2. amps-preamps
  3. 1367945706

Tube Preamp for McCormack DNA-0.5

Looking for used tubed preamp recos for use with my amp. I currently use a passive line stage and would like to try a tubed unit for fun.

I have heard some brands (Cary) seem to be regarded as very tube-like (Not sure if that is good or bad). I don't want flabby bass - just some added warmth for the McCormack to pass thru to my Magnepans.

Would especially be interested in preamps that use the 6922/6DJ8 tubes as I have some very nice NOS Telefunkens I could drop in there.

Thanks,

LTM
listentothemusic

Showing 1 response by red2

red2
79 posts
 
I was in your same exact situation years ago. I had McCormack amp driving Maggie 1.6 with a passive preamp. In fact still have that setup up among my several systems.

Needless, I compared the Audible Illusions preamp in the system to my hot rodded passive (TKD $500 attenuator from Michael Percy Audio) and the Audible Illusions didn't hold a candle to it. What did trump it was a preamp of 12au7 variant. 12au7 tube really added the missing emotion in that system with the McCormack amp.

I still have that 12au7 preamp and later I Hot Rodded it also with a $300 TKD attenuator from Michael Percy. Emotion and extra transparency in spades. Bested the passive, and more emotion with 12au7 tube. I still have it (the preamp) and it is a Consonance. Don't laugh. Great Value product from China. Musically it beat the Audible Illusions easily. I might sell it, if you are interested?

I still have a First Sound Paramount MK 2 preamp also that uses 6922 with NOS tubes. It is very dynamic and transparent, but lacks the emotion of the 12au7.

I have a VTL preamp, and it uses 12au7 and 12at7 tubes. Yes, it is my current BEST sounding preamp all around. But it also costs twice the Consonance.

Just my 2 cents, hope something is useful here for you.
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