• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Preamp for Zenith 7b31

Zach Nelson

Zach Nelson

How deep is this rabbit hole?
I just got this sweet sounding 7b31 that has been completely rebuilt and am wondering what would be a good preamp to use that would pair nicely. Right now I'm just using preouts from my Onkyo A5, but would like something to complete this amp on its own. Open to ideas. Tube or SS. Only will be used for vinyl. Would like something with a little tone control. Trying to keep it under $200
index.php
 
Register to hide this ad
I tried a Dynaco PAT-4, Kenwood Basic C1 and a NAD 1300 with my Zenith 5G29. I liked the Kenwood the best but the differences were fairly small. On a whim I tried using the pre outs on my Luxman R-113 and was really surprised at how nice it sounded. The main thing for me was the phono stage, the Luxman is a touch cleaner with more of a 3D presentation. Don't be afraid to try receivers with pre outs they may surprise you.
 
bigaltx24 said:
I tried a Dynaco PAT-4, Kenwood Basic C1 and a NAD 1300 with my Zenith 5G29. I liked the Kenwood the best but the differences were fairly small. On a whim I tried using the pre outs on my Luxman R-113 and was really surprised at how nice it sounded. The main thing for me was the phono stage, the Luxman is a touch cleaner with more of a 3D presentation. Don't be afraid to try receivers with pre outs they may surprise you.
Click to expand...
Did you experience the highs being really high? It's almost hard to tame. Maybe it's the tubes?
 
No, I run Zenith 12" full range speakers, they're probably only good to about 14-15K Hz. On some records I actually bump up the treble a little bit.
 
you can find a used Xiang Sheng 728A tube preamp in the mid $200's. New for a little more. Absolute steal for it's sound quality. Great introduction to tube preamps that will be hard to beat for 4 times that much.
 
The tubes in this thing read 6N14N which I assume is a russian deal. Is this the same thing as a 6bq5 or EL84?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom