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 2 responses by jjss49

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
yes tell don what is the input impedance of the amp you are feeding he will suggest the correct capacitors

his older and newer versions of the linestage are very similar in sound... mostly the features different... newer ones has fancier display but loses the balance control... for those who value that to center the image this can be significant
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
conrad johnson premer 17ls2, 16ls or et5

audio research reference 2 or 3 (may be a lil above your budget)

more modern VAC if you can find one around 4 grand

don sachs linestage for a bit of a homebrew feel - less $, around 2 grand

a later model cary for a softer sound

own or have owned all the above

another one to consider is a herron, but i haven’t had one

others will recommend manley, quicksilver, rogue - they seems to have good reputations, i have not owned
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