2. amps-preamps
  3. 1257080997

Need budget, used tube preamp to go with Bel Canto

Hi, Gang!

I am moving up to separates from a Unison Unico integrated amp. I want to see what my Ohm Walsh 100-S3 speakers will sound like with more power. I picked up a Bel Canto S300 (150 W into 8 ohms) here on Audiogon. Now I need a preamp. I'm pretty much sold on getting a tube preamp, but my budget is only $700 max this time. So a used preamp is obviously the way to go. I don't need a phono stage because I have an outboard unit (a Bottlehead Seduction that I built.)

What suggestions do you have for a relatively inexpensive used tube preamp that will mate well with the S300?

And what do you think of using a Peachtree Decco as a preamp? My CD player (Music Hall CD 25.2) has digital out, so I could use the digital in on the Decco for that, and use the analog inputs for my phono stage and tuner.

Thanks in advance for your wisdom!
rebbi
13 responses Add your response
pdspecl
254 posts
 
If you can stretch your budget a bit check out the
Conrad Johnson PV-11 tube preamplifier posted
OR the
Audio Research SP9 also posted

I have a TAD 150 Signature. Also nice, big sound stage, very neutral but still has that nice tube flavor. I've used it with ss and tube amps equally well. Has remote for those that like that. Uses (2) 12??7 version tubes so tube rolling is not that expensive versus some other models. Be sure to get the Signature version as it sounds better than the standard version. Does have built in phono section (which I know your not looking for) but the phono section is not that good. The value here is the line stage section. Signature version is probably worth about $700 or so depending on tubes included. A good value and they appear to hold their value here on Agon.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Pdspecl,

Thanks for the advice. I've also seen CJ PV-5 and PV-6 preamps advertised here. I wonder how they stack up. But CJ is a brand that I see recommended in threads here repeatedly. I hadn't heard of TAD before. I'll check it out. Thanks again.
pdspecl
254 posts
 
I've never heard CJ myself - just going by many, many user comments. Per the seller his '11' model/version is supposedly much better than the lesser models. A pre is so critical in the system. Spend the extra $100 > $200 to get a good one so you won't need to upgrade later.
Maybe seller would go down a bit.
Also, there's a TAD 150 posted, not sure if it's a signature model though. Maybe he'd go down on price.
Good luck!!!
elevick
2,636 posts
 
If we are stretching things, the MFA on here a few days ago will eat the CJ for lunch.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Elevick,

I notice that there are a few MFA Magus pre's available right now. I'll have to check them out.
rotarius
431 posts
 
Check the input impedance of your amp, it's pretty low I think. It won't be a good match for most tube preamps.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Yeah the input impedence is 10K Ohms. Not sure what that means, though.
rotarius
431 posts
 
10Kohm is pretty low. Tube preamps fare better when the input impedance is 50Kohm or higher.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Hmmmm... I hope that doesnt' mean I'm screwed and can't use a tube preamp! I'll check with Bel Canto.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Ended up with a Manley Shrimp tube preamp which I got at a good price here. It has an output impedance of only 50 ohms, so it'll drive the Bel Canto just fine. I'll report back when it's all hooked together. Thanks for the advice, y'all.
chazzbo
1,007 posts
 
I've owned CJ amps and Pre's.PV series is cheap built is noisy.Spend on better series and they are winners and since you've bought this is for others.I would have suggested an Audible Illusions is well designed and didn't changed for years and was a wildly popular as 3A and 3 and 3B were good as well.But Manley is good stuff.Post what you think.
Cheers
Chazz
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Chazzbo,

Yes, I'll report back. Power amp arrived today and preamp should be here within a week or so.
rebbi OP
1,326 posts
 
Report: the Manley Shrimp sounds fantastic with the BC S300! Open, airy and dimensional. Recommend this combo highly! :-)
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