Trying to find a new tube pre amp. These are my requirements

New and not used
Zero feedback
No XLR's
Must be tubed
Budget is open but for now lets just say no 10K suggestions please.

Got any ideas ? Thanks

Grumpy

Juicy Music BlueBerry Xtreme II

Phono and line stages with optional LOMC phono input
4 AUX inputs plus tape loop
Zero feedback Class A Triode circuitry
3-way ganged volume, balance and amplifier sensitivity controls
Massive Tube Rectified Power Supply
Remote Control

http://www.juicymusicaudio.com/spec1.html

I've been considering a JuicyMusic Peach preamp, has anyone heard this unit?

How about a Manley Shrimp?

http://www.manleylabs.com/containerpages/shrimp.html

I think that meets all your requirements, and I like their products very much.

and some others, but I don't know that much about them
the Unison Research C5P, I do know someone with a performance integrated, and he likes it alot so this might be worth a try...
Primaluna Prologue 3 (or four)...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

Trying to find a new tube pre amp. These are my requirements

Zero feedback


Why zero feedback?

Why zero feedback?


Because I prefer the sound of a zero feedback to the others.

Thanks for the JM suggestions but the pre I am looking for is to replace an extreme.

Grumpy

I've been eyeballing one of these. A Cary Audio SLP 05.

http://www.caryaudio.com/products/classic/SLP05.html

Conrad Johnson PV-15 or CT-6 or CT-5, I have always wanted a Connie J.

Well, you know I recommend this one but I need to post more:

An Audible Illusions M3A

http://www.audibleillusions.com/images/product/M3A_p9140424.JPG

BTW this thing has a Subsonic filter that may cure your woofer pumping I bet:yes:

Jeff

Or how about one of these?:

http://www.vtl.com/images/pre50_180w.jpg

A VTL 5.5 with optional MM/MC phono board. I was looking to listen to one of these prior to my AI purchase....couldn't find one. A lot of folks really like this pre. The real question...how much is it?

Jeff

Do you want a phono input, or are you looking for a linestage to use with your existing phono stage?

Could change reccos if phono not the top priority.

Just wondering

I wont fib, that Cary caught my eye and is darned attractive. Gotta love the lines on that one. The specs are as pretty as the physical side too.

Been very pleased with the BAT VK-30 I've been using. Has two sets of XLRs on the input (easy enough to use XLR/RCA adapters) as well as three sets of RCAs. One set of XLRs and one set of RCAs on the output, as well as a set of RCAs for the tape monitor on the output. Fully remote capable and programmable through the remote. 120-step resistive (Vishay) resistor network on the volume pot. Available up grade on the output coupling caps. This is the older model with the set of three (3) 6922s in each channel, which allows for easy tube rolling. Has an available solid-state phono board if you are so inclined. Is an also excellent, with its own power supply and user configurable for both gain and loading. The latest version is the VK-32. If were me and I wanted to buy new, I'd go for the VK-32 with the Six-Pak output caps, remote and built-in phono stage. Allows for the best tube-rolling. http://www.balanced.com/ If you are going for the 'big money', then leave out the internal solid-state phono stage and get their stand-alone tube PK-V5 phono stage.

Phono is unimportant.

I've been considering a JuicyMusic Peach preamp, has anyone heard this unit?

I have one presently and frankly love it. Sadly, I will probably have to sell it soon due to moving, but I'm trying to avoid that for as long as I can get away with keeping it. I originally bought it to prevent myself from spending time on DIY ventures. It is built very well, filled with nice parts, looks great, and does not sound overtly tubey or colored -- which I really like. Just natural, relaxed, and quite detailed.

I especially like the fact that it lets you run tube amps from the high impedance out, and can switch to the low impedance out for driving the occasional solid state amp. Both output options sound comparably good.

If you do consider one, let me know if you need any tube advice. Mullard 6922/E88CCs are my personal favorite by a good margin, but they might not be for everyone (a bit dry and bright). Tungsram and Siemens are quite nice too. I've had less luck with Amperex, due to either noise or dull sound. (Good sound = prone to noise, bad sound = dead quiet :sigh:)

There is also a new version coming out soon, which uses 6N30P instead of 6DJ8/6922 for the main gain stage.

It's not tubed, which may remove it from consideration, but how about a passive preamp? Your digital front end would have no problem with driving one, but it might be an issue with your phono preamp (i'm not sure what you use).

Thought about passive but I have yet to play with one for any length of time.

I have heard the DeHavilland pre-amp on a few occasions. Forget the model #, but it has always been a fine performer.

The Modwright 9.0 is also a highly regarded pre-amp. Both of these units are not inexpensive by any stretch of the imagination.

I have owned the Audible Ilusions 3A, and its a workhorse. Unfortunately the manufacturer has a tarnished reputation regarding service turn around times. That may be a factor sometime.

I have reviewed the Maple Tree Audio 2SE. Its a great value. I think the 5SE would be a winner also.

I also understand the Eastern Electric Minimax makes a fine budget pre-amp. I would consider auditioning one myself.

Regards
Mister Pig

Appreciate the suggestion. Are any of them zero feedback ?

Grumpy

DeHavilland pre amps are zero neg feedback.

I have heard the Dehav but only on with their accompanying amps. Sadly the chances of finding one to audition in my home before purchase is near impossible. That in itself takes it off my list... :(

DeHavilland pre amps are zero neg feedback.

so are the manleys...

I do know Monarchy Audio made a tube pre too (model 9 or so?), no negative feedback at all, and good sounding, but I don't know if it's still in production...
most of their products are SS though, but they're famous for their tube-like sound...


Keep them spinning,
Bert.

these are very good too:

http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?preatube&1201296845

and one model lower:

http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?preatube&1201107971

(both tubed, and fully balanced...)

note, I just took auction links because it was the easiest to find pics and information...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

Be careful about Rogue I heard there in trouble and might close there doors. One option I thought of is Dodd is developing a pre that he is bringing to market for $1100. Second option is an Audio Research lots of classic designs in the used market by them. Thirdly why not also consider an Audio Note? Just thought I'd throw these three out there.

PS Audio Space has many nice Pre's at Gini.com

One that had slipped my mind (don't worry, I'm used to it) is Ray Samuels. He designs, builds, tests and sells direct. Here is the B-52, which is his top unit. http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/b-52 Has two others. I would like to have one. Perhaps some day.

Did you give up on the Foreplay III?

I think if I was able to spend a good chunk of change and bring my system up a couple levels in quality I would look at this Herron model. A 100 step attenuator with remote control to maximize chair time. Uses 6 X 6922.

http://herronaudio.com/vtsp2specs.html

How about Van Alstiens T8? http://www.avahifi.com/root/equipment/preamplifier/Transcendence_Eight_Vacuum_Tube_Preamplifier.htm I have not had the opertunity to here it, but if it's anything like Franks other gear it should sound great! Not sure about the feedback though.
Al

http://modwright.com/products/index.php?product_id=25

Heard both good and bad about Mod wright stuff. Rogue seems to be going strong.

I have plans to try a Rogue and possible the AR SP16

Take a look at Joule Electra, very musical.

http://www.joule-electra.com/index2.htm

I second that, been using a Joule LA-100 MK.III for a while now and absolutely love it. It's an all tube design (except for HV rectification) that I believe meets all your criteria.

I'll be posting a review of mine here soon but in a nutshell it has lived up to the hype and good reviews I've read, really elevating my system to another level. I'm pretty happy with the phono-stage I use now but after living with this line amp I'd LOVE to hear the Joule-Electra phono stages as well.

The logistics would be a bitch but maybe we could arrange some way of getting mine down to you for a listen?

Phono is unimportant.


??????????????????????????

Has Hell frozen over??????

That is all...........

Believe Dave is stating that he has a separate phono preamp. The world is not upside down.

I know, but didja ever think you'd see that quote.

Maybe I should make a T-shirt for AKFest????????..............:lmao:

Hi Dave,

I'm going to give you the same advice that you recently offered someone else: Wait until you've heard some of the new stuff at AK-Fest this year before making a decision!

And yes, I've got an agenda here... :naughty:

Cheers,
Brian

Grumpy the best sounding preamp I have heard under $10,000 and is very highly recomended is the Audio Valve Eclipse $4,200 .It dosent get better than this It compares to Audio Notes M7.and higher so it is truly amazing I heard one in Deet's sound room it is his most popular seller now.you can read about ir in Stereophile August 2007.don't buy a pre amp till you audition this one or youll kick your self.mabey Brian can give you feed back or find one for you.

I can vouch for the Audio Research SP16. Superb preamplifier for the money. Couldn't be happier with mine. Actually, it is the SP16L sans phono. Like Dave I already have a dedicated phono preamp (in my case, an Audio Research PH3).

The SP16 has all the fine qualities of tubes with modern conveniences such as remote control, noise free electronically controlled volume and source relay switching.

This unit has just been replaced with an hybrid model (the SP17). Watch out for some closeout specials!

Because I prefer the sound of a zero feedback to the others.

Thanks for the JM suggestions but the pre I am looking for is to replace an extreme.

Grumpy

I have a JM Peach, just curious why you're replacing the BB Extreme. What do you like/dislike about it?

Heard both good and bad about Mod wright stuff. Rogue seems to be going strong.

I have plans to try a Rogue and possible the AR SP16

The Rogue Hera is pretty amazing... but it does have XLR inputs and outputs, if that matters, really. No feedback, though!

Can't think of a better tube for a preamp though- the 6H30P is about the MOST LINEAR tube I have ever seen a curve chart for- it's even better then the 12B4A, which is SERIOUSLY SAYING SOMETHING!!

http://www.rogueaudio.com/Products_Hera_Front.htm

Regards,
Gordon.

I saw one of these Hera's at a store here in Philly. Didn't have time to listen to it fired up, but of course the salesman was heavy on telling me all about the Rouge stuff while I was there.

Sorry Grumpy....

I didn't notice your preferences to new new and not used preamp choices
and also b/c forum rules do permit reference to vintage...so I just wiped out my post
on MX 110 tuner preamp...Apologies to all