Thoughts / Suggestions on Pre-amps

Randy Myers

Randy Myers

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So now that the Audio Mirror pre-amp has not worked out (but very impressed with Vladimir and his handling of the issues) I think I may want to look into a new pre-amp. I also would like some opinions.

Currently I have two options, both are hooked and I can listen through either. First method is using my T+A DAC as the pre-amp. With this option the sound of digital is very nice, the DAC 8 has a good solid volume section that appears to be a good job.

The second options is to use my Dennis Had headphone amplifier as the pre-amp. It has pre-amp outs. The Had brings a little warmth to the table but because it does not have a remote (which my old bones appreciates) I still use the T+A in variable output mode for remote volume. The pre-amp section definitely appears to be an afterthought on the Had unit (however as a headphone amplifier it is rated with the very best!). It is not part of the main initial design and does suffer from a very slight hum (known issue). But it does add some tubey warmth...

The reason to be considering a dedicated pre-amp is I prefer separate units and as a traditionalist I am not a fan of multiple duties (i.e. DAC and pre-amp functions in one unit). I would also prefer a little more flexibility.

Yes, Digital is my main source but I prefer to have all components attached so if I have a whim to spin a disk, listen to the radio, etc., I can. With the current methods I do have a cheapy ADC that does convert the Tuner's output to digital and feeds into the DAC. It works, not the best but appears to be ok for background tuner functions. I can spin CDs through the a coax input but I cannot spin SACD's. However at this point I rip every disk and put it on the music server, therefore spinning is really not of huge importance, but would be nice.

For a separate pre-amp features that I prefer... multiple inputs (prefer both XLR and RCA), multiple outputs (again prefer both XLR and RCA), remote; tubes are not critical but also not to be discouraged. Solid hassle free operation is a must! Clean sounding is prefer over added features and glitz, although growing up in Binghamton I do make McIntosh an exception. Even though I prefer both XLR and RCA, I can deal with straight RCA ins and outs.

I am hoping to keep in the $1000 range, but would listen to other suggestions and probably could go a little higher. Would also consider trades involving the wonderful T+A amplifier I have sitting here strictly for backup usage. Anything used would have to be in excellent shape (for example any McIntosh would require absolutely perfect glass).

Ones I know worth considering (others?):
1) McIntosh
2) Wyred 4 Sound STP-SE (probably hoping for Stage 2)
3) Hattor passives sound intriguing... opinions? Would they work well with SET amplifiers?
4) Audio Research are always worth considering, I was happy with the one I had but really wanted the SET amps when I did the trade...

Bryston, Pass, Ayres, etc., are certainly worth considering....

So I am asking for opinions... stick where I am and say screw it (:))... go the passive route... someone has a fantastic deal or would love to work a trade involving the T+A or might consider a deal involving the Dennis Had unit (insanely rare since all are hand made by Dennis himself as a retirement project, signed and dated by him on the bottom of the unit, and an amazing headphone amplifier).

So what do you guys think?
 
If everything sounds ok, I say stay where you are, save the money and enjoy the music. Everything you noted will cost you way over $2000 even on the used market, expect there is a W4S for $600 on the gon and you can always take it to EJ for a super tune.
 
If you don't mind owning a piece of Schiit, the Freya ticks all your boxes.
I have one and a) It works b) Without any noise, mismatching, etc. drama with both SS and tube out modes. Kind anti-audiophile hip/cool traits to just plain function with minimal fuss, but hey, it's $700 and made here too.
IMO, it's pretty transparent, has remote, etc, which ticks my boxes, since I'd rather not have a bunch of special effects widgets in my signal chain. YMMV.

cheers,

AJ
 
Thanks Aj. I will check into this one. Wasn't there a thread here about this?

Any opinions on the Hattor? Would something like this work with SET amplifiers?
 
Randy Myers said:
...although growing up in Binghamton I do make McIntosh an exception.
Click to expand...

the mcIntosh c22 pre amp would seem to hit all your specs w/o the Bing' bling... except price. love the retro aesthetics of this piece. the c22 would most certainly be on my list of pre amps to audition.

not sure how practical this is but you might look for a dealer who will take the t+a amp on trade and see if you can get to an acceptable net price. of course, that goes for any piece you might buy. [also, you might check out the guys at www.stereobuyers.com to sell the t+a amp outright.]

alway great to support binghamton when you have the chance!!!





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I also prefer the retro style McIntosh look and feel to the glass look and flashy feel that seems to have become their trademark. Fro something like the c22 I would probably consider trading both the T+A and the Dennis Had :D....
 
Randy Myers said:
Any opinions on the Hattor?
Click to expand...
Don't know anything about the Hattor. Nice looking and priced passive. The Schiit can be used as a passive, like Hattor. Or active, SS or tube.

Randy Myers said:
Would something like this work with SET amplifiers?
Click to expand...
SET is a generic term for the type of amp. More importantly is will preamp X work with your amp. Schiit has specs provided for input/output impedances, etc, so perhaps you could query Vlad regarding his amp having any potential mismatching. Probably won't, but you never know. Schitt does have a return policy if you wish to, so at worst you lose a couple bucks for ship/restock.

cheers,

AJ

p.s. can't recall if you are attending FLAX show?
 
I assume that is an LA show... when is that?

How does the Freya work in either passive or active? Is this automatic or selectable? This unit does look interesting.... I would get it with basic tubes... all my gear uses 6SN7 so I have definitely been research and picking up some NOS tubes...

Now here is a silly question. Since this uses 4 tubes, do they have to be 100% matched or can you say use a pair of one type and a pair of another, for example... like a pair of Sylvania Chrome Tops and a pair of RCA Gray Glass.... or should you really make sure to use 4 of the exact same tubes?

Ok... just looked up and answered my own question.... there appears to be a button on the remote to switch between passive and active, and also on front of unit...
"3 Output. Press to change between passive and tube hybrid buffer output."
"3 Buffer LED. This light is on when using the JFET buffer.4 Tube LED. This light is on when using the tube gainstage."
"6 Output Select. Press to select the output stage: passive, JFET buffer, or tube gain."

Also, it looks like one set of tubes is for output stage and the other set is for voltage gain stage so it would make sense that 2 different set of tubes could be used:
"The right tubes are for the differential voltage gain stage. The left tubes are for the cathode follower output stage."

The Schiit pre-amp looks very interesting indeed!!! It may be a winner :)....
 
So AJ, you agree that you should be able to use different pairs of tubes in the voltage gain and the output stages? I have a few different sets of 6SN7 tubes, but always bought in pairs...

Follow-up:

I have read that you definitely can use different pairs of tube for each stage...

The Freya does look very interesting. Definitely would love some more input and opinions... as always, I both value and appreciate everyone's input.
 
If you are happy with your current set up I would say forget it and go buy more music and enjoy. On the opposite side of that, have you considered PS Audio? I have not heard their gear, but I know they have a trade-in program. You might want to give them a call.
 
Since you like to experiment, the Freya seems like a good fit. Also, there is a good resale market for Schiit products when the time comes to try something else.
 
Audiophobiac said:
If you are happy with your current set up I would say forget it and go buy more music and enjoy. On the opposite side of that, have you considered PS Audio? I have not heard their gear, but I know they have a trade-in program. You might want to give them a call.
Click to expand...

I have tried some PS Audio units before. They seemed to sound fine and appeared to be built well. They just never seemed to give me warm and fuzzies... not sure what it was but never grabbed me.
 
Oly said:
Since you like to experiment, the Freya seems like a good fit. Also, there is a good resale market for Schiit products when the time comes to try something else.
Click to expand...

I have been serious thinking the same thing. The few reviews I have seen all like the unit, a lot! I like the flexibility... plenty of inputs and outputs, using the same tubes as my other gear so I have several rollable tubes to try.... I also really like the idea of being able to run in passive, solid state, or tube mode. Talk about flexibility! Also having a remote, made in the US... 5 year warranty and return policy if it does not fit the bill is all pretty good stuff... plus it is easy on my budget....

Hmmmm... I might be convincing myself that a I have a Schiit future :D....
 
Randy I have the Hattor and Freya. The Freya is at the office but can give you a comparison sometime this week.
 
Randy, you should consider AVAHiFi by Van Alstine. He makes gear that performs above their price points. His tube preamps are excellent. He has a 30 day no questions asked return policy with no restocking fee. He can customize them to some extent and probably can impedance match it to your amps. He has several models.

As far as the Freya is concerned, I have read many mixed reviews.

For solid state, although above your price point consider a used Parasound JC2 preamp. They are extremely quiet and clear. I have a friend that has one and it is excellent sounding. Way better than the ARC preamp he replaced it with.
 
Mechnutt said:
Randy, you should consider AVAHiFi by Van Alstine. He makes gear that performs above their price points. His tube preamps are excellent. He has a 30 day no questions asked return policy with no restocking fee. He can customize them to some extent and probably can impedance match it to your amps. He has several models.

As far as the Freya is concerned, I have read many mixed reviews.

For solid state, although above your price point consider a used Parasound JC2 preamp. They are extremely quiet and clear. I have a friend that has one and it is excellent sounding. Way better than the ARC preamp he replaced it with.
Click to expand...

Hmmm... I have not read anything but good reviews. The few complaints I have read are almost silly... one was complaining that when in passive mode why is power still going to tubes... ok, valid I suppose but I won't lose sleep over it. If anyone is that concern I also read that you can simply remove the output tubes.

Another complained about power switch on the back... ok, again valid but again, not a deal breaker... it appears to be in a place that will be easy to get to, and this never really bothered me when I had a First Watt amp...

Another complained about why there is very low level noise (only right next to the speakers) when in tube mode. I would be more concerned if there was not... I mean some very low level noise is to be expected with tubes...

I also read a review where he directly compared the pre to a Parasound and basically stated that the Schiit was quite a bit better in his view.
 
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