Thanks for the continued replies.
Interesting on the suggestion to use an old tube integrated. I have several of them right now actually that I might just try this with to get an Idea of what it would sound like.
Sony model 250
Fisher X100
Scott Lk48
Dynaco SCA 35
All working units
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US Audio Mart has a Luxman CL 38U SE for sale. Around $3700. Excellent price. Right in your range. |
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. |
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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. |
Interesting. My amps are single ended, Audio Note P4 mono block's, but I am not sure about the pre amp |
The Schiit Loki is an excellent EQ, but can only be used in a single-ended setup. It is the most transparent analogue EQ I've ever heard.
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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. |
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. |
I have a Luxman CL-35 III. These were manufactured in about 1975. They sound good, but not as good as the CL-38. Additionally the CL-38 has built in SUT and a remote control.
Try using hifishark.com to search for it. |
I use a McIntosh C2500 tube preamp with tone controls, love it. |
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-controllerIt also has built-in fletcher musnon ’loudness’ for bass boost at low volumes, only engages at low volumes. |
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.htmMcIntosh 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! |
Thanks for bringing luxman to my attention. Do you have any experience or knowledge of the CL 35 lineup. There's two for sale I see a Mk 2 and Mk3.
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I also own the Luxman CL-38U SE for a couple of years. I second the phono stage. It has 4 SUT's 2 for MC high and 2 for MC low. It handles a Dynavector Karat 17 DX. The late Art Dudley gave it a Stereophile Class A rating. |
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. |
