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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
 
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.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
It was also much better than "OK".... you should be very pleased if that's the route you choose.
Fplanner2000 (System | Threads | Answers)

What I meant by "OK" was that it will work OK, not that it will sound only "OK". If the bass is extended and controlled, it will sound exceptional.

The 350 ohm output impedance was a little concerning considering output impedance can often go much higher than the nominal figure, but perhaps the VAC Standard LE is similar to the VAC Renaissance Signature Mk.II preamplifier tested by Stereophile, which has a 150 ohm output impedance that doesn't vary significantly from that figure.

If Fplanner2000 says it sounds good with the DNA-500, then it's a very safe buy-and-try component and a good recommendation.

Fplanner2000, how many preamp outputs does the VAC Standard LE have?
bnrlaw
130 posts
 
I have also had a Vac Std. LE on loan for a week from a friend. Great pre but a lot more tube rush in my system than the Peach.
Maybe my friend's tubes needed replacing so I'm not sure that is a fair statement. It sounded great, however.
Also owned the Modwright for awhile. It was very quiet and had great prat. Too solid state sounding for my taste, however.
I'd take the Peach any day of the week over the Modwright.
In fairness, though, the Modwright I owned was an earlier unit that did not have tube rectification. From what i have read, this makes a very nice difference and may make it a closer race with the Peach.
Hope my audiophilia nervosa helps you with your search.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
I believe my VAC Std LE also had 2 outputs.
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