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Tube preamp question

Hello all,
I've recently been looking to possibly add a nice tube preamp to use with my spectron musician ii (hybrid upgrade/no V cap upgrade) monos and Anthony Gallo ref 3.1 speakers. I am currently using a Lexicon MC-12B preamp, bybee power filters with wireworld power cables, cardas balanced xlr and spectron remote sense cables. (I am also using lexicon rt-10 universal player and Oppo bdp 103). I love the Lexicon preamp and mostly watch movies but have been more and more appreciating music on my system. I'd love to add the warmth of a tube preamp but is there anyway to use both or would a tube buffer between the universal player and preamp be the way to go (a happy medium). Basically I want to use the Lexicon for movies and a tube preamp for mostly 2ch music. Is there any way to "pass through" the lexicon and use a tube preamp when I want to listed to the tubes?
I would also need a balanced tube preamp due to the fact the spectrons must be changed internally from balanced/unbalanced.
Any help/input/ideas would be very greatly appreciated as always
duckdownman
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
12-02-13: Duckdownman
Thanks for the input Jmcgrogan2 , I appreciate it.
If I were to add a tube pre with a ht bypass that was non balanced would this now make my system unbalanced since it's connected in line?

Yes, a break in the chain in any spot is still a break in the chain. To run a fully differential system the signal must remain fully differential throughout, from beginning to end (source, preamp, amp). Some feel that this is a big deal, but not me. Some of the best systems I've ever heard are single-ended. Whatever floats your boat though.
pdspecl
197 posts
 
The Doge 8 (1st version) had noise issues with the phono section. The more current 'Clarity' version is absolutely dead quite - line stage and phono section (even when using Moving Coil carts). My friend has the preamp running a Bel Canto amp and Maggies. I've heard the preamp many times through different amps. No noise issues assuming you have decent tubes.
duckdownman OP
17 posts
 
Demo'd a whole assortment of preamps the past two weeks. i must say most (not all) were very nice, each having their own set of characteristics. i have heard, prima luna , rogue, audio research, cary, aesthetix, ayre and a few others. Of those mentioned i liked the aesthetix calypso and ayre (kx5 i believe) to be the best. i still have not been able to demo any BAT products which i really wanted to. i haven't heard that perfect symmetry with my clad D spectrons but I'm on my way *im trying thats for sure)
fripp1
52 posts
 
Do you have access to a McIntosh dealer? Like you I am considering a tube preamp upgrade (from my Mac C220) and intend to demo the C2500 at some point. That's their top-of-the-line pre insofar as single box units go.

The inclusion of a killer DAC in that preamp may not be something you would use (hence needlessly driving the price up) but it is a large part of the appeal for me as my digital front end (Marantz SA7S1) is 2007 technology.
duckdownman OP
17 posts
 
i believe there is one not too far, ill defiantly inquire. The arc 17se really makes my amp/speakers sound better (best I've heard thus far) but I'm really missing the mid bass i heard with the Ayre. if these were my only two options id keep the arc ,even without the med bass, the highs really sing. I've never heard the Gallos sound this nice at such a low volume.
i am still eager to demo some aesthetic products and i would love to try (no dealer anywhere near me) a modwright.
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