@grannyring stated this : "Best I have heard is a DHT tube preamp with a Tortuga LDR based attenuator".
Do you recall what was used in connection with the Tortuga ?
I`d like to check that out !!
Suggestions for a holographic preamp?
I'm looking to replacing my Herron Audio tube line stage with something else, not because of a problem with the sound, but for a few other reasons.
I do both digital and analog, and have a Herron Audio tube phono preamp. My power amp is an MSB S-200, which is awesome, and my speakers are Marten Parker Duos, which are wonderful for a deep, holographic soundstage that I like so much.
I listen mostly to rock and reggae, and I'm looking to keep the price under $10K US, and I'm fine with a used one as well.
I get the feeling that I will need a tube preamp to get that holographic sound, but perhaps there are some SS ones that do as good a job?
The fellow I work with at The Music Room suggested a ModWright LS-100 or a used PS Audio BHK preamp; I've researched and they both look like they'd fit the bill, but I'd like to hear your suggestions, too!
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Hi @larsman, how are things going with the Aric Audio,and LTA pre’s? Have you settled on one,or are you rotating? |
Hi @rocray, happy new year, and thanks for asking. Once I got the tube compliment sorted out, I liked both the Super 6SN7 and MicroZOTL about the same, and as you remembered, I figured I'd keep them both and alternate them month by month as they sound different enough. Then I decided to try something and send the Super 6SN7 to Aric and got those upgrades he offers. That came back and I hooked it up, played about 10 seconds of a record I know very well, and said "This is no longer a fair fight - I'm putting the MicroZOTL up for sale." It's there on USAM. It's even great for playing hard-to-drive Susvara headphones to my relatively low-powered tube headphone amp; I just send it more juice from the Super 6SN7. Aric's a wizard with serious electronics mojo. |
Hi @larsman, I’m a big fan of Aric. I am using his preamps in both my systems. The main system has The Motherlode II, and my second system is running his older Unlimited. I can’t say enough good things about him and his products. At some point in the future I’m going to contact him about refreshing or possibly upgrading my Motherlode II.I was fortunate to find the Motherlode II used in 2021. I’m so glad to hear you are enjoying your Super 6SN7 pre. Keep enjoying the music! Ray |
I’m confused. You say you have a Herron tube linestage, but then say you’re looking for a tubed preamp - which you already have. Am I reading something wrong? In any case, any good tube linestage/preamp should do a more-than-decent job of providing a 3D image (especially compared to solid state) through your speakers. I’ve had tubed preamps since on and off since 1985, and they all create a more holographic image - but only if that is on the recording. They don’t - and shouldn’t - produce a 3D image if it’s not on the recording. Solid state can give more focus and specificity to images, but doesn't deliver the true 3D effect the way tubed components do. |
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