2. amps-preamps
  3. 1284326366

Looking for a new tube preamp

Currently using a Cary AES DJH preamp with various 6SN7 tubes & NOS EZ81 rectifier. This is an excellent sounding preamp with point-to-point wiring. Looking to upgrade. Would prefer very realistic uncolored preamp, even better than what I have. What can you suggest? Running a McCormack DNA-1, driving Von Schweikert 4.5 speakers. Silver interconnects and speaker wires, multiple turntables and CD/SACD player. I've read some good things about the Shindo Aurieges. Not sure if its output impedence is a good match for the McCormack. Also thought about Modwright. Upper spending limit is under $4k new.
tube540
baps
6 posts
 
SAS Audio Labs 11A. 3k new -- 30 day money back guarantee -- state of the art in every way -- rotary adjustment can change output impedence to match amplifier -- known to work well with both solid state and tube amps -- very neutral -- been described as straight wire with gain -- quite simply a great preamp. sasaudiolabs.com
jazzybs
28 posts
 
I can vouch for the Shindo Aureiges
tvad
9,467 posts
 
09-13-10: Baps
SAS Audio Labs 11A. 3k new -- 30 day money back guarantee -- state of the art in every way -- rotary adjustment can change output impedance to match amplifier...
I've not heard the 11A, and I have no idea how the output impedance rotary adjuster may or may not affect the sound beyond the impedance matching aspect, but the feature is an excellent one if it works as advertised.
baps
6 posts
 
From SAS website:

•Changes in amplifier input impedance, 20k ohms to 100k ohms, will change the tonal balance, especially in the bass/mid range. The 11A has an adjustment to compensate for changes in amplifier input impedance. No other manufacturer that we know of has this feature.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Baps, thanks for the quote from SAS. I am aware that changes in impedance will change the tonal balance of the system. What I unsuccessfully was trying to convey was my uncertainty about whether the 11A's impedance control adjuster affects the sound of the preamp beyond changing the output impedance, e.g. some people believe the addition of a balance control on a preamp adds a level of circuitry that diminishes the transparency of the component.

Again, I don't know the answer in the case of the 11A, but I like the idea of variable output impedance.
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