2. amps-preamps
  3. 1065806189

Single input Line-Stage Pre-amp

I have a simple question about a simple product so please no suggestions for pre-amps in general as there are numerous threads about that I can access in the archives. My question is, are there any (many?) manufacturers who are marketing a stone simple, uncompromising, single input / single output line stage pre-amp (exactly like the many such offerings there are in Phono preamps)? In both my two-channel systems I only have a single component I wish to listen to. I don't need the extra space and switching compromises that a multiple input preamp provides. I seem to recall that Decware and perhaps some other DIY kits may offer this, but do any of the high-end manufacturers make something like this...preferably a tube design. I do love my Cary SLP-50A...it's small, has only three inputs and one output, overbuilt like a tank, and sounds fantastic paired off with my SET amps, but just wondering if I could get something even more to the point with just a single input and no switch? Any suggestions?
jax2

Showing 2 responses by reubent

reubent
6,935 posts
 
Do you need the gain of an active pre-amp or is passive OK?

If passive will work, Luminous Audio Tech. (LAT) makes a very good single input passive unit for $125 brand new. I think they have a money back offer too, but not sure.

For active pre-amps, Space-Tech Labs offers a single input tube pre-amp for $349 with a 30 day trial offer. This pre-amp has received some good reviews at AudioAsylum in the past. See the link and click on QA-001

http://www.space-tech-lab.com/PreAmpPage.html

I'm currently auditioning a pre-amp from Dodd Audio that has 2 inputs. I'll bet Gary would build it with a single input and bypass the switch. You can email Gary Dodd at

[email protected]

It is a very nice sounding pre-amp and it looks really great too. It is $450, but may be less with a single input/output.

My $.02 worth!!

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
6,935 posts
 
JAX2,

Per my suggestions, just because they are inexpensive doesn't mean they aren't good! Why spend big bucks if you don't need to. BTW, the Dodd is pretty good, using the circuitry from the $3500 Melos that Gary Dodd bought the rights to. Also, the Space-Tech. has gotten good reviews and has been compared to $3000-5000 units. I have not heard it personally.

I also use SET amps. For my single souce needs, I don't use a pre-amp at all. I use a Resolution Audio Opus 21 CD player w/built-in volume control. At $3500 list, it does a great job for CD playback and pre-amplification.
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