Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: deHavilland Mercury Preamplifier (Tube) by sheffb

Model:	Mercury
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$3495
Description:	class A single ended triode tube
Manufacturer URL:	deHavilland
Manufacturer URL:	deHavilland

Review by sheffb ( A ) on November 03, 2004 at 09:41:48
IP Address: 209.7.239.5

Add Your Review
for the Mercury

The deHaviland Mercury is their new next step up from the Ultraverve and a pleasure for me to review. The two share much in common, both being class A, single ended, triode preamps with similar high quality parts. The main difference is the Mercury moves up to the type 85 triode tube. Please go to deHavilland web site for more details. I have been listening to the Mercury in my home system for the past few days after being at least partially broken in elsewhere. My impression at this time is this is one very fine preamplifier and a tremendous value for those who are desiring a system which reproduces music in a very realistic fashion without spending a fortune. I previously used the Pass X2.5 preamp which was very neutral, transparent, dynamic and quite musical and is a good value. The Mercury is also quite neutral, but moves beyond the Pass in accuracy and genuine musicality. The Mercury has a beautiful but uncolored midrange. It passes through very realistic timbre with voices and instruments sounding natural. The Mercury is very dynamic with a great sound stage. The sound is very refined and nonfatiging. It makes me want to keep on listening for long periods. This preamp is not tuby. It simply passes music unharmed. From tuneful natural bass, fluid midrange to airy smooth highs this preamp just allows the music to pass. I would give it a 9.5/10 in my book. I thoroughly enjoyed my Pass for 16 months. I may enjoy the Mercury for 16 years!
I have matched the Mercury with the GamuT Mk.3 amp, a dynamite combination. I highly recommend this preamp for anyone who just wants to enjoy music and stop searching. The tubes are not stressed and the designer says they last for thousands of hours and cheaply replaceable. The Mercury has after circuit trimmers for balance control. By using the Cardas wonderful XLR RCA adapters I have connected to my GamuT CD1R balanced outputs and GamuT balanced inputs. Impedences are well matched. I like the Goldpoint stepped attenuater volume control, but you can get a high quality remote for 500 more, however no sonic improvement, I have been told.

Product Weakness: none for me
Product Strengths: It passes music unharmed!

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	GamuT D-100 Mk. 3
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	deHavilland Mercury
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	GamuT CDP
Speakers:	Chapman Q6
Cables/Interconnects:	all JPS Labs
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	classical, opera, jazz, symphonic pops
Room Size (LxWxH):	25' x 15' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	carpet over wood, heavy upostered furniture
Time Period/Length of Audition:	several days after partial breakin
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Stealth
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	none for me
Product Strengths:	It passes music unharmed!