2. amps-preamps
  3. 141406-119306

To use a preamp with my Line Magnetic 805 integrated amp, or not?

Hi Everyone,

So I have a Line Magnetic 805 integrated amp that has been fantastic. Adds that warmth that I now know that I was missing out on and now really enjoy in my setup. The 805 is an incredible integrated, especially with some tube rolling. I have found that I prefer its sound signature to many more costly amps in the market. As with the audio hobby though, I wonder if adding a preamp and using the 805 as a power amp would enhance the sound of my system even more?

What are your thoughts? If yes, what preamp would you suggest? Would a good match be solid state or another tube preamp?
freesole

Showing 6 responses by freesole

freesole OP
159 posts
 
Thanks @jperry Sounds like Shindo's are a very popular option. I have considered a few based on some good bedtime reading on the forums including: 

  • PS Audio BHK Preamp
  • Audio Research LS27 Preamp
  • Don Sachs Model 2 Preamp
  • Melody PB101 Preamp
  • Modwright LS100 Preamp
  • Luxman C700 or C900 Preamp
  • Linear Tube MZ2

Does anyone have any experience pairing these preamps up with their tube amps? Would love to hear your thoughts.
freesole OP
159 posts
 
After some research and some good bed time reading, I think I've narrowed the field down to these preamps that may be worth trying with my integrated LM. 

  • Don Sach's Model 2
  • deHavilland Ultraverve 3
  • Linear Tube microZOTL MZ3 or Preamplifier
All three/four have gotten some rave reviews and supporters. Range of price between $2.5 - $4.4k. 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@wig Ah! Did you end up ever trying the Don Sach's DS2 preamp with your LM at all? It is rare to find someone that has tried an external preamp with the 508/805. 

Congrats on your combo btw. I bet it sounds delicious. 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
@rcprince I am looking at trying :) I think this will be an experiment of sorts. I’m unsure of what difference adding an external preamp will make but it seems that the success rate of adding a pre to an integrated is very dependent on the system. Won’t know until I try it out.

@wig I actually really, really enjoy my LM but perhaps it is the case of not knowing what I don’t know. I have compared the LM to Naim, McIntosh, Primaluna, Hegel, Modwright, etc and liked the LM by far more than the rest. Great to hear that you like Don's stuff so much though! I might bite and get his preamp to try. 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
I had decided on a Don Sach's Model 2 preamp to try. Unfortunately, due to some damage during shipping, I won't be able to give this experiment a try. Haven't even tried plugging it in due to fear of damaging it more. 
freesole OP
159 posts
 
Just a quick update here. I did work with Don to get the preamp fixed and this was sent back to me to try with my Line Magnetic. After about a week of extensive listening, I struggled to hear a big difference between using the preamp on the pre-in vs just having the source go directly into the LM. It didn't make it sound any worse but it wasn't the large improvement I had hoped for. I can only think that the reason for this is due to the Line Magnetic's configuration where the preamp is not bypassed even when using the pre-in input. That is likely the limiting factor. 

Will it be any different if I used another preamp? Not sure. But I know that the Don Sach's didn't have the effect that I wanted to hear unfortunately. Don is a great guy to work with though! Maybe in the future I will go for his pre and amp combo but for now, I'll be returning his preamp. 
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