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In Reply to: RE: best true balanced tube pre amp under US$10,000 used posted by benno on August 09, 2012 at 10:59:20
Einstein The Tube
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I scratch build my tube preamps. I have one in the works now. But I needed a tube preamp in a hurry to get me by.
So I bought this one.
Behringer MIC2200 2-Ch Tube Mic/Line Preamplifier
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=248-6294
It was $99! It sounds incredible, detailed and quiet. I realize that it's not a Marantz but what an amazing value. It uses XLR connections.
you cannot create a stereo line stage with a single dual triode. The tube is there largely for show most likely performing buffer duty. The gain is provided by $.26 NJM 4580 op amps as found in all Behringer products.
Manual
Well, yeah, but it costs $99 so it uses opamps. And the tube is only a buffer. It's not going to be a Lamm at $99. As a stop gap or as an instrument for experimentation it's a huge bargain. It does have balanced inputs/outputs.
And it sounds great for the money. I sometimes wonder how many of the golden ears could tell the difference by the sound alone.
Well, yeah, but it costs $99 so it uses opamps.
is really not a tube preamp.
I sometimes wonder how many of the golden ears could tell the difference by the sound alone.
Most likely, ALL of them.
For a while, I owned a Behringer EQ used with powered subs. Just for grins, I tried it full range with the vintage system in the garage. Even with the controls flat, the sound became bright and edgier and the soundfield shrank.
With CDPs and DACs, folks can often use attenuators instead. I made one out of parts from Radio Shack for under $20 that would have been a noticeable improvement.
I completed my DIY preamp so I no longer will be using the Behringer. It did sound good. For the price it's actually incredible.
But I just want to make a point here. The Krell S300i intgrated uses OP177G op amps and is made in China. Personally I wouldn't buy one.
But I wonder how many S300i owners would sniff at a Behringer? Sometimes it pays to hang around in DIY forums. It gives the music lover a different perspective on the equipment.
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/solid-state/199419-krell-s300i-integrated-amp-made-china-factory.html
The Krell S300i intgrated uses OP177G op amps and is made in China. Personally I wouldn't buy one.
It bears little similarity to the kind of build quality and performance that established their reputation.
But I wonder how many S300i owners would sniff at a Behringer?
Honestly, I couldn't care less.
The price of a really good 12AX7 or sub can run over $99.99. Even a lower quality tube costs something. The chasis and face plate of many pre amps would cost multiples of the price of this entire unit. If he can get this for European voltage it seems like a no brainer. I might buy one myself. All that said....
Of the pres you listed I know the SLP-05, the Aesthex and have heard the BAT. The one I think may give you most of what you want is the Cary. That pre uses 6SN7s thru out, which you can roll if your not happy with the ones you get with the pre initially. The Cary cost under 10,000 so you can buy this new. The styock tubes are Chinese if I'm not mistaken, which don't provide much warmth. Upscale Audio sells them and can assist you in choosing tubes. Upscale has NOS tubes in stock and know the pre well. Not sure if Uncle Kevin at Upscale can sell overseas and with duty etc. it might be prohibitive.
Steve
Having owned the Cary SLP-05 and more recently, the Aesthetix Calypso Signature, I would choose the Cary for it's superb sonics.
However, if I needed more flexibility with inputs/outputs, remote control source switching, repeatable remote volume control, etc., I would lean toward the Aesthetix, which is also very good.
But if sonics were my only criteria, the Cary SLP-05 would win hands down.
Thanks very much indeed everyone. Really appreciate this. Keep 'em coming if you can!
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