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Quicksilver Line Pre vs Marantz 7 Clone

Blackdog61

Blackdog61

AK Subscriber
Subscriber
I’ve been using the Chinese M7 for several years and found it to be a significant upgrade from the PAS and various SS preamps I was using. That said, I have the itch to try something else and have been curious about the Quicksilver. Any help is appreciated.
 
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The clone is not going to be easy to beat. It offers a lot of performance at that price level. Not sure if the QS will do it or not. Its a nice sounding piece but have never compared to the clone. In that price bracket think it will be tough to beat the clone. Will probably have to spend a bit more to get into an AI modulus 3A or 3B, or a CAT signature model, An early VAC preamp or an early VTL TL 6.5
 
StepheK said:
Are you talking about phono pre-amp? If so give the EAR834 clone a try.
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I have really enjoyed that for a few years. No, I’m just considering the 12AT7 Line Stage, but suspect @mcgjohn is correct that the M7 will be tough to beat. My time is limited so modifying my current pre isn’t something I want to do.
 
Blackdog61 said:
I have really enjoyed that for a few years. No, I’m just considering the 12AT7 Line Stage, but suspect @mcgjohn is correct that the M7 will be tough to beat. My time is limited so modifying my current pre isn’t something I want to do.
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I built a M7 line stage preamp using just the PCB kit. Its the same board used in the M7 line stage preamp that was sold under various brand names. It does sound pretty good.
If you ljke line stage preamps, maybe take a look at the Aikido. I really like both the 12AX7 kit preamp I built, and the 6SN7 Aikido preamp I bought.
Ive been using the 6SN6 Aikido for some years now.
 
I found a 12ax7 version at a good price and have been listening for a few hours. The Sovtek tubes looked cooked so I tried newer Sovtek LPS and now GE 5751s, both sound good in it. Is it better than the three tube $200 M7 clone? The low end may be a bit more accurate but the upper mids seem a bit veiled with less air. The Clone has a clear, vivid midrange and throws a nice soundstage (Telefunken smooth plates). I did reverse the speaker leads on the QS to correct polarity. I’m inclined to put some better caps in the Clone; maybe Mundorf EVOs.
Mind you, I’ve only streamed or played music off my phone and haven’t given it the best source material but the QS isn’t running away with this. Miss the remote already.
 
Nope. After putting the clone back in it sounds ‘tubier’ with a flabby bass and there is less detail throughout. Both are very smooth but the QS has better definition and imaging. Going to swap the MIT multi caps for Mundorfs and see if the top end opens up. Good as it is, there is a lack of air to the highs that doesn’t quite get me there.
 
Blackdog61 said:
Nope. After putting the clone back in it sounds ‘tubier’ with a flabby bass and there is less detail throughout. Both are very smooth but the QS has better definition and imaging. Going to swap the MIT multi caps for Mundorfs and see if the top end opens up. Good as it is, there is a lack of air to the highs that doesn’t quite get me there.
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My Aikido preamp in my main system developed more problems a few months later after doing a repair on it. I was using the M-7 clone for a short time in my main system. But now I'm using an old Marantz SS 1060 integrated amp I restored some years back. The M-7 I built only had a three input selector and no phono pre. I gotta say I really like how this old Marantz SS integrated amp sounds being used as a preamp with my tube amps. It has bass, midrange, and trebble controls, but I haven't felt the need to move the bass or midrange from the center flat position. I do have the treble turned up one click though.
Definitely somewhat better than the M-7. I noticed the bass and midrange are a little better with the integrated amps preamp section compared to the M-7.
But I can't really complain about the M-7 for what I payed to build it. I still like it, but I do have better.
 
I solved the problem of no remote on the QS by moving it closer to my listening chair, and now only need to lean over to reach it. Need a longer interconnect; it never ends.
Yea, that M7 clone is a steal and has served me well. Spinning a great Kenny Barron trio album which is a real test. The piano has weight, I can hear more wood on Rufus Reid’s bass, and a more realistic attack of sticks hitting the drums. The drums haven’t drawn my attention on this record like they do now. The QS has more weight to it for sure.
 
@ceylon , I love this Russco idler and wish all of the detractors hating on idlers could experience it. It delivers the music the way it looks, boldly and with authority. I really like the AR XA but………….
 
Blackdog61 said:
@ceylon , I love this Russco idler and wish all of the detractors hating on idlers could experience it. It delivers the music the way it looks, boldly and with authority. I really like the AR XA but………….
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i can dig that, and as STRONG and SOLID as it looks, i sure should play boldly and with authority!
 
After spinning some vinyl I can confirm the QS as the clear winner. No doubt. Not bragging here, my vinyl front end just has a lot more to work with than compressed digital over an iPhone, as I suspect many do. Top to bottom, the QS is just better. Maybe a clone built with better parts can compete, but mine just hung its head and left the field. Still amazing at 1/5 the price.
 
Blackdog61 said:
After spinning some vinyl I can confirm the QS as the clear winner. No doubt. Not bragging here, my vinyl front end just has a lot more to work with than compressed digital over an iPhone, as I suspect many do. Top to bottom, the QS is just better. Maybe a clone built with better parts can compete, but mine just hung its head and left the field. Still amazing at 1/5 the price.
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whats your phono amp?
 
ceylon said:
AH--isnt that the one you have, @Lavane?
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Yes, its the same one. Mine was nust a $34 board kit though, bathing else.
I bought the same R-Core power transformer also.
It could probably be made to sound better if those film caps were replaced with something a little better? Although those red "Audiophile" brand caps arent horrible sounding.
 
Blackdog61 said:
Stock Chinese EAR clone with Telefunkens and an RCA clear top U7. Might be the next project to see if it can be improved. Running a DL-103 into a Denon SUT.
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I might have to put the EAR clone I have back in service. I really didn't give it but a few minutes listen after replacing the cheap Chinese stack films and replacing a couple ceramic caps with silver mica caps. I did the swap, made sure it worked, and gave it to my son to use. But he preferred a SS phono pre because it took up less space. The EAR was used in a garage system anyway.
 
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