Need help picking pre-amp

[jfsn06]

I've just about finished building my system. As of right now I've got a yammy A-1 that I'm using as a pre-amp that feeds two dynaco MKIII and an ST70 (passive bi-amp) to some silverline preludes. I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I have a chance to purchase

SAS Audio10A
Conrad Johnson PV-12
Audio Research SP9
Audible Illusions Modulus 3

I really want to get the SAS Audio but funny enough, its the only one without a phono stage. The Modulus 3 also has the John Curl MC board.

Please, any thoughts?

 

[Bluelobster]

I vote for the PV12. The AI Mod3 is known to have a high gain and eat 6dj8's. The SP9 was not one of the better iterations of that series. I don't know anything about SAS Audio.

 

[jfsn06]

Thats just about what I was thinking after all my research. I will probably lean towards the PV-12. Does anyone have any experience with the SAS Audio?

 

[sgbaird]

I wish I'd never sold my SP9, actually, since it had one of the best sounding phono stages I've ever had. Given that the PV12 has more of that tube character that so many of us like so much, I'd be inclined to agree that it might be the better choice if the two units are priced the same. I've never heard of SAS audio either.

 

[jfsn06]

I've just realized. The PV12 only has one output. Since i'm bi-amping, will using a Y-RCA splitter be ok?

 

[sgbaird]

I've just realized. The PV12 only has one output. Since i'm bi-amping, will using a Y-RCA splitter be ok?

Yes, it'll be fine. I'm doing that right now using a Monster Cable thing that uses no visible wiring. A friend of mine who's into being thrifty keeps reminding me about a certain website that has this kind of stuff far cheaper than Amazon but I keep forgetting what it's called.

I've used a pair of these things on both my SP9 and my current Quicksilver. My Rogue and Ming Da preamps have dual outs for bi-amping.