2. amps-preamps
  3. 156398-145124

High Output Preamp for First Watt SIT-3?

I'm new to the audiophile world and recently purchased a First Watt SIT-3 with Magnepan .7s.  I have a Mytek Brooklyn Bridge for streaming, though I prefer to play vinyl with my Mofi Ultradeck.  The Mytek serves as the phono stage (69dB gain for MM?), and I don't use a preamp;  the Brooklyn is connected directly to the First Watt. 

I understand that the SIT-3 is only 11.5 dB of gain, and that's extremely low compared to most amps.  I like most everything about the system except for the fact that I have the Mytek maxed out volume-wise many days.  Certain LPs are cut quieter, and I wish I had more power.  There are times streaming where the Maggies aren't getting to their sweet spot.  I realize the Maggies are a lower sensitivity speaker. 

What should I look for in a preamp to fully drive the SIT-3?  Eventually, I'd like to replace the phono stage instead of relying on the Brooklyn.  Is there a tube preamp featuring a phono stage with sufficient output to drive my amp in the $4k range?  Otherwise, I'm eyeing the Modwright PH 9.0 and a linestage preamp, realizing that this will probably be costlier.  I'm looking for a warm sound, not analytical but engaging. 

Any help is greatly appreciated.  I'm a working musician with a basic understanding of related electronics but little experience in this world. 

murphbass
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Murphbass,
Here are a few brands of very good quality and reasonable pricing that I believe will work very well with your amplifier or an SET amplifier. The S,I.T.-3 is capable of world class sound quality if driving properly selected speakers.

1 Coherent Audio (Canadian) their "Prime" model range.
2 NSM Audio Model 100.USA.
3 Tekton "Perfect SET" speakers.USA.
4 Vaughn Loudspeakers. Various models. USA.
5 Decware Audio has numerous models. USA.
Charles
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Depending on the type of music you listen, e.g., jazz, blues, folk, etc., I think you’ll find the Omega Super Alnico Monitors quite a good match with the SIT 3 or any other low power SET/SEP amplifier. The Magnepans basically present a constant 4ohm resistive load to the amplifier so load is not as much of an issue. You just need enough gain to make them sound loud enough depending on your room size.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,230 posts
 
Murpbass, 
On paper Zu Audio and Klipsch are two brands that meet your requirements with some of their models. Theses brands are somewhat polarizing,  listeners either love them or strongly dislike them. There does  not seem to be a middle ground. Worth looking into.
Charles 
larryi
3,718 posts
 
In the under $4,000 price range, for the amount of power you have, I would consider Tekton Double Impacts, Rethm Bhaava, and Audio Note AN-K speakers (or other models used). 
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 
Regardless of its output, putting a dedicated preamp in front of your power amp will not make the power amp output more power.  It may well change, and likely improve, the overall sonic presentation, but your decibel levels won't change.  I can't think of a planar speaker that will work with your SIT; but there are open baffle speakers that will (e.g. Spatial).
More to discover