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Has anyone used to tried the VTA Z-preamp. I was interested in it. But using it with a modern SS NAD C275BEE amp. With switchable input impedance of 10k or 100k.
The NAD amp is like a chameleon. It "tunes" to what ever preamp or source it sees. So I was thinking how interesting it may be to have a tubed preamp hooked up to this very transparent amp. Any suggestions or comments.
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Charles, why not try something different? Something that may turn your world upside down.
Bottlehead has always offered good value. Their current top line preamp is in a different leauge. See what directly heated triodes and a preamp that doesn't result to cathode followers (and/or feedback) to have low output impedance and ability to drive difficult loads.
Their mid-price one will be fantastic if you buy the upgrades. In fact I like the choice of tubes better. 300B for a preamp is overkill:)
or this one?
http://bottlehead.com/product/smash-dht-preamplifier-kit/
I was suggesting the beepre, built around the 300b tube.
http://bottlehead.com/?product=beepre-300b-preamplifier-kit
For less $$$, the smash, built around the 4P1L tube, might have more sonic potential. You will want to get all the upgrades. I'd say a little more work might even be required to get true potential. It won't have as low an output impedance and as much drive as the beepree (but still way more than most any tube preamp).
http://bottlehead.com/product/smash-dht-preamplifier-kit/
http://bottlehead.com/product/smash-up-upgrade-for-smash-dht-preamp/
I understand this is a considerable sum. To break out of the lateral move mode will require some pain. Bottlehead offers a stepping stone from rebuilding/improving vintage stuff to building from scratch. I think by the time you finish thier kit you will feel all you need is a schematic to follow (and those are easy to find).
Even at a 100 Kohm I/P impedance, the NAD power amp may be a difficult load for an unmodified Dyna PAS preamp. Remember, there's a very wimpy 12AX7 in the line stage.
Eli D.
This is the VTA Z-preamp. They state that they have beefed up the linestage with an upgraded transformer.
At least that's what the literature states.
This is no biggie. this is only a 'fooling around' secondary system I'm trying to "warm up" a little. Can't seem to find just the right preamp for this amp.
charles
Try it Charles. It is worth a shot.
How do you like the zmod? I have the kits coming today for my friends PAS and ST70.
I think they sound good now so I am anxious to hear how the upgrades are
I don't have any VTA kits just yet. Just wondering if I could use it with a solid state amplifier. Again, this is a second system. but I always wanted to have a tubed preamp/SS amp setup.
My main system - AIN'T going anywhere!
Are you getting it in kit form or pre-built? And are you using it for the ST-70 or with various amplifiers?
charles
I bought the kits.
I may do the preamp first and try it on my little T Amp.
I will report when its all done.
It sounds good now so the rebuild should be another level. My friend didn't want tone controls so I am getting the upgrade without tone controls.
Great! I will be very interested to read your results. I would also be interested to hear you opinion on the design.
Dave
I assume that the preamp is the same as the upgrade board. If so, then it has a cathode follower stage, which the original PAS does not. I am not an expert in this, but I think you will be alright.
If you get the VTA, please post what you think of it. It looks like a very interesting design, and I like that you can get it with tone controls!
Dave
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