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Tube preamp and McCormack DNA-500

Looking for a tube preamp to match and perform well w/ a McCormack DNA-500. Want to spend 1700, preferably less. Speakers: Ohm Walsh 5000 (4 ohm 82-87 db efficient). Listen primarily to classic jazz (hard bop). Emailed Steve McCormack about using a tube preamp with the DNA 500. He responded:
Most tube preamps will do a fine job with the DNA-500 - you just have to watch out for the few that won't. Check the output impedance spec of any preamp you are considering - lower is better, at least in this regard. As long as your preamp has an output impedance spec of 800 Ohms or less, you should be fine.

Looking for a tube preamp that does not roll off the highs, full sounding (not thin) in the mids; detailed presentaion is good, not rolled off in the low end; in other words I like low end extension and weight; Not looking for leanness or soft bass. I like transparency; complete and utter neutrality is not my priority as some gear seems to lean towards. Some tube sound is preferable but without a veil. Suggetions please? Thanks
foster_9
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Foster,
There's a pro product called ATI "The Match Maker" that has an output impedance close to zero and is very newtral. You can sometimes spot it on ebay for less than $100 and consider that as a very cheap tweak.
That will bring your choice of tube amps way up above the limit.
colopilot
28 posts
 
Modwright SWL.

I been there and done that. Really nice combo.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Marakentz's suggestion of the Manley Shrimp seems to be a solid recommendation. It has the specs to drive the 10Kohm input impedance of the DNA-500 without bass roll-off (because of its 50kohm output impedance), and it has two sets of outputs.

Also, you might keep an eye out for a used Juicy Music Peach I. That preamp has a LoZ switchable output impedance, and has the sonic characteristics your described. However, it only has one set of preamp outputs.

Do you need two sets of preamp outputs, or can you use a set of line level tape monitor outputs?
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
Need a second set of pre outs for subs.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
You can run a sub (or subs) without a second set of pre outs by using these ACI Speaker Level Converters (scroll down the page).

They connect at your amplifier's speaker outputs and into your subs' rca line level inputs via RCA interconnects. I've used them , and they work great, IMO.

08-14-09: Tvad
...(because of its 50kohm output impedance)...
Typo. 50kohm should be 50ohm.
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