I owned a Modulus #3A for many years and I can concur that it's a very good preamp with a very nice phono section. A remote was never an issue for me, but if it's important to you I'd open a conversation with @bigkidz as well and at least listen to what he has to offer.
Recommendations please!
So I am flirting with getting a new (at least to me) preamp. I currently run an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A with the MC phono boards. It's a great preamp that I have been using for maybe ten years, and heartily recommend it to others. I have thoroughly enjoyed it -- except for the lack of remote. I am getting to find it tedious to get up to mute it or adjust volume every time I need to do so. And at ten years of use, it's about the oldest piece in my system, so a change just for the heck of it wouldn't be unwelcome.
I need plenty of inputs (Phono, DAC, CDP, tuner, a couple of aux (for more phono!), and would like both phono section and balance control/dual mono (the Mod 3A is dual mono). Obviously, a remote. Amp is a recently upgraded MacCormack DNA-1. I want something that will sound at least as good as what I have now. Used is possible, but I'm not interested in vintage this time around. I like, but don't necessarily require, tubes. No need for balanced inputs.
Budget? Let's keep it under $3K USD -- preferably WELL under.
Tall order, right? That's why I've kept the AI Mod3A so long . . .
Thoughts?
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Hello Ato all,having owned a Audio store and knowing upgrades or modding very well ,many preamps miss the boat at the end the volume control is very important and using the little round silver alps pot is such a down grade ,it has plastic carbon contacts $20 retail ,you are loosing a Lot of inner,low level detail.a great example the top prima luna $4500 preamp ,went through all that trouble to put in a lot of nice parts them totally blew at on the outputs , a shunt resistor ladder type NIght and day better, as well as ,relay type ,linear digital type .one ofmy good friends build preamps, look at Don Sachs ,he builds a excellent preamp ,and uses the Excellent Khozmo volume attenuation ,buy with theVishay naked output resistors on the outputs fantastic resolution ,yes dealers cost $250 but much much better then cheap Alps type. My point is lookfor quality , even the $900 Schiit audio tube preamp uses a resistor ladder output on the volume. |
Check out Tubes4hifi.com also known as VTA (Valve Tube Audio) http://www.tubes4hifi.com/SP14.htm I just purchased the SP13 (assembled version) and can’t say enough how good the build and SQ are. Roy, the owner, can assemble it for you or you can purchase as a kit and build it yourself. He responds to email inquiries quickly and follows up after your delivery to make sure the preamp is meeting your expectations and believe me, it will exceed them. Check out the reviews, not a single negative review as well as you don’t see many, if any on the resale market. These are keepers and I’m sure Roy could accommodate your needs. Like I said, check the user reviews and forums and you’ll find nothing but happy owners. |
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