Tubes Asylum: REVIEW: Space-Tech Laboratory QA-808 Preamplifier (Tube) by Romanesq

Model:	QA-808
Category:	Preamplifier (Tube)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2699
Description:	10 large tube preamp
Manufacturer URL:	Space-Tech Laboratory
Manufacturer URL:	Space-Tech Laboratory

Review by Romanesq ( A ) on April 16, 2002 at 06:37:47
IP Address: 24.189.9.84

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I was originally interested in this specialty maker based on a review of their entry level preamp. For only $300 it appeared to impress considering the high level products it was competing against, i.e., name brands like ARC and others. Although this little preamp could not outperform these obviously, it did merit mention so off to the website I went and looked at the preamp lineup and it is extensive. A number of models were available for home testing and I made an arrangement for a test of the QA-807. When I got it I was very pleased. The soundstage was great, the detail and full sound was all there. I went and demoed a ARC Reference 1 and was not all that impressed. I then weighed upgrading to the QA-808 I had my eye on. I certainly don't regret this upgrade at all. Everything the 807 delivered, this 10 tube preamp did and more. Vocal qualities exceeded expectations and nothing beats listening to the pure sound. There is a life-like quality that is absolutely wonderful and makes experiencing well known albums even better. This is not an incremental improvement on the level of say the PS Audio P300, worthwhile in its own right.
What the space-tech preamp did was elevate the performance of my complete system to what I finally had hoped and wished for in a remote corner of my mind. Ironically, although tube has higher distortion numbers than solid state, the human ear shows it to be no contest. Now, I can play the music at lower volumes and enjoy it more. And when I do play at louder volume, it is more enjoyable no matter what room I'm in, even if not in the same room as the speakers.
Warmup time a known factor with tubes isn't bad. 15-25 minutes seems optimum in most cases instead of an hour. Your mileage may vary.
For four of the ouput buffer tubes, I replaced them first with Westinhouse NOS 6V6GT and that was more interesting. Then I went mental and bought Visseaux 6v6GT (1951 France) and this absolutely added incredible richness, balance and detail.
Tube upgrade was worth the cost.

Product Weakness: Delicate artistry by hand can result in risk with shipping.
Product Strengths: Hand point to point design and execution tough to overcome in the mass manufacturing market. Unique electrical current design and oversized tubes.

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	McCormack DNA-2 Deluxe Rev. A
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Space-Tech Labs QA-808
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Sony SACD 777ES (modded)
Speakers:	B&W 803 Nautilus
Cables/Interconnects:	Silver Audio 4.0/ Goertz M3
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Rock, Blues, Classical
Room Size (LxWxH):	29 x 12 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	it is what it is
Time Period/Length of Audition:	3 months
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	PS Audio P300
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

Product Weakness:	Delicate artistry by hand can result in risk with shipping.
Product Strengths:	Hand point to point design and execution tough to overcome in the mass manufacturing market. Unique electrical current design and oversized tubes.