Robert, my time with the SP-6b was a long time ago, it's tubes no longer in my memory. What the mode switch allows is for each channel to heard through both speakers, or both blended together to mono. I use it to switch between left and right channels when playing "electronically simulated stereo" LP's, such as the early Kinks and Beach Boys albums, to compare them to each other.
Tube Preamp Recommendations?
Hello, I'm a newbie to this forum. I'm on the hunt for a new tube pre-amp. I think. It is replacing an aging PSE Hybrid Line Stage 1 preamp. Several of the RCA outputs on the PSE don't work, the power button is finicky, and it is all original, ostensibly in need of major overhaul. Labels on capacitors and other parts have fallen off, etc. I love the slightly warm (to my ear) holographic sound of the PSE. I would like to upgrade the SQ. I find bright, high resolution sound like that of my KEF X300A computer desktop speakers very fatiguing after a short period of time.
My system consists of an Auralic Aries Mini with SBooster power supply > Kimber Kable PBJ RCA interconnects> PSE HL1 > Kimber Kable Hero RCA interconnect > N.E.W. A-20 amp > Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker wire > ProAc Response Two S speakers mounted on very beefy steel stands. I stream a lot of Tidal on the Aires' Lighting DS app.
My short list of possible replacements are AR SP6, AR SP8, CJ PV10 and Quicksilver Full Function. Two other options are AI Modulus 3A and ModWright LS 100 (if i can find a good deal on one--it's a stretch for my budget), but I'm afraid these two might be too neutral or bright for my ear. I'd appreciate any recommendations. Overhauling the PSE preamp is a possibility, but one audio professional i trust told me i can really improve SQ over the PSE.
Thanks for any tips or advice!
My system consists of an Auralic Aries Mini with SBooster power supply > Kimber Kable PBJ RCA interconnects> PSE HL1 > Kimber Kable Hero RCA interconnect > N.E.W. A-20 amp > Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker wire > ProAc Response Two S speakers mounted on very beefy steel stands. I stream a lot of Tidal on the Aires' Lighting DS app.
My short list of possible replacements are AR SP6, AR SP8, CJ PV10 and Quicksilver Full Function. Two other options are AI Modulus 3A and ModWright LS 100 (if i can find a good deal on one--it's a stretch for my budget), but I'm afraid these two might be too neutral or bright for my ear. I'd appreciate any recommendations. Overhauling the PSE preamp is a possibility, but one audio professional i trust told me i can really improve SQ over the PSE.
Thanks for any tips or advice!