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
I don't know if this is in any way helpful.  I built the DIY version of the First Watt M2X.  I used my Cary SLP-98P preamp with it.  Lots of gain with front-panel level adjusters for each channel.  It sounded great.
There is an incredible level of "shoot from the hip" commentary about the SIT-3 and the Maggie 0.7 pairing. Yes - Maggies are notorious for being a tough load. But - as Vladimir Lamm put it to me a long time ago, "it's not about the watts , it's about the current". For those of you interested, I connected my SIT-3 to a pair of 20.7's I own and while they didn't blow the doors down, they ran the Maggies to satisfying levels. Earlier comments are spot on - Herb Reichert (whom I respect as a straight shooting reviewer), did in fact say the 0.7/SIT-3 combination was fantastic. So did Steve Guttenberg. So, armchairs reviewers can take a back seat to those of us who have actually experienced the combination. Several posters here have heard the combination or own it - listen to them. Forget the rest.
I have owned 3 open baffle speakers I love/d 2 of them. Which one didn't I? Magnepan 3.5Rs. I tried so many things, biamping, then active XO. After 2 frustrating years I replaced them with Emerald Physics KCIIs (open baffle, super efficient and about half the height,

EP is getting ready to move their factory and is blowing out available inventory. See USAudiomart for a couple of gems for pennies on the dollar


hth
I also have a SIT-3.  I recently sold my Magnepan 3.7i, but I can tell you I was surprised at how good the SIT-3 sounded on them within reasonable volume. I currently have Devore 0/96 (nominal impedance 10 ohms) and the SIT-3 doesn’t seem to be a great match for them. I recently got Tekton Moabs (4 ohms) and the SIT-3 is a very nice match and very musical combination.  The SIT-3 is a wonderful amp with the right speaker

kinara,

murphbass began this  thread by explaining in many cases he's been very happy with the sound quality (SQ) of his S.I.T.3 and Maggie pairing. He did however certainly cite  that there are some observed shortcomings as well. He wondered if it could be a lack of power "I wish I had more power" in certain situations or is more gain needed?

He straightforwardly was soliciting  input/suggestions on this forum regarding his dilemma.  IMO his generated some very informed responses and interesting dialogue and commentary. Posters did not dispute his claim of very good SQ with his amp/speaker pairing. Opinions were expressed and shared in regard to what might be suitable solutions to his 'stated'  concerns. I believe that murphbass gained some additional insight and appreciates the many  good responses he received.

So I don't understand your characterization of "shooting from the hip" which seems dismissive of what were well intentioned and thoughtful replies to murphbass's clearly stated concerns. I don't doubt you hear very good sound with your S.I.T. 3 and Maggie 20.7 but would this be your ideal long term amplifier for these speakers? It so then I hope they continue to provide you many years of listening pleasure.

Charles.