2. amps-preamps
  3. 1188364335

tube pre suggestion

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently running an all nuforce system with the P8 preamp and the ref 9SE (currently v1, soon to be v2) amps. I have this hooked to Thiel PCS speakers.

I'd like to dump the nuforce pre and try something else. I've heard that a tubed pre is the way to go with my amps...a buddy of mine who I trust heard the Modwright SWL 9.0 SE with the nuforce amps and said it was incredible.

I'm new to experimenting with preamps--my other system has a Krell integrated so I've never needed to play with in this area. Any suggestions on where to start? My budget is $1500-$2k, and I'm thinking used market exclusively to maximize my value.

Comments from the Audiogon Gurus are appreciated!
samgupta101

Showing 3 responses by sherod

sherod
1,690 posts
 
Tvad,
Victor's e-mail address at Audio Horizon is:

vcomerchero@sbcglobal.net Unless he's traveling, I'm sure that he'll get back with you promptly. He's always been very responsive to my e-mails, unless he's on the road. Regarding the preamp's lack of mute switch and balance control, I don't know why Joseph didn't include them. I never bothered to ask as these two features weren't relevant to me. My guess on his omitting the balance switch is that it would degrade the sound. This preamp matches very well with my VAC Musicblocs.
sherod
1,690 posts
 
If anyone has a classic vintage tuner from the 70's or earlier, Joseph can work miracles with his mods on these. I have a 1977 Harman/Kardon Citation Eighteen( Joseph mod) that is currently my favorite source. I have it cranked up right now to some classic jazz on my local NPR station 88.5.
sherod
1,690 posts
 
Grant,
To get the best sound out of the AH preamp, if you have a nice pair of Siemens CCa tubes, put them in locations one and three. The preamp is also sensitive to power cords so experiments will be necessary there as well to fine tune the sound. Allow 40-60 hours break in( possibly more) for the new preamp before serious evaluations. Have fun in your evaluation. I'm also anxious to hear how the Belles 350A compares to the VAC Musicblocs.
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