2A preamp on Audiogon. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. The rest of the system: Bryston 4B SST, Bryston 4B (2nd zone), Vandersteen 3A Sig, Luxman E1 phono, Amadeus with Dyna 20 LOMC, Marantz SA14S1 CD/SACD. Balanced connections are not a priority for my system. 
fbpearce
12 responses Add your response
james_edward
119 posts
 
Hmmm... When I replaced my Bryston BP26 pre with an Ultraverve 3, I noticed virtually no difference in sound. At the time I was using a 4B SST2 amp. I expected the Ultraverve to somehow trounce the Bryston, but it didn’t happen.
I say this not to knock the dehavilland, but to praise the Bryston. It may have all the features you are looking for, and it will certainly get along nicely with your current amp.
fbpearce OP
57 posts
 
Thanks, appreciate hearing from someone who’s heard both. The BP26 lots of flexibility for sure. 
jackd
1,068 posts
 
Herron VTSP-360 gives you what you want.  
hifim
2 posts
 
hello
why don't you talk to dehavilland about it, it is simple task to modified your preamp,, dehavilland is indeed a very good tube amp, 
fbpearce OP
57 posts
 
Thanks, good suggestions. I’ve checked out the Herron but haven’t thought of asking DeHavilland about a modification. 
fbpearce OP
57 posts
 
Followup-I sent an email to DeHavilland about a mono switch. They asked for a couple of days to try to put a mono switch on one of their shop preamps and emailed back that it was feasible. I sent my Ultraverve to them and it got back quickly with  a toggle switch on top that gives me mono when I need it. It works well and sounds great. I get to keep the preamp I love and can now accommodate my vinyl recordings too. 
nitewulf
422 posts
 
Cool it worked out. I loved my dehaviland and replaced that with an Ayre K5xeMP which was better. They are both amazing preamps however.
pops
2,275 posts
 
Great to hear it worked out, I have been begging her to make a phono preamp.  Love my Ultraverve, great preamp.
fbpearce OP
57 posts
 
Nitewulf, just curious does the Ayre have mono? 
nitewulf
422 posts
 
Checking the manual, nope it doesn't have mono or phase reversal, assuming you are talking about a button that will bridge the outputs?


fbpearce OP
57 posts
 
Nitewulf, thats right. One day I'll try an Ayre in another system. Hanging onto the Ultraverve though
nitewulf
422 posts
 
Yes, you should definitely try Ayre. Their devices are amazing.
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