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
rja's avatar
rja
2,380 posts
 

I'd throw Backert into the mix.

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
600 posts
 

AUDIO GD HE-1 XLR...10 tube Monster Preamp I use it in a 30K system and absolutely love it.

handymann
389 posts
 

I meant to mention I purchased both of mine used and had them updated to Signature models. They updated my power supplies with some better tubes etc. For me, I have some $$ in them, but love them.  They’re in mint condition 

billpete OP
209 posts
 

To all

Had some issues with the Calypso Signature so it went back. Found a loose RCA output, LED's going dim and channel loss. Kind of strange but TMR thought it best to return it and so did I.  I thought it did very well for CD listening but did not get to utilize it fully for vinyl since I was having other issues with other gear. Picked up an LP12 since and now waiting for a very pristine looking SLP 98P F1 with multiple upgrades in Jaguar red. Very much looking forward to hearing it in the system. Many thanks to all.

decooney
2,308 posts
 

To @billpete not sure if I mentioned it, a colleague owned a Red 98 F1, it still had the original caps in it as upgraded.  He tried it for a while with the Cary V12R amp I sold to him. He had been comparing it to his $17k Conrad Johnson preamp from his other system. He wanted to emulate the newer 98 preamp I had at the time. So rather than him upgrading it to the newer Mundorf caps [with a little more transparency], he sold the F1 pre to his good friend to try, and bought a brand new 98 pre with the newer Mundorf caps some liked more. The main difference in change of sound was the caps and tubes in the new 98 preamp. The difference was enough for him to put the $17k CJ preamp up for sale, and using the upgraded 98 pre for both amplifier systems.  As I recall ,the downside was it took a long time for that new preamp with Mundorf caps to form / settle in / break in - but he liked the change. I'm not suggesting changing caps in your F1, however this topic does come up if the older style caps are installed from that era of the original F1s that got shipped out. You might like the original caps installed, many had the original gold Jensen Oilers in the F1 preamp. Can sound nice with more transparent gear and speakers.   At some point, it is worth checking inside, maybe the caps have been changed since anyhow.

The 98 preamp responds well to different coupling caps inside, and you can flavor it to how you want it sound. After 72hrs of play, you'll get an idea of how it sounds in your system. Have fun. :) 

More to discover