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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
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.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Cary SLP98 has 2 sets of preouts. Great preamp too.
jylee
306 posts
 
Try VTL TL-5.5. It's right at the top of the spectrum of your budget. My impression of this preamp was excellent dynamics, transparency, full and large soundstage.
farmdoc
45 posts
 
Not quite your amp but I have a DNA-1 with McCormack Platinum mods. I use a Art Audio Gill Alana tube pre with success on a variety of speakers. My Rogers 15 Ohm LS 3/5a's, Harbeths 7 es3's, Meadowlark Blue Heron II's, Merlin VSM-Mmx, and B&W 801F's were thrown in the system All but the Harbeths seem to shine with this Alana: clean, full soundstage with very good definition and clarity. The Harbeth's sounded somewhat muddled, just didn't seem to like the combo. An Art Audio preamp shows up on 'Gon from time to time; I would not hesitate to mate one with the 500 if it is in your price range.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
have very good results driving McCormack with a Golden Tube SEP2. The SEP3 is the same pre but with a separately boxed power supply (for allegedly lower noise). Great stage & imaging, full bodied, musical, warm sonic signature, remote control, very low noise (much unlike many other tube pre's that I tried, some quite expensive). The SEP's are out of production but can still be found inexpensively, although unfortunately Solo Electronics is history. Service is yet available from a number of sources if ever needed. The single ended triodes are readily rollable with a number of alternatives, but I have never felt the need. Very satisfied with this pre; bigtime performance for low cost.
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