have very good results driving McCormack with a Golden Tube SEP2. The SEP3 is the same pre but with a separately boxed power supply (for allegedly lower noise). Great stage & imaging, full bodied, musical, warm sonic signature, remote control, very low noise (much unlike many other tube pre's that I tried, some quite expensive). The SEP's are out of production but can still be found inexpensively, although unfortunately Solo Electronics is history. Service is yet available from a number of sources if ever needed. The single ended triodes are readily rollable with a number of alternatives, but I have never felt the need. Very satisfied with this pre; bigtime performance for low cost.
Tube preamp and McCormack DNA-500
Looking for a tube preamp to match and perform well w/ a McCormack DNA-500. Want to spend 1700, preferably less. Speakers: Ohm Walsh 5000 (4 ohm 82-87 db efficient). Listen primarily to classic jazz (hard bop). Emailed Steve McCormack about using a tube preamp with the DNA 500. He responded:
Looking for a tube preamp that does not roll off the highs, full sounding (not thin) in the mids; detailed presentaion is good, not rolled off in the low end; in other words I like low end extension and weight; Not looking for leanness or soft bass. I like transparency; complete and utter neutrality is not my priority as some gear seems to lean towards. Some tube sound is preferable but without a veil. Suggetions please? Thanks
Most tube preamps will do a fine job with the DNA-500 - you just have to watch out for the few that won't. Check the output impedance spec of any preamp you are considering - lower is better, at least in this regard. As long as your preamp has an output impedance spec of 800 Ohms or less, you should be fine.
Looking for a tube preamp that does not roll off the highs, full sounding (not thin) in the mids; detailed presentaion is good, not rolled off in the low end; in other words I like low end extension and weight; Not looking for leanness or soft bass. I like transparency; complete and utter neutrality is not my priority as some gear seems to lean towards. Some tube sound is preferable but without a veil. Suggetions please? Thanks