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Tube preamplifier kits.

Jimbo40

Jimbo40

Super Member
I just popped in from the world of solid state amps and receiver collecting and restoration.
I've made a couple posts about some el34 100 watt monoblocks I bought, and they are just beautiful sounding.
I am using a soundcraftmen sp4002 for the preamplifier now temporarily, but I need some education on a tube preamplifier.
Even though these amp sound great flat with no eq I still want that option.
I love to build and would consider a kit but most have no tone control (what's that all about).
I don't know about the input output ohms and what are great options, pairing.
Just looking to finish this pairing and have an exceptional setup.
Thanks for any advice.
 
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Erhard Audio sells preamp kits with tone controls. Even a tube center channel add on option if I remember right. I built the one without tone controls a few years ago and it sounded really nice. My son is using it now.
 
Jimbo40 said:
I just popped in from the world of solid state amps and receiver collecting and restoration.
I've made a couple posts about some el34 100 watt monoblocks I bought, and they are just beautiful sounding.
I am using a soundcraftmen sp4002 for the preamplifier now temporarily, but I need some education on a tube preamplifier.
Even though these amp sound great flat with no eq I still want that option.
I love to build and would consider a kit but most have no tone control (what's that all about).
I don't know about the input output ohms and what are great options, pairing.
Just looking to finish this pairing and have an exceptional setup.
Thanks for any advice.
Click to expand...
This one is hard to beat for price and sound and you can Upgrade the parts to your Hearts content. He is the Link for Buy/Support (no affiliation) and my build link.
Also, hificollective has an Upgraded parts list to what they sell, which I have purchased parts from then and Parts Connexion.

https://www.diyaudio.com/community/threads/elekit-tu-8550-pre-amplifier.385135/
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/elekit-tu-8550-pre-amplifier-build.1007927/
 
I added "loudness contour" in my VTA SP-14 and I don't feel the need for tone controls. SP-14 has dual gain stage attenuators allowing adjustment of the gain level so the main volume control can dial in the sweet spot for the loudness function. This makes the loudness function useable between a variety of lower and higher voltage input sources.
 
Well there's more than enough confusion around preamplifiers. Since everyone claims their's is the greatest thing since sliced bread. The sp14 seems to be a good option for sound, maybe great, but in a super plain Jane package. Visual appearance is a huge part of the collection, 4 stark knobs and a silver box is not going to add any visible interest. It has less then zero cool factor.

Right now I'm using a soundcraftmen sp4002, which has very good specs and visually looks very good. Lots of functionality. The reviews again are it's the best.
But, is it a match for these monoblocks?
Would a high end tube preamplifier better fit the bill, and give the complete tube experience, as well as visual appear and major cool factors.
Maybe the kit build is not the way to go, and a higher end preamplifier from yesteryear would be the better option.
The suggestions and discussions so far are appreciated.
 

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Jimbo40 said:
Would a high end tube preamplifier better fit the bill, and give the complete tube experience, as well as visual appear and major cool factors.
Click to expand...

The Hovland HP200 or HP100 preamplifiers are a rather nice option, They are a bit pricey, however...
 
The kit approach allows one to customize the build.
Glassware audio sells a number of kits, boards and parts actually where you need to source your own chassis.
However many kits do not include that tone control as it adds cost and complexity to the project but can sometimes be added if planned for. ( depending on circuit topology )

If you do choose to build a kit rest assured that the AK family is here to help when needed.
 
Lavane said:
Only you can be the judge. I did use a Marantz model 33 SS preamp for awhile with my tube gear. But I'm glad I went with a tube preamp in the end.

Here is another tube preamp a couple AK'rs seemed to like. No affiliation.
https://www.frenzeltubeamps.com/spx72-stereo-hi-fi-preamp
Click to expand...
I have read about the model 33 also.its in high regard.
santa said:
The kit approach allows one to customize the build.
Glassware audio sells a number of kits, boards and parts actually where you need to source your own chassis.
However many kits do not include that tone control as it adds cost and complexity to the project but can sometimes be added if planned for. ( depending on circuit topology )

If you do choose to build a kit rest assured that the AK family is here to help when needed.
Click to expand...
Yes, that's what I love about AK.
The wealth of knowledge here is amazing.
 
There are vintage options that would fit the bill, the popular ones (ie: Mac C22, Fisher 400CX, Scott 122, Scott 130, Marantz 7, Fairchild 248, HK Citation I) all command significant sums, that list ranges from $1k to about $6k at the going rate. Certainly, your amps seem worthy of a high-quality preamp, it's just a question of what your budget expecations are. There are cheaper options such as Eico HF-85 (which is excellent) and Dynaco PAS, and there are other lesser-known ones that can be had for less. If you can go with mono separates sometimes the ones without onboard power supplies are relatively inexpensive (Heathkit WA-P2). Preamps can be more involving than power amps to work on, and the switching assemblies often make tracing parts of the circuit challenging, but sonically I think are an excellent way to go. I would pay most attention to matching gain, a significant mismatch can result in either insufficient drive or noise.
 
I use vintage McIntosh MC40 monoblocks with an Audio Research SP8 preamp.
Totally happy with it, no need for tone controls and I love the simple timeless styling.

BillWojo
 
Wow, I've been looking at all the suggestions so far, I guess a preamp is not just a preamp.
I'm leaning towards the mcintosh c22 and the Marantz 7 so far. But lots of reading can make for confusion.
I appreciate the suggestions so far.
Stuck on tube for sure though.
Unless someone pops up with a great match.
 
what the heck? how many amps out there have 500k+ input impedance? seems like a major design flaw.
 
If you're looking at C20's and 7C's, I would suggest an Audio Research SP6A for half the money. I own all three and the SP6 is in a different league. Power supply alone is far superior, along with first class capacitors and resistors.
 
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