2. amps-preamps
  3. 1340202199

Best tubed full-function preamp with remote

Until a few days ago I was a happy user of a McIntosh C220 mainly due to its switching capabilities and its unobtrusiveness (I am extremely sensitive to sibilance). Recently I bought an Audible Illusion Modulus 3B for my secondary system and it bettered my McIntosh significantly. More colours, more dynamics more life-like presentation and still no sibilance.

Because of use in a home theatre setting I need a remote (minimally with volume control). So what I now need is a full function (MC-able) tubed preamp with remote. Models that come to mind are ModWright LS100, Ear 868, Aethetix Janus, McIntosh 2300, Hovland 200 other?? I would prefer a one box design and 2nd hand price not more than 4200.00.- $.

Analog front end: VPI Super Scoutmaster with a Denon 103R; Digital front ends: OPPO 95 with Modwright tube modification and PC with JRIVER and Wyred-4-Sound Dac2. Speakers are Gallo Ref 3.5 driven by a Cayin 9021, V211 based SET amp plus a Gallo subamp.

Any opinions or options that I missed????
128x128Ag insider logo xs@2xhanshhh
ces4x4
16 posts
 
I agree with onhwy61, wait and give it time. I also own a C-220 and its what it doesn't do that makes a good pre-amp great. You mention more colours with the 3B versus the Mac, I have to wonder if those colours are part of the recording or something the 3B is adding. If those colours are present in every recording you listen to then I suspect the amp is adding something. Even if it is and you really cant live without it then go with it. Listening taste is very much a personal thing.
shakedown
135 posts
 
Mofi....Would that also be the same for the SWL 9.0 tube rectified power supply tube??? The one inserted in mine was a Sovetec...curious to know if the Mullard would be of any significant difference.

Sorry for going off topic for a second folks...
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,152 posts
 
Shakedown, yes! I started in the Modwright realm with a SWL9.0SE, then sold it and went to the SWL9.0SE Signature.

In both units, I used a Mullard 5AR4 and it was a BIG improvement. Also, if you haven't tried yet, swap out the 5687's for a pair of Amperex Holland 7119's.
shakedown
135 posts
 
Mofi...Look to be a few versions/makers/year of the Mullard....any particular version/maker/year I should consider or steer clear of..

Thanks

And yes...I got a pair of the Amperex...nice as well, but it seems my preference was the tung sol 5687s due to my setup...you have sparked my curiosity on the rectifier tube now...
hanshhh's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
hanshhh OP
12 posts
 
Looks as if I should seriously consider not only to replace all tubes related to the signal pathway (which I did) but also relatd to rectification. Not everybody agrees that this is necessary...??? It is certainly worth experiemnting - and it lookd as if the Mullard NOS are the measure of all things. Any opinions on that.....
More to discover