Doge 8 or YS A2 or Jungson J2?


Looking for a line stage preamp with remote volume and source selection, and these look pretty good for the money. I can't find much by way of reviews through Google, so am hoping some of you have impressions of these units, or just of the manufacture or sound quality of these brands. The only recommendation I have received so far is for the Doge. I need a 230V version and each of these can do that.

Thanks for any insights.
redkiwi

Showing 3 responses by anonymoustao

Gilles130, sorry for confusing you with the other person. And thanks so much! Just read the review and Full Music seems like a great choice. And I'd much rather pay the Telefunken prices than the Mazda prices I'd seen. They seem rather expensive. I have yet to hear the Lenco but have read nothing but good things about it in virtually every forum I've seen. What arm/cartridge are you planning on using with it? You must be pretty handy to do the plinth yourself. As I have no skill in that department, I'll have to get help with that when the time comes to upgrade my analog gear. The Lenco certainly seems like a great contender. Even with the inflated prices at this time, it seems the cheapest possible entry into the idler wheel decks. Good luck! My next source upgrade is likely to be the digital front, and the Doge 6 is a contender given how much I'm enjoying the 8. I can't see spending much more than the Doge 6 price given the direction I'm moving, which is computer based digital source. But I'd like to have at least one nice CD player before upgrading my DAC and moving further in that direction. Analog will probably be a couple of years down the road, while I build up my vinyl collection again. I look forward to hearing how your Lenco project goes and will keep an eye out for any of your posts about the results.
I just wanted to chime in as another satisfied Doge 8 owner. I have limited experience with other preamps, but am well pleased with the Doge's sound and functionality. I ordered it with the upgraded tube package so I wouldn't have to think about it for a while, but down the road, I plan to do some tube-rolling and explore the possibilities. As is, with the tubes Pacific Valves includes in their upgrade from the Chinese tubes, I am very happy. I have no experience with the other preamps mentioned in the OP. But, given the fact that the OP was almost three years ago, I'm sure a decision has already been reached. 

I'm actually so impressed with the Doge 8 that I'm considering a Doge 6 to accompany it. Since I primarily use redbook, the lack of support for other formats isn't a real problem. Have any other Doge 8 owners ended up buying a Doge 6? If so, what did you think? 

Also, if anyone has a moment, any recommended tubes not already mentioned for the phono section would be appreciated. I'd be glad to hear what conclusions others have come to through experimentation and experience. 
Gilles130, thanks for the info. I'd seen that link and will definitely implement their advice on tubes, but will not void the warranty in place through Pacific Valve attempting the hardwire fixes. Am I correct in assuming you were the reader Salvatore cited in his update on the Doge 8? I saw his mention of a reader using the Mazda valves and am wondering if it was you. I look forward to hearing the results when I get a chance to pick up some of those.