2. amps-preamps
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Decent preamp to match my modest system?

I have a pair of 1980 vintage Cornwalls with Crites tweeters and ALK networks, and I alternate between 6V6 and PP EL84 Magnavox console pull amps. Front end is a Denon DP-52F turntable with a Denon DL-103 and Cinemag-based SUT.

I've had a Superphon Revelation, Accuphase C200 and an Audible Illusions 2C. All three had their pluses and minuses, though I liked the Superphon's sound the best *except* for the outboard transformer buzz I could never conquer. I'm not religious about tube vs. solid state. I'm half tempted to just scratch build a Joe Esmilla-ish tube preamp, but I can be persuaded to try anything, even a cheap '80s Japanese box, if the sound is good.

Any ideas?
soldersplatter
10 responses Add your response
ejman's avatar
ejman
62 posts
 
Mapletree Audio
jhold
116 posts
 
Conrad Johnson PV-10AL. Simple unit, only two tubes, very enjoyable, non-fatiguing. There's a used one on Audiogon now, and they turn up fairly regularly.
soldersplatter OP
17 posts
 
Thanks. I've considered both of those options. A new Mapletree phono preamp is likely my next purchase.
ejman's avatar
ejman
62 posts
 
Good, I really like my Mapletree preamp. Suggest you call the good Dr. before you place your order and discuss your system and requirements. He can customize the preamp to pretty much anything you want. Might as well get it right to begin with.
mike_in_md
84 posts
 
Mapletree! The build quality is excellent and you can't beat the price. The Dr. is a great guy to work with as well.
phasecorrect's avatar
phasecorrect
2,013 posts
 
adcom gfp 565
ts0711
91 posts
 
A used AI mod 3 with the mc phono board will smoke the mapletree.... No disrespect intended but I bought a mapletree 4 se when I had my modulus upgraded. It's OK for the price but you can do much better.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,248 posts
 
Ts0711:

I agree with you 100% regarding the AI mod 3. I have a Mod 3A with the John Curl MC phono preamp and it is superb. I recently bought the newer Mod 3B preamp and I am going to have the mc phono boards removed from my Mod 3A and installed in the Mod 3B. I tried to use a Denon SUT instead of having to pay a tech to unsolder and resolder the mc pre, but there is NO comparison with the sound with the Mod 3 mc pre beating it hands down.

The build quality is very remarkable considering the price. It is even more so in the newer Modulus 3B, and the sound quality is a night and day difference compared to the Modulus 3A.
ts0711
91 posts
 
@stereo5,

The 3B is truly a work of "Art"... I've got the JC gold board in mine and have been loving it for a few years now. If you want better you have to break into the >$5,000 price range. I've got the original VPI Aries with a Rega 300 incognito arm and Denon 103R cartridge for vinyl playback and see no reason at all to upgrade. From time to time I swap out the AI for my Bent passive with an Italian phono pre, but ultimately I come back to the modulus 3B.
lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
672 posts
 
Throw a low powered SE amp on those puppies and you'll really hear what those Cornwalls are capable of. I heard great things of the low powered 1626 Darling amps and there are other custom SE amps are always available from time to time as well.
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