1. Home
  2. amps-preamps
  3. 1250258057

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
 
I'm sure you're aware that the original Peach has more varied tube rolling options with its 6DJ8/6922 tubes.

The Peach II uses the 6H30, which offers few tube rolling options, and the options that exist don't change the sound as significantly as is possible when rolling 6DJ8/6922 tubes.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I would try VAC, used. Had very good luck with my 500.
foster_9 OP
1,610 posts
 
Thanks again for all the recommendations. Which of the above preamps leans more in the direction of a smooth tube sound as opposed to leaning more to a smooth solid state sound?

Example: I've read that the Modwright Swl 9.0 sounds very good with the DNA-50. But, I've also read that if you're looking for any tube presence with the Modwright look elsewhere, but if you're looking for neutrality the Modwright delivers.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
08-16-09: Foster_9
Thanks again for all the recommendations. Which of the above preamps leans more in the direction of a smooth tube sound as opposed to leaning more to a smooth solid state sound?

Juicy Music Peach I and VAC for sure have the smooth tube sound versus the more solid state sound of Modwright (IMO).

The VAC Standard LE would be the preamp in your price range. With a 350 ohm nominal output impedance, it could be OK with the DNA500.

I'm not sure the output impedance of Fplanner's Phi 2.0 preamp. Perhaps Flpanner2000 has some output impedance measurements.

If you can find a used VAC Standard LE, it might be worth a try. They hold their resale value. I'm not sure if the Standard has two sets of preamp outputs, though.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I had the VAC Standard LE first with the DNA-500 and that was the preamp I had in mind with my post. Sorry I wasn't a little more clear. It was also much better than "OK".... you should be very pleased if that's the route you choose.
More to discover