Tube pre between Linn, Nord and Proac?

J

Jas0_0

New member
Joined
Apr 12, 2017
Messages
23
Hi all,

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome to the forum. I wonder if you might be able to help me.

Earlier this year, in part thanks to views here, I bought a Nord One Up NC500 power amp to drive my Proac Response One SCs. Currently it is fed from the pre outs of a Linn Majik DSI, and it has made a huge improvement. However, I still feel the sound is a bit lean, lacking midrange body, and verging on hard with certain types of music. I have a feeling the Linn pre is to blame.

I wondered if putting a suitable tube pre between the Linn (via line outs) and the Nord might add some much desired warmth, body and liquidity to the sound. If so, does anyone have any suggestions for something, used or new, up to GBP £1500?

Many thanks in advance.

All best,

J
 
I had good luck with the Modwright LS-100 and the Nord. You should be able to find it or the slightly less expensive SWL-9.0 in the UK for in your budget range. What tube preamp brands would normally be available to you in your area of the UK? Either in person or on-line. With either of the Modwright's, like most tube preamps, you will need to get the cheap Chinese or Russian tubes supplied by the manufacturer out of the way.
 
Have you considered an integrated along the lines of a second hand PrimLuna, Triode Corporation or Line Magnetic. This will really give you a taste of the tube world that is a great sound without breaking the bank & also give you some valuable options/experience too.
 
Jack said:
I had good luck with the Modwright LS-100 and the Nord. You should be able to find it or the slightly less expensive SWL-9.0 in the UK for in your budget range. What tube preamp brands would normally be available to you in your area of the UK? Either in person or on-line. With either of the Modwright's, like most tube preamps, you will need to get the cheap Chinese or Russian tubes supplied by the manufacturer out of the way.
Click to expand...

Thanks Jack, the Modwrights look great. How would you describe the sound with the Nord? Also which op amp are you using?

I have to say I'm new to this tube world so not sure what's out there, or what the various options would do for the sound - will do some research on U.K. options, any suggestions gratefully received.

If buying second hand, would it be best to immediately replace the tubes? Do they wear out?

Thanks again,

J
 
sharkmouth said:
Have you considered an integrated along the lines of a second hand PrimLuna, Triode Corporation or Line Magnetic. This will really give you a taste of the tube world that is a great sound without breaking the bank & also give you some valuable options/experience too.
Click to expand...

Thanks sharkmouth - are you suggesting I replace the Nord with an integrated? My only reservation would be power - I got the Nord as a high power, future-proof investment that will drive pretty much any speaker in any sized room that I move into. Tube integrateds mostly seem quite low power, but does that matter with tubes?
 
Jas0_0 said:
I wondered if putting a suitable tube pre between the Linn (via line outs) and the Nord might add some much desired warmth, body and liquidity to the sound. If so, does anyone have any suggestions for something, used or new, up to GBP £1500?
Click to expand...

Croft Micro 25R Pre-amplifier
http://www.croftacoustics.co.uk/micro25_R.html

One of the most musical amps you will hear anywhere. Price £1400
Even the Micro 25 Pre at half the price might do the job.

Anything from Glenn Croft is worth recommending.
 
Nikhil said:
Croft Micro 25R Pre-amplifier

One of the most musical amps you will hear anywhere. Price £1400
Even the at half the price might do the job.

Anything from Glenn Croft is worth recommending.
Click to expand...

Hi Nikhil, wow those Croft amps look a bit special. Beautiful. Minor gripe would be lack of remote (the amp will also occasionally serve TV and film duties) and dual mono volume control. Though reassuring that money is going on sound, not convenience. I just read Glenn does custom mods - will drop him a line on Monday and see what's possible. Thanks.
 
Jas0_0 said:
Thanks sharkmouth - are you suggesting I replace the Nord with an integrated? My only reservation would be power - I got the Nord as a high power, future-proof investment that will drive pretty much any speaker in any sized room that I move into. Tube integrateds mostly seem quite low power, but does that matter with tubes?
Click to expand...
No not replace, add it into your system when you want a different sound, keep what you already have, but, implementing an integrated into the system can give you an immense looking glass from another angle.
 
Jas0_0 said:
Hi Nikhil, wow those Croft amps look a bit special. Beautiful. Minor gripe would be lack of remote (the amp will also occasionally serve TV and film duties) and dual mono volume control. Though reassuring that money is going on sound, not convenience. I just read Glenn does custom mods - will drop him a line on Monday and see what's possible. Thanks.
Click to expand...

Welcome! Don't get fooled by the low prices.
These are very good amps that will sit happily in any system.

Another well regarded company is Icon Audio - point to point wired tube gear at reasonable prices.

LA4 MKIII Preamplifier
http://www.iconaudio.com/main-products/la4-mk-iii-pre-amplifier/


Regards
 
Nikhil said:
Welcome! Don't get fooled by the low prices.
These are very good amps that will sit happily in any system.

Another well regarded company is Icon Audio - point to point wired tube gear at reasonable prices.

LA4 MKIII Preamplifier

Regards
Click to expand...

Thanks, that looks ideal for what I need. There's actually a mark ii on the auction site right now at what seems a reasonable price. Do you happen to know the difference?
 
Jack said:
I had good luck with the Modwright LS-100 and the Nord. You should be able to find it or the slightly less expensive SWL-9.0 in the UK for in your budget range. What tube preamp brands would normally be available to you in your area of the UK? Either in person or on-line. With either of the Modwright's, like most tube preamps, you will need to get the cheap Chinese or Russian tubes supplied by the manufacturer out of the way.
Click to expand...

there is a fabulous modwright 9.0 anniversary here , in fact i had it in my system for a few weeks and it was pretty good

http://www.bd-audio.co.uk/used-and-ex-demonstration/
 
Jas0_0 said:
Hi Nikhil, wow those Croft amps look a bit special. Beautiful. Minor gripe would be lack of remote (the amp will also occasionally serve TV and film duties) and dual mono volume control. Though reassuring that money is going on sound, not convenience. I just read Glenn does custom mods - will drop him a line on Monday and see what's possible. Thanks.
Click to expand...

i have seen single volume croft so they are around
 
As luck would have it, I have an Icon dealer 3 miles from me, so will head in there for a listen. They also have a second hand Audio Innovations, so will compare. Has anyone here had experience of their amps?
 
One good thing about the Nord is that it is small and light enough to carry with you to stores for demos.
 
Is there something about the sound of the Linn? I have a customer with one (different amp and speakers) and he's just commissioned a 6SN7 preamp from me to insert into his lineup. Says he can't live without tubes somewhere.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top