2. amps-preamps
  3. 193215-198816

Used tube preamps, Cary, AR, Aesthetix, Wells...........or?

Having searched over the last year or so for a different preamp, I have been attracted to the Cary SLP 98 more times than not but I know it has many different incarnations and this seems to be important. The one I put an offer on is 8 years old and no upgrades are known. No real idea how this compares with others. The deal is by no means a lock. They have plenty of others that I would consider.

I have also found an AR Reference Mk II. It is 10 years old so not sure if that is good or bad but I'm sure it would be one that I would enjoy. It has a choice of xlr and rca for every connection. Only one I know of like this, at least in my searches. It is also designed to drive two amps, so is the Cary but the Cary is only set up this way with rca connections. I have never used balanced circuitry even though I've had it as an option. Most of what I've read says that you gain 6 db in gain. Is that the only advantage or is that even an advantage? I for one, do not know.

I have also found Aesthetix, both Rhea and Calypso. The Rhea is more in my price range but used, either is a possibility. They get mentioned here and there. Not sure what to think.

Another find is a Wells Audio Commander Level 2 Class? 2. No idea on these. Not heard anyone speak on them. 

Yet another has been the Dodd, battery powered unit. Haven't heard much but the ones who have them, say their search is over. Interesting. Happy to hear from anyone with any experience on these or others. I know there are tons to choose from but many are difficult to find as well. 

I bought several different preamps that were supposed to be "bargain finds" but none lived up to the one I'm trying to replace. If I'd been smart, I would have been more patient and put all my eggs in one basket instead of fooling around with all the others. It has been an interesting journey, just the same and I now have several pieces to sell or trade. Not necessarily a good thing but as I say, it's been an interesting journey and I have more to go. Thanks for any and all input.

Bill

billpete
billpete OP
39 posts
 

awise

Thanks for this. A buddy of mine had Siemens tubes in his CJ preamp. They did a very nice job . I don't think I have any Siemens in my collection but I might. I bought large lots of tubes many years ago. I look through groups of them every now and then to try and figure out why I did but I do find a good one here and there that I can use. I also bought a whole sales kit of NOS Sylvania tubes. I don't remember what all is in it but it was cheap and it was a lot of tubes. I also used to find NOS Sylvania Gold Pin (triple mica) 5751's for $30 or so, used ones for around $15 to $18. I bought all I could find at those prices and I'm glad I did. That was over 20 years ago and I still have them all. Anyway, thanks for the comments. Much appreciated. 

billpete OP
39 posts
 

Russ69

What AR's did you have? Just wondering. I read mostly favorable comments on AR, especially from the 5 and 6 series. Funny how this stuff goes. I think a lot of people have upgraditis. I'm not really one of them.

awise1961
68 posts
 

decooney

I had initially changed out an Aestheix Atlas amp for a pair of CJ LP275M mono's. Each amp has eight of the ST120 power tubs and three 6922s. I felt they made my big Wilson Alexias soubd even better (deeper extension, more soundstage). I had thought of going with Atlas mono's but once I locked on to the big CJ's there was no going back. After that I got a chance to try a CJ GAT S1 preamp and it fit wonderfully in between the be mono's. As good as the Callisto sounded, the GAT was right there with it and took up less space and has a lot fewer tubes. The Callisto was the Eclipse level with sperate power supply and separate remote control box. If I remember correctly, there were at least seventeen tubes total. Again, it was a great preamp, just the GAT was its equal, but in an easier to live with form factor, Then, I replaced the Rhea phono stage with my CJ TEA1 S3. The Rhea was the Signature level and before selling the Callisto, I had considered having it upgraded to Eclipse level. However, I came across the TEA and after demoing it, I was convinced it was an upgrade from the RHEA and it gave me the opportunity to have a complete CJ system. Please don't get me wrong, I have the utmost admiration for Aesthetix. Build quality and sound is first rate. I'm just happier living with my CJ system.

 

audio-b-dog's avatar
audio-b-dog
46 posts
 

I have owned both the ARC Ref. 2 Mk.II and the ARC. Ref 3. I thought they were both fantastic, the Ref. 3 not quite as bloomy. I am getting away from tubes because having to change tubes in a preamp is a pain. But I would still be running the ARC Ref. 3 if it weren't for that. I loved it. Huge soundstage without a lot of tube romanticism. I now have the a Pass XP-30, the top of their line, and it sounds very much like the ARC Ref. 3.

markmendenhall
227 posts
 

owned the SLP98 with phono for several years and loved it, eventually bought the PH302 separate phono stage and had Cary mod it to the mk II version including an external power supply (standard on their latest phono pre)

sold the SLP98 in favor of a First Sound tube dual mono pre with twin external power supplies and never looked back

for many the lack of a remote on the First Sound could be a deterrent, but the sound quality is excellent in all aspects

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