@jaymark Very interesting. I am currently using in both my very revealing systems Benchmark LA-4 Line pre amp, Balanced throughout. I am into strictly rock and roll ONLY. 90db or so. My speakers in my larger system are Tekton specialty Encores upgraded, and with beryllium tweeters. Coda 8 V1 and a Bricasti M1 SE DAC, dual subs, etc. Just wondering about your experience staying with the SS amp , but, going with a tube pre amp, specifically, the ARIC unit? My system sounds wonderful, just have been very nervous about tubes. My system is very dynamic and musical and yet very revealing! What can I expect? I realize it's somewhat subjective? Robert TN thank you!
AricAudio's new Jackpot 5751 tube-rectified truly balanced preamplifier
AricAudio has just come out with its brand new preamplifier design called the Jackpot. It only uses one 5751, you can roll any version of 12AU7s, 12aX7s, or 12AT7s, as the signal tube and one 12AU7 as a buffer tube. It is tube rectified and is truly balanced from input to output, and it sells for $5600. I put the Jackpot on the 2025 "Most Wanted Components" list for Stereo Times and bought the review demo. It is a phenomenal musical line-stage and a tube rollers delight. Because you do not have to have a matched pair of signal tubes, it uses both plates of one, and there is only one buffer tube you can experiment with many different combinations to get exactly what sonic signature you want to match your personal taste. I finally ended up with using a NOS Mazda 1950’s silver plate triple mica (signal tube) and a NOS Bugle Boy 1950’s long plate (buffer tube) to get exactly what I wanted in my system! Last year I reviewed two other great preamplifiers that were at least double the price, but the Jackpot was at least their equal and exceeded them in purity of tonality and spatial qualities. My full review will come out in the next couple of months. You can go to AricAudio’s website for more details.
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@robshaw - many people go with tube preamps and SS power amps; there's a thread about this right now somewhere on here, in fact. The preamp would have the most affect on the sound and a good neutral SS power amp should amplify what it's getting from that. I use an Aric Super 6SN7 pre with an MSB S-200 power amp, and it's a match made in heaven or wherever else your choice is to go.... I also listen to almost all rock music, though not at 90db - I could if I wanted to though without the system minding at all, just my ears and neighbors. |
@larsman It sounds as though you have a very nice set up. I like your Amp a lot. I may look into the Jackpot model. Just curious as to your speakers? The jack pot as to his others offer as adjustable gain control. I have one on my LA-4 and it helps considerably. Maybe you can answer this for me, My benchmark LA-4 offers a balanced output to my Amp (connection wise) It also offers a mono OUTPUT (balanced) or a single RCA OUTPUT (single out) for my Sub, which I can use at the same time, NICE. Can I use both balanced and single ended outputs simultaneously, so I can run my sub through the single ended and the Amp /preamp through the balanced? I know your unit is all single ended. just wondering? Thanks much! |
@robshaw - yeah, that MSB amp is one piece of gear I've had for over 10 years now without the slightest desire to ever 'upgrade' it. The sound sounds like whatever preamp is going into it, with a lot of muscle. I just wish I had more muscle to lift the thing... I have Marten Parker Duos... |
@robshaw Yes, you can absolutely use both single ended and XLR outs at the same time on any of my balanced preamps. Best regards, Aric |
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