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  1. #1
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Looking for new Pre-Amp

    What do you all think of this? http://www.8audio-mall.com/servlet/t...p--dsh-/Detail

    I mean the High-End Upgraded M7 Tube Pre-Amplifier with upgraded, not the dismally designed site.

    thanks

  2. #2
    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
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    Interesting in a way

    Quote Originally Posted by atomicAdam
    What do you all think of this? http://www.8audio-mall.com/servlet/t...p--dsh-/Detail

    I mean the High-End Upgraded M7 Tube Pre-Amplifier with upgraded, not the dismally designed site.

    thanks
    Thanks. This is fastinating example of what China has to offer. They have what they proport to be knock-offs of several famous preamp designs. If well executed, the results could be very good, but that's a big "if".

    Note that there is no remote and that the voltage is 220V.

  3. #3
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Feanor
    Thanks. This is fastinating example of what China has to offer. They have what they proport to be knock-offs of several famous preamp designs. If well executed, the results could be very good, but that's a big "if".

    Note that there is no remote and that the voltage is 220V.

    No remote isn't an issue, but the 220V is. Thanks for the input.

  4. #4
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    So then I need a good suggestion on a pre-amp.

    I would like to get a tube pre-amp that will just either run an iPod (shame shame I know) or a PS1 for CDs. I have Polk RTiAi Speakers and currently have 2 Onkyo M-282 driving the speakers. One for the Mids/Low the other for the Highs. (i'm poor)

    Only pre-amps I've found that lately while looking around are either in the $3000+ range or like $200. I really just need something with that will take 2 inputs, 1or2 outputs, has volume, maybe bass/high adjustment, and tubes. I would be either interested in a build it yourself kit or pre-made.

  5. #5
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Check out the Van Alstine Preamps. www.avahifi.com
    He has 3 types. An all Solid State called the Insight that has a very nice sound which is very tube like for $899. It is a bargain at that price and if your looking for a reasonable priced preamp that has a warmer tube like sound go for it. All his equipment has a 30 day trial period and can be returned, no questions asked. An all tube called the Transcendent 8 which has fantastic transparency, stereo separation and sound stage. I dont believe that its listed on his site yet but it is available.

    His best and most expensive at $1700 is the Tube/SS hybrid which is the one I have and its has an in between sound compared to the other 2. Detail, resolution and transparency as well as sound stage is better. These preamps would cost hundreds if not a thousand or so more if mass produced.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  6. #6
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by blackraven
    Check out the Van Alstine Preamps. www.avahifi.com
    I've seen the site before and poked around. Thanks for the recommendation. The $1299 price range of the Transcendence Eight is definitely more in my price range. Thanks.

    What do other AR members think about this pre-amp. Or have other suggestions?

  7. #7
    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
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    Transcendence 8

    Quote Originally Posted by atomicAdam
    I've seen the site before and poked around. Thanks for the recommendation. The $1299 price range of the Transcendence Eight is definitely more in my price range. Thanks.

    What do other AR members think about this pre-amp. Or have other suggestions?
    FWIW, The Absolute Sound very recently recommeded this preamp as being amoung "the best" in its price range.

  8. #8
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Adam, browse the Van Alstine forum- Audio Circle located under the Resources tab in the avahifi.com site. Read the posts about his preamps. I havent found a bad post and there are alot of audiophiles there. People who buy Van alstine equipment swear by it. If you look at audiogon you rarely find a used piece of Van Alstine gear. people keep them for years and upgrade them as he makes improvements to his gear. All his gear is usually up gradeable.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  9. #9
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    Adam I would be cautious with buying gear such as you posted. Inexpensive tube gear is usually prone to high noise as well as other build issues. Emotiva and Outlaw are showing that decent equipment can be had at a reasonable price though. If taking a chance just be sure there is a return policy if not happy. If on a budget you don't want to waste what resources you have on a gamble.

    If remote isn't an issue, my suggestion is to browse Audiogon. You can sometimes pick up a Conrad Johnson PV-10 or similar vintage pieces for $400.00 to $500.00

    Like: http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....ohnson-PV-10B-

    or, this one isn't so cheap
    http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls....V-14L-PV14L-Ni

    Not many like I was talking about on there today but you have to keep you eye on it.

    Another suggestion if you could forgo tubes is an Adcom preamp. They are always on Audiogon for around $300.00 give or take depending on the model.

    If that 2nd CJ model wasn't out of reach, I'd sell mine for not much more. I like mine but have my eye on a CT-6. Honestly though for what you are doing the PV-10b would be perfect but it's crazy to spend much more based on your sources for listening.

  10. #10
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Thanks for the suggestions. The iPod is a horrid source, but the PS1 actually has good reviews, but that is another issue.

    I wander if getting a Van Alstine tube amp would be wasted with the Onkyo M-282 as power amps after it?

    Though the Van Alstine is a piece of equipment I could keep for a long time.

    Maybe looking at a cheaper source right now would be best to stay in line with the rest of the system.

    I'll have to look around some more.

    -adam

  11. #11
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Actually the preamp may improve the sound with your amp. A poor preamp's signal will only be made worse by a good amp but the reverse is usually not the case. A good preamp will be sending a better signal to your amp.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by atomicAdam
    Thanks for the suggestions. The iPod is a horrid source, but the PS1 actually has good reviews, but that is another issue.

    I wander if getting a Van Alstine tube amp would be wasted with the Onkyo M-282 as power amps after it?

    Though the Van Alstine is a piece of equipment I could keep for a long time.

    Maybe looking at a cheaper source right now would be best to stay in line with the rest of the system.

    I'll have to look around some more.

    -adam
    Adam, you... wonder; you don't "wander" okay? I'm the grammar and spelling police here.

    Find a post by Sir Terrence the Terrible and check his sig. His equipment list is loaded with Onkyo equipment. I'd also recommend you look into Emotiva. (Look at posts #1 & #5 in this thread: Desalla Review of Emotiva XPA-2 )

  13. #13
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rich-n-Texas
    Adam, you... wonder; you don't "wander" okay? I'm the grammar and spelling police here.

    Find a post by Sir Terrence the Terrible and check his sig. His equipment list is loaded with Onkyo equipment. I'd also recommend you look into Emotiva. (Look at posts #1 & #5 in this thread: Desalla Review of Emotiva XPA-2 )

    Hey RnT - I'll check out Sir Terrence the Terrible's sig.

    BTW - wondering and wandering for me are pretty much the same thing, just depends on the physical. And I am a dyslexic horrible speller and my grammar is pretty much out the window 50% of the time. So, I wont take offense to your corrections as long as you don't take offense to the amount od work I'm gonna make your fingers do!

    So maybe a better questions for this thread would have been.

    I've got a PS1 and iPod as my music source. The PS1 is good. There is a nice review here and anyways it is what I plan to use cause so far I like the sound.

    Here is the question: With a PS1 as the CD player, and two Onkyo M-282 amps with Polk RTiA1 speakers, (the speakers are bi-amped, not left and right but highs and mids/lows) what would be a good pre-amp with or with out base/treble control to add to this system so I don't have to constantly adjust the little volume control in the back of the M-282s to increase/decrease volume.

    All suggestions are welcome, but keep in mind I am mountain bike rich and money poor. Thanks
    -adam

  14. #14
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    Adam, if upgrade isn't out of the question down the road, you have a valid thought in buying a good preamp now and just upgrading around it as you go.

  15. #15
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
    Adam, if upgrade isn't out of the question down the road, you have a valid thought in buying a good preamp now and just upgrading around it as you go.

    Sounds like a better than not pre-amp would be the way to go.

    Thanks gents for the suggestions and help.

  16. #16
    Music Junkie E-Stat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by atomicAdam
    What do you all think of this?
    I'm a firm believer in system matching. You may not need an active gain stage at all. You might try the cheap-but-good route of making an inexpensive set of attenuators to drive the amps. I've made two and the first one now sits in a drawer. Its yours if you pick up the shipping. Not pretty, but functional.

    rw

  17. #17
    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
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    But ...

    Quote Originally Posted by E-Stat
    I'm a firm believer in system matching. You may not need an active gain stage at all. You might try the cheap-but-good route of making an inexpensive set of attenuators to drive the amps. I've made two and the first one now sits in a drawer. Its yours if you pick up the shipping. Not pretty, but functional.

    rw
    I can't disagree with system matching. In your case you driving high-end VTL tube power amps. The fact may be that in Adam's case his Onkyo s/s units would benefit from the "prettyfying" that tube preamps can provide.

    From everything I've heard & seen Mr Peabody's suggestion of an older, used Conrad Johnson is a very good one provided you don't need remote control; (couldn't live without it myself).

  18. #18
    Music Junkie E-Stat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Feanor
    I can't disagree with system matching. In your case you driving high-end VTL tube power amps. The fact may be that in Adam's case his Onkyo s/s units would benefit from the "prettyfying" that tube preamps can provide.
    I confess that I enjoy having some triodes in a system (the vintage one also benefits from a tube line stage in the DAC), but not for the reason you mentioned.

    rw

  19. #19
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Transcendence Five SL

    How about a Transcendence Five SL http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/used/used.htm from Van Alstine. AR has 1 user review of it here. Only $445 from Van Alstine's site.

  20. #20
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
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    Adam, the T-5 SL sounds like a very good deal, plus it has a return policy. If you have questions about it call Frank Van Alstine. He always answers his phone and enjoys talking about audio equipment. I've seen some of his older gear. They come in a smaller case.

    For $445, you won find a better sounding preamp.
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  21. #21
    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
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    Agree

    Quote Originally Posted by blackraven
    Adam, the T-5 SL sounds like a very good deal, plus it has a return policy. If you have questions about it call Frank Van Alstine. He always answers his phone and enjoys talking about audio equipment. I've seen some of his older gear. They come in a smaller case.

    For $445, you won find a better sounding preamp.
    Nice find. A pretty old model but it is no doubt a fine piece of equipment for the price. Don't hesitate.

  22. #22
    Music Junkie E-Stat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by blackraven
    For $445, you won find a better sounding preamp.
    Back in the 70s, I had one of his FET-5 modified Dyna preamps. It was quite the bargain in its day and I suspect his current offerings are no different. Having said that, I am now of the opinion that preamps are largely superfluous for most high level sources. There are more integrated amps on the market now like the Pass Labs unit that contain no separate active gain stage. They have high gain amp stages with a buffered volume control. I've yet to meet a perfect gain stage.

    I am sending my original, but updated attenuator box to Adam. I will be curious to get his reaction.

    rw

  23. #23
    Suspended atomicAdam's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by E-Stat
    Back in the 70s, I had one of his FET-5 modified Dyna preamps. It was quite the bargain in its day and I suspect his current offerings are no different. Having said that, I am now of the opinion that preamps are largely superfluous for most high level sources. There are more integrated amps on the market now like the Pass Labs unit that contain no separate active gain stage. They have high gain amp stages with a buffered volume control. I've yet to meet a perfect gain stage.

    I am sending my original, but updated attenuator box to Adam. I will be curious to get his reaction.

    rw
    Yes, thank you very much for that E-Stat. I'll let you know for sure.

  24. #24
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    Hey E-stat, what are you sending me?

  25. #25
    Music Junkie E-Stat's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
    Hey E-stat, what are you sending me?
    Hmmm. I'm not an equipment collector like some, so there's not much lying around. How about a Toshiba SD-2900 DVD player that skips on movies? I used it for a while to burn in a new transport to DAC cable that was intolerably bright. Since I source the modest in-house system with the computer, it gets little use today.

    rw

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