2. amps-preamps
  3. 161076-3879

Tube Preamp for SMC Audio power amp. (300B?)

I have been using 2a3 and 300b SET for years. Unfortunately never quite enough power to rock the house so I have been using my 2a3 set as a preamp to a SMC (McCormack) DNA 0.5 (fully upgraded).

The SET has issues as a preamp and so I am looking for a tube preamp (with remote volume) to complement my SMC amp, Ayre DAC, Greenmountain EOS with RAAL Tweeters.

I have loved the sound of my 300b and am wondering  if anyone has experience with the Manley 300b preamp. Might be out of my price range so alternatives would be great.  The added value for me is I have some very nice and expensive Emissions Labs mesh 300b tubes.

Sure the SS guys say there are options that sound like tubes but my experience is there is a 3 dimensional quality to my tube amps that can be somewhat acheived with a tube preamp and Class A SS amp.

I would love to come in under $4000 and generally always buy used stuff.  Must have a remote volume (blasphemy I know), and hopefully a gentle turn on.  SMC recommends leaving the power amp on 24/7.

Thanks in advance for your useful responses.
drewh1

Showing 1 response by audiotroy

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,875 posts
 
We wrrea manlex dealer for many Years the 300b preamp was an extroordinary preamp ane you reallh had to spend 2 to3 times more money to beat it

It was my favorite preamp sadly we dopredsjednik manley no marketing no shows so we got very lttle consumer demand

Just fired up our demo Last week for a client same panoramic soundstage zonal watmzthwith good detail I will miss this preamp when it is sold  from a business stand point manly labs should market wa y more afressively

Dave and Troy
Audiointellect Nj
Former manley dealers
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