1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 1103939290

Krell amps and Tube Preamps - enemies?

Wow! I never realized how difficult it would be to add tubes with a KRELL amp. I'm no engineer, and, I don't pretend to be into the "technical" side of the audio world. So I'll try to explain.

It seems that tube Preamps create DC. I've been told that DC will dammage my Krell amp (FPB400cx), and possibly my speakers(Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Sig, System 1 piece). UNLESS, I open the amp up and do something to the "jumpers on the digital board" . This puts some protection into the signal path. The Bad thing is, I'm told, - it also colors or degrades the audible signal coming thru the speakers. So, if I want to use my SS set up, say for SACD or DVD-V/DVD-A, I would have to open the amp up again and reverse the proceedure. This would remove the "blockage" in the signal path. :-( This of course, would have to be re-done when I want to go back to the tube setup. WHAT A PAIN!

Needless to say, this has thrown the proverbial 'wet blanket' on my tube enthusiasm. Is this problem common to ALL SS amps? Or is it just a KRELL thing?

Any thoughts would be helpful.
(This is part of a thread i started on the speaker threads, but i thought i might have more luck here on the "amp' Threads)
Thanks
oldpet
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Oldpet, First Sound Presence Deluxe II has GREAT bass response. I don't
have any idea whether or not it leaks DC, but you can contact Emmanuel
Go and ask him. He's very open and eager to discuss his preamp.
oldpet OP
295 posts
 
Tvad - thanks the First Sound Presence Deluxe II is a bit mor then i wanted to spend. I didn't want to go above 1500. maybe I'm kidding myself.

paul
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Call me crazy, Paul, but mating at $10,500 amp with a $1500 preamp seems to be doing your system a disservice, don't you think? If you're a little patient, you might find a used First Sound Presence Deluxe II for around $2200 - $2500, and for the extra $700 - $1000 you'd be buying a world class preamp instead of a pretender. Read the review at EnjoyTheMusic.com
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
There is a used Audioprism Mantissa (black) for sale on Audiogon...it's only single ended though.

I have used one with my Krell...great sound quality that takes nothing away from the Krells.

Dave
oldpet OP
295 posts
 
Tvad/Sogood51 - Tvad - Good point. I need to be patient. I also need to find out about the DC situation.

Dave - Thanks of the tip. Do you happen to know if they leak DC? If you used one with a Krell they probably don't. Single ended is not an issue; I've had custom cables made. ;-)
More to discover