2. amps-preamps
  3. 166086-2279

TRL DUDE preamp

I've had the DUDE for about 5 years.  I've kept it on much of the time 24/7 except for when it storms and I unplug everything from the wall.  I bought the DUDE used from a second owner.  I'm going to guess that the DUDE had never had it's tubes replaced with NOS tubes or anything else either.  

I ordered 5 tubes from Andy's Vintage Tubes in Michigan.  It took awhile for him to test and get a pair of matched 6SN7 tubes so I didn't have any music for about 6 weeks between ordering and finally getting them in my system.

The NOS tubes, all RCA, were fantastic and made the DUDE so much more dynamic, clear, and detailed, while still offering a good helping of tone and texture.  I think I'm now hearing what all the fuss about the DUDE's sound was about.  The bass is even more real.  I've nearly finished my listening room that was somewhat built back in 2007.  The room is very quiet, yet the detail and dynamics are still there--very live sound.  Enjoyable system anchored by the DUDE, VMPS RM40 BCSE speakers, and the Nuforce Ref 9 V3 SE mono amps w/ TDSS level 3 upgrades.  The Modwright Sony 5400 Signature Truth takes care of my digital sound and I love it.  I will be getting my super Lenco 78 rebuild with most of the JTNantais mods and upgrades done.  It also has upgrades that maybe no one has that will take it to the top.  I decently added an Origin Live Illustrious II arm and a Walker Precision Motor Controller.  Am adding a Furutech IEC outlet to the rear in the next couple days so I can try different PCs.  I have a couple demo products from Artisan Fidelity that will make the sound very nice and easier to use.

Will report back soon on the total package when done.

Bob
dorkwad
dorkwad OP
534 posts
 
Sorry Brian,

I absolutely love the DUDE even its huge butt. Since the tube switch, it is just another notch or two above the performance I got to receive several years ago. The combo with the TDSS upgraded Nuforce Ref 9 monos is just perfect to my ears. My good friend in audio got the same upgrade as mine after he could not longer stand me gushing about it--actually he heard my amps in his system and 2 other systems and it was always the best sounding amp. You can’t beat the 2 little fellows with the BIG DOG; I am blessed to have the BIG DOG in the DUDE. It’s a very interesting look together.

If I had 2 of these, I’d definitely cut you a deal on one of them. I hope you get to own one someday. Thanks Bill--GRing and others for the great insight into the sound of the DUDE several years ago.

Bob

dorkwad OP
534 posts
 

Still have the DUDE. It sounds better than ever. I now have about 5-6 of Krissy’s boxes wired to the DUDE at every open RCA input and output. With each addition, the realistic SQ is noticeably better. The system is now quite the wonder and keeps me listening for long periods of time. Ironically, after I got all parts of the analog and digital system wiring at their best, I discovered the volume control on the DUDE wasn’t working properly and would not increase the volume past 11:00 or the right channel would shut down. It was like this until I would turn the control to the left until it passed 11:00 and the right channel would continue playing again. Now, I can shoot past 11:00 to 12:00 or more and the volume just increases like it should have all along. Needless to say, listening is now much more intense with large dynamic swings when listening at higher volumes. I love it.

Bob

laaudionut
241 posts
 

Bob,

Audio and the enjoyment of music should not be a hassle. I will do you a selfless favor and take The Dude off of your hands.

Brian

dorkwad OP
534 posts
 

Hey Brian,

The volume control thing did last a long time, but that was the only issue during the 8 years I've owned it.  The sound was always glorious, but now that the volume can go up where the control knob is sometimes at halfway, it sounds even better and really potent beyond what it did prior.  I agree with your earlier post that I was extremely lucky to land one of these when I did.  Maybe you will be also someday.

Bob

laaudionut
241 posts
 

One can dream, Bob(sigh)...

 

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