Aric Audio Systems Unlimited Preamp


They have a tube model called Unlimited that appears to be a decent value for < $800. It is tube rectified and with pair of tube voltage regulators and 12AX7 driver tubes. It even has a phono stage. Anyone is familiar with this preamp?
128x128kalali

Showing 6 responses by tubepower

It's great to see some exposure for Aric Audio. I have a number of pieces from his shop and without exception over the course of a year they have "seasoned each other" in a way that has enriched the overall presentation. During the process I often asked for and always followed Aric's recommendations which were never by the way offered up unsolicited. My experience with Aric Audio has been very thorough in terms of putting two systems together, both of which are remarkable, affordable, and continue to sound better as time passes. I recognized early on that dollar for dollar I was getting a tremendous value which held true for each piece and allowed me the synergies of components designed and crafted by the same individual on the same bench, being combined and performing as a single voice. I've been an advocate of that kind of thing for decades and once again I am enjoying watching it unfold.
Speakers you say!

I think I may have the first set, but Mr. Kimball designs and builds a killer speaker called the Dynalto. Floorstanding 3-way and the crossover work is enough to make you a believer -- but that's only where it starts. Full range (meaning full range) with a ribbon tweeter that defies much in its presentation because it melds with the mid in such a way that it sounds like one, not two drivers. I couldn't be happier. The fit and finish is what I've come to understand Aric Audio to be about, as is the sensation of being blown away. 

I'm with kalali. Mine is now a little over three years old and I can't determine which is the most important piece of equipment, within the system, to the overall sound: it, or the Special SE that it supports. They are both incredible. I do run select NOS tubes in both, but other than that, it all comes from the Aric Audio Bench. It's a nice road to travel.

Hi Ray, I'm using a NOS Sylvania 5U4GB (Black Plates) which I have come to believe is a wonderful discovery as it transforms the whole presentation into something nearly magic. I don't know why. As far as the regulators go, truthfully, I haven't noticed a marked difference between any of the types I have tried. The rectifier tube seems to influence the delivery far more than do the regulators. My opinion only.
I'm very familiar with it as I had one for some years. I still have it actually, I have just moved on to his Special 6SN7 Linestage which is similar, except it's purity times 10. It now leads the charge and no one is looking back.
Congratulations! I think it's safe to say that you are going to love it. I've had one of Aric's Special Line Stage's (using 6SN7s) for a couple of years now. It is an exquisite piece of equipment and compliments his Alpha 300B very nicely. It might even turn out to be a day better than Christmas for you.