Question for B.R.

[blackraven]

I use a Van Alstine Hybrid tube preamp with my A21. But if I had to do it over I would go with the Van Alstine T-8 plus preamp. It is cheaper and has a warmer more tubey sound. It is a great buy for a tube preamp. I have also tried his SS preamp. It sounds grerat but I prefer the combination of a tube preamp and SS amp.

avahifi - avahifi

I also have a Grant Fidelity DAC-11 which is a hybrid SS/tube preamp and DAC. It is basically a tube buffer and uses a single 6DJ8/ECC88 or a 6922 tube. I have tried it with the Parasound. It offers a nice tube like sound with a wide sound stage, great transparency, liquid midrange and deep bass if you use a Vintage 1960's Holland made Amperex tube with out the Aframe structure and with the Halo or "O" getter. The one with the small "O" getter has a warmer sound with more bass, while the version with the large O or Halo getter is less warm but more detailed. There is also a 1960's telefunken tube that is the most musical, with warmth but the vocals are more forward and it has a more agressive faster paced sound. The stock tube is ok but sounds more like a SS.

If you are on a budget, for $350 the GF is a great buy and worth every penny. Supposedly the GF benefits from a better power cord.

Grant Fidelity TubeDAC-11 D/A Converter

[LeRoy]

B.R., thanks for sharing all the great insight! I will certainly check out your recommendations. Today, I ordered the second Zamp and should have it in about a week or so.

My budget for an all tube pre-amp or tube/SS hybrid pre-amp is $2.5K. Of course I'd rather not spend more than necessary. I have read reviews on Mystere CA-21, Prima Luna Dialogue 3, and Dodd battery operated pre-amp. However, I have yet to audition any of these products. Anyone ever had the opportunity to listen to the Mystere, Prima Luna, or Dodd products?

[blackraven]

I have not heard those preamps but I have have read other peoples opinions of all those units and they are all good. One thing about the Van Alstine gear is that there is a 30 day money back guaranty. If you don't like it, return it. There is no hassle. I know Mr. Van Alstine personally and have been to his house and reviewed his gear for him. He even let me take gear home for several days. You almost never find his T-8 preamp for sale on the used market. Check out the audio cirlces forum on ava gear-

Audio by Van Alstine


Another preamp that I have read good things about is this Vincent Hybrid Preamp-

Vincent - SA-T8 - Tube Hybrid Stereo Preamp-Audio Advisor

Audio Advisor also has a 30 day trial period.

I'm sure others here can make some recommendations.

[LeRoy]

After having thought about my bang for the buck successes in the $300-$400 range I went ahead and ordered the Grant Fidelity DAC-11. I have got to have some kind of benchmark to test any future pre-amp's down the road so given the overwhelming positive review of the G.F. DAC-11 and all of it's connectivity options I thought this selection was a no brainer. I will let y'all know how it works out.

[frenchmon]

Dang LeRoy...your on the move! I've heard the Mystery amps where good and a great bargan. You should put Vincent on your list....good stuff!

[Feanor]

I have not heard those preamps but I have have read other peoples opinions of all those units and they are all good. One thing about the Van Alstine gear is that there is a 30 day money back guaranty. If you don't like it, return it. There is no hassle. I know Mr. Van Alstine personally and have been to his house and reviewed his gear for him. He even let me take gear home for several days. You almost never find his T-8 preamp for sale on the used market....

BR, how does your Van Alstine preamp sound with your Class D Audio CDA amp? I'm very curious to know about that since I'm considering some sort of tube preamp with my SDS-258.

You're right that AVA stuff is scarce on the used market. I dream of finding used T-8+ with remote control -- I'd be all over that for anything like a reasonable price. New is beyond my financial reach unfortunately.

[blackraven]

Feanor, The CDA sounds great with my Hybrid Ultra II plus preamp especially with my vintage Raytheon and Sylvania tubes. The T-8 has a more tubey sound and it the one that I wish I had bought. I have only heard the original T-8 which did not come with the more musical 6CG7 tubes. The newer T-8 (called the T-8 plus) comes with the 6CG7's. People really seem to love the T-8. I think it is Franks biggest seller. The T-8 has a warmer slightly darker sound, treble is good but a little more laid back than my Ultra.

I think that the T-8 would be an even better match for your SDS amp. Plus these ava preamps really respond to tube rolling. I can certainly recommend some tubes and even send you some to try.

I think that if you find a used T-8 with out a remote, that you could have the seller, send it to Frank and have him add the remote option. Give Frank a call or Email. you should also ask him to give you a call if he gets a T-8 in as a trade in. Check his used gear daily. Also check the audiocirlces used section daily.

Larry

[Feanor]

Great, thanks for the advice.

What was the tube for the earlier, Transcendent 8? I have a few 6922 / ECC88 /6DJ8 lying around from my former Sonic Frontiers Line 1.

[blackraven]

Feanor, I remember now. The original T-8 as well as the original hybrid Ultra preamp and DAC use to use 6N1P tubes. 6CG7's can be used in the same socket without any changes to the electronics. The difference is that the 6CG7's are taller and you have to use spacers to raise the top cover so that the CG's will fit. The newer T-8 plus models have a lower circuit board or lower sockets to allow the CG's to fit with out having to raise the top cover. I sent in my Ultra preamp to have the sockets modded but on my Ultra DAC, I use the spacers that raises the cover about 3/8th of an inch or so. The spacers can be bought for a few dollars from digikey.com. Frank may even have some laying around, if not he can give you the part number so you can order them.

One last thing, give consideration to the Avastar preamp that recently went out of production. It is a very musical warmer preamp. It was replaced by the newer FET-Valve preamp. Steve Ford over on the AC forum just bought one used. I am sending him some C6G7's to try as he says the stock Electroharmonix tubes have too much bass with his VTL amps and Magnepan 1.7's otherwise he likes the detail and musicality of the Avastar. If he decides to sell it I will hook you up.

avahifi - AvaStar preamplifier

[blackraven]

BR, how does your Van Alstine preamp sound with your Class D Audio CDA amp? I'm very curious to know about that since I'm considering some sort of tube preamp with my SDS-258.

You're right that AVA stuff is scarce on the used market. I dream of finding used T-8+ with remote control -- I'd be all over that for anything like a reasonable price. New is beyond my financial reach unfortunately.

Feanor, Frank has a used upgraded Super Pas three Vacuum Tube preamp, it may be worth a look. Give Frank a call.-

avahifi - Used Equipment

[Feanor]

Feanor, Frank has a used upgraded Super Pas three Vacuum Tube preamp, it may be worth a look. Give Frank a call.-

avahifi - Used Equipment

Thanks, I saw that but there is no way I'm buying any preamp without remote control.

[Feanor]

What I have done, as a matter of interest, is order GlassWare Audio's Aikido 12 VAC preamp, (HERE). I got the board, parts, and 12 VAC wallwart but not tubes for about $100 shipped.

With the 12 volt supply I ought to be able to use the various 6922/6DJ8 tubes I still have lying around. I also have connectors, etc. so there should be no more out-of-pocket.

Assuming I can get it built and working, I'll put this downstream of my remote-controlled passive Jolida preamp.