I have a Luxman CL-38 tube preamp which has tone controls. It also has a great phono stage and remote control for volume and mute.
It will be in your price range used. About $6k new.
It will be in your price range used. About $6k new.
Tube Pre amp with tone control suggestions
Hello all.
I am considering going to a preamp with tone controls. I know its not the purist point of view but wth it's all about what I like to hear. I have an Audio Note M6 with Phono right now, considered pretty good but I miss tweaking that bass or treble on certain recordings. My solid state gear gives me that ability and I like it.
My thoughts are a few Mac's like the C20 or C22 or the MX110.
How about up to $5k on the used market and it doesn't have to have Phono.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
PK
I am considering going to a preamp with tone controls. I know its not the purist point of view but wth it's all about what I like to hear. I have an Audio Note M6 with Phono right now, considered pretty good but I miss tweaking that bass or treble on certain recordings. My solid state gear gives me that ability and I like it.
My thoughts are a few Mac's like the C20 or C22 or the MX110.
How about up to $5k on the used market and it doesn't have to have Phono.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
PK
20 responses Add your response
I bought an mx110z, one of the best purchases ever made. Extremely versatile old-school, balance, tones, optional low volume 'loudness', Terrific sound, great tuner, great sounding Phono, two phono, ... this helped me decide https://positive-feedback.com/Issue77/vintage_mcintosh_experience.htm McIntosh Mode switch is a great help when balancing your speakers, setting anti-skate, playing mono lps thru only 1 speaker ... If mine died, I would replace it without even loooking at anything else. I use SUT for MC cartridge to keep using mx110z's phono! |
Everyone: IF you want to keep an existing preamp or integrated amp, lacking some features, this Chase RLC-1 provides remote volume, remote balance, remote treble and bass, so you make all adjustments from your listening position. It’s S/N is 120db, no one can tell if it is in or out of my system. None on eBay now, this one was sold but it shows it well https://reverb.com/item/12411621-chase-rlc-1-remote-line-controller It also has built-in fletcher musnon ’loudness’ for bass boost at low volumes, only engages at low volumes. |
The Schiit Loki is an add on which costs $149. I have never heard it and am in no way associated with it. But It may be a less expensive alternative. Another alternative MAY be a subwoofer. However that depends on your speakers . IE, my speakers have very good mids and highs but lack bass. Generally I set the subs and forget them. But every now and then I just need to tweak the lows or highs. Too much bass kills the highs. Too little bass takes away the punch. But again, my system is at a good place where it works for me. Not sure it is for everyone, especially if you are fighting too much bass as it is. |
All excellent suggestions. I have several Subs I have put in and out. Don't really want to go to sub route. I have a good sub and it definitely does add to it , I have various speakers that I can use cornwall's tannoy mg12 a few others. I know none of these speakers lack the bass when being put to them. I will look into that $149 option. |
As a couple of others have already, I'll also throw in my recommendation for the Luxman CL-38. I bought the standard version a few years ago and liked it so much I bought the SE version. Both models sound beautiful in my systems, and are well within your price range on the used market. The great thing about Luxman's approach is you can select the shelf frequency for both high and low, and the boost/cut isn't 'out of control'; it's tastefully done. And when you don't need the tone control, simply hit the defeat switch and the circuit is removed, given clean straight-through line signal. |
look at this one from China, with tone controls and you can bypass them https://www.ebay.com/itm/HiFi-6H8C-CV181-Vacuum-Tube-Preamp-Stereo-Home-Audio-Preamplifier-Tone-Cont... 2 outputs |
tube equalizer, many options https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mesa-Boogie-Subway-WD-800-Tube-Preamp-Class-D-Power-Amp/392673792214?epid=4... |
@pkvintage, if you're running RCAs from the M6 to the monoblocks, then your system is single-ended. You can plug into the Schiit Loki and keep that wonderful AN system. Or, if you can find one: https://reverb.com/item/20915225-ultra-rare-cello-palette-audiophile-preamplifier-in-excellent-condi... |
Just to throw an idea in the ring Use a Vintage Tube Receiver, i.e. Fisher 500C pull the power tubes, just use the preamp's extensive features. Out to your power amp(s) two ways: 1. tape out to amp in 2. pull the jumpers on the deck (intended for a reverb unit), use the l/r out to amp I have two. When you clean all the controls and switches with contact cleaner, they are very quiet and sound terrific. here's a listing that shows it well, there are many for sale, and of course other brands receivers, using tape out will work. At least once, try it as power for your speakers, you might fall in love. |