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Sunfire Classic Tube Pre-Amp

I have a very lightly used Sunfire Classic Tube Pre-amp (likely less than 100 hours on it, I’m the original owner and it’s been in its box for 15+).

I took it out to play with and was reminded how much I like it.

So, I’m thinking about upgrading the tubes. I don’t want to get crazy (I’d like to keep it < $250); certainly don’t want/need to spend that much if it isn’t required

My understanding is that I’ll need the following (I’m pretty sure my Thorens table is Moving Magnet, so I don’t need to upgrade the MC board):

12A7 tube (QTY = 2) for MM PHONO BOARD
6922 Tubes (QTY = 4) 1 INFRASONIC FILTER IN PHONO SECTION + CONTOUR 1 + 2 LINE BOARD).

Also need a new dac for my Tidal streaming... any advice with this also appreciated!

Any advice is much appreciated! Thanks!

- Dave P.

PS - System includes:

Legacy-Audio Classic floorstanding speakers.
Amp currently B&K 200x2 or Legacy-Audio PowerBloc5
Thorens turn table - I inherited it, not sure of the exact model.



dkpack99

Showing 2 responses by dkpack99

dkpack99 OP
4 posts
 
Thanks Oddio & Jond, 

Anyone else? How much is matter about matching the tubes to the pre-amp, or will the "good" tubes always be "good" with all Pre-amps?

thanks!

dave 
dkpack99 OP
4 posts
 
Thanks all for the replies! 

Swampwalker, I am on the search for a Dac... possibly a Roon Ready one... I’ve been living with a Sonos Connect and Tidal... nice usability factor, so-so sound.... I had the new Oppo Sonica in the chain for a couple of days... I liked the sound, but the software was not good... abou 20% of the time it said it couldn’t play a song from my Tidal playlist... I’ve never had this issue with Sonos or Tidal from the PC or iPad. Back it went and the search continues... maybe a Oppo 203 or 205 next, I’d really like to get Roon up and running!

Dragonbutz, sounds like you know your tubes! Yes, you’re correct, the Sunfire takes 12ax7’s for the phono stage. Thanks for your advice! I’ve been researching and was leaning toward the Mullard 6dj8’s; Andy at Vintage Tube Services spoke today and he seconded your recommendation. So, I have three used & matching MULLARD 6DJ8/ECC88’s in the mail. It’s a short hop over or around Lake Michigan, so hopefully I’ll have them soon.

Righ niw I’m only changing the line and the countour tubes; I don’t really listen to that much vinyl and will decide if I want to change those out (12xa7’s and another 6922/6dj8’s) later.

Thanks again everyone for the feedback and advice, I’ll let you know how things sound. Now if I can only get a Dac and Roon figures out!

Dave
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