Basie -> Ella: Calling all cars!

There are folks better suited to answer your Q than I am et al..
The Ella has enough gain (100mv sensitivity) to output full dynamics with only CDP level in. Nothing to really gain by adding a preamp in front. A passive preamp with transformer volume attenuator would be another story. They have that coming. Check out the S&B stuff here.
http://www.diyhifisupply.com/accessories/accessories.html

Cheers,
Craig Ryder

diyhifi

Re: Basie -> Ella: Calling all cars!, posted on November 28, 2002 at 16:51:17

zarniwoop

I agree with the comment below. The only reason people say that its not a good match is because of the high input sensitivity that the Ella has. So the preamp is dealing with very low levels and really not doing much good (arguably).

I have tried a 12au7 mu-follower line amp with the Ella and it does work alright. I don't think its an improvement to the passive volume control though.

Re: Basie -> Ella: Calling all cars!, posted on November 28, 2002 at 17:15:01

G
Audiophile

Posts: 194
Joined: February 28, 2001

Another option is to use a stepped "ladder" attenuator. These are considered to be superior to a standard stepped attenuator in that the input impedance that your source sees does not change. Goldpoint controls sells a reasonably priced kit as well as a standalone "passive" preamp with the ladder attenuator and the input switches in it's own chassis. It might be something to look at. The S&B transformers are spoken of highly by and recommended Thorston. Either way it will be light years better than the Alps pot. The Ella definately does not need an active preamp unless it is just a current buffer with no voltage gain. Decware sells one of these. Hope this helps.

Re: Basie -> Ella: Calling all cars!, posted on November 29, 2002 at 18:15:44
bcherry Manufacturer Posts: 2334 Joined: March 11, 2001	The Ella has the extra gain stage so is more suited to line level input levels. The ultimate companion will be the Django, which has switchable 0db-6db gain, selector for 3 RCA and one balanced input. As mentioned, it uses S&B TX102 transformers. Brian

My experience..., posted on December 2, 2002 at 16:22:59

Kevin P
Audiophile

Posts: 791
Location: Washington
Joined: October 29, 2000

You just don't need any more gain than is already provided by the Ella in stock form. If you use a preamp with gain you end up padding the input to the preamp, or the amp to get your volume control at some reasonable level. What is the point of producing gain if your just going to burn it off in a resistor to begin with?

I've been using a home-brew S&B 102 solution in front of the Ella for several months. In my opinion, that is a great way to go. Once Brian has the Django in circulation that is going to be my recommended set-up for people without high efficiency speaker desires. It really makes music with a set of HE10.1s.

Thanks!, posted on December 3, 2002 at 10:48:55
Boban Audiophile Posts: 104 Joined: April 16, 2002	for all good comments. Boban

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Basie -> Ella: Calling all cars!

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