Wyetech Labs Ruby Std preamp - any views?

Has anyone compared the Ruby STD with the discontinued Wyetech Opal pre? I still own mine (with upgraded Solen Teflon caps) and I would sooner have my right arm pulled from its socket than give it up, unless the Ruby STD was notably superior.

Neal

The Teflon caps made an enormous difference. The one criticism I had about the Opal is that it was a bit thin on top, especially on strings. The Teflon caps provided a much smoother, more full - bodied and natural sound. Strings sound quite "sweet" now. It takes 50-100 hours to really hear the full effects, but the improvement is immediately audible.

Roger provided the 4 caps but did not do the removal/installation; I had it done by an excellent shop in Westchester County in NY. Very reasonable; about $230.

I cannot see moving from the Opal now, and if I did it would be for a pre with a remote control as I am getting older and lazier.

Good luck.

No problem, Peter.

BTW, before I bought the Opal, I had a Hovland HP100. It was my first tube product, and was gorgeous to look at and sounded great, albeit a bit light in the bass.

Neal

FYI, Hovland has been out of business for years. Not syre what happened, because they made very HQ products that also were gorgeous to look at.

Neal

As a long term and very happy Opal owner (especially after installing the Teflon capacitors Roger supplied), I actually love the retro, industrial look, and, amazingly, my lady friend likes the look as well. That said, the only reason I would ever sell it is for a pre with a remote. It is a pain to keep getting up to change volume levels or functions. We lazy Americans!

I would be interested in hearing comments on a direct A/B comparo between the new Ruby STD and the Opal.

Neal

Thanks, Pavpet. Did the Opal you compared to the (better) Mbl 5011 have the Teflon capacitors, or replacement NOS tubes. I use a pair of Russians (I think 1578's) and a pair of Sylvania Bad Boys.

These mods may tip the scale considerably.

regards,

Neal