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Post by DavidR on Apr 21, 2019 21:03:54 GMT -5
I have a Bob Latino ST-120 tube amp that is currently connected to my XSP-1 G2 Pre. That Pre will not be available to the tube amp in the near future. I use the tube amp strictly for listening to vinyl with my AR10Pi speakers. I will be in the market for a nice tube Pre amp that includes a nice phono section (in the same 'box'). I've always liked the Conrad-Johnson PV-5 but those are now going for $2000 or more and will most likely need some work. I'd like something nice but don't want to break the bank as they say; and I don't want a cheap Chinese product either.
Suggestions please.
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,213
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Post by novisnick on Apr 21, 2019 21:32:55 GMT -5
I have a Bob Latino ST-120 tube amp that is currently connected to my XSP-1 G2 Pre. That Pre will not be available to the tube amp in the near future. I use the tube amp strictly for listening to vinyl with my AR10Pi speakers. I will be in the market for a nice tube Pre amp that includes a nice phono section (in the same 'box'). I've always liked the Conrad-Johnson PV-5 but those are now going for $2000 or more and will most likely need some work. I'd like something nice but don't want to break the bank as they say; and I don't want a cheap Chinese product either.
Suggestions please.
I really do love my McIntosh C220, It’s revealing as to what’s connected to it and it’s also very easy to change its sound by tube rolling. Red Lions give me more of a SS sound and Millard’s give it a more tube flavor. Endless tuning via tubes. Only one very LARGE PROBLEM, mine is NOT for sale! LOL The other problem is they go for more then 2K. Haven’t had a bit of trouble with it though. Happy Hunting and Good Luck! Edit; I’ve run the BL ST-120 with this preamp, only reason I don’t have it is my ears and speakers wanted more power! Match made in heaven!
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Post by adaboy on Apr 21, 2019 21:47:45 GMT -5
Depending on budget, Jolida now Black Ice Audio makes some good cost effective stuff!
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Post by monkumonku on Apr 21, 2019 21:58:51 GMT -5
I have a Bob Latino ST-120 tube amp that is currently connected to my XSP-1 G2 Pre. That Pre will not be available to the tube amp in the near future. I use the tube amp strictly for listening to vinyl with my AR10Pi speakers. I will be in the market for a nice tube Pre amp that includes a nice phono section (in the same 'box'). I've always liked the Conrad-Johnson PV-5 but those are now going for $2000 or more and will most likely need some work. I'd like something nice but don't want to break the bank as they say; and I don't want a cheap Chinese product either. Suggestions please.
You're probably already aware of this so maybe there's some reason you don't want it, but what about the SP-12 preamp? That has the option to include a phono preamp inside the main box. tubes4hifi.com/pre12.htm#SP12
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Post by DavidR on Apr 21, 2019 22:17:23 GMT -5
I have a Bob Latino ST-120 tube amp that is currently connected to my XSP-1 G2 Pre. That Pre will not be available to the tube amp in the near future. I use the tube amp strictly for listening to vinyl with my AR10Pi speakers. I will be in the market for a nice tube Pre amp that includes a nice phono section (in the same 'box'). I've always liked the Conrad-Johnson PV-5 but those are now going for $2000 or more and will most likely need some work. I'd like something nice but don't want to break the bank as they say; and I don't want a cheap Chinese product either. Suggestions please.
You're probably already aware of this so maybe there's some reason you don't want it, but what about the SP-12 preamp? That has the option to include a phono preamp inside the main box. tubes4hifi.com/pre12.htm#SP12I was under the impression that all the VTA Pre-amps had a separate box for the phono section.
That would be one to consider.
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Post by DavidR on Apr 21, 2019 22:22:11 GMT -5
I have a Bob Latino ST-120 tube amp that is currently connected to my XSP-1 G2 Pre. That Pre will not be available to the tube amp in the near future. I use the tube amp strictly for listening to vinyl with my AR10Pi speakers. I will be in the market for a nice tube Pre amp that includes a nice phono section (in the same 'box'). I've always liked the Conrad-Johnson PV-5 but those are now going for $2000 or more and will most likely need some work. I'd like something nice but don't want to break the bank as they say; and I don't want a cheap Chinese product either.
Suggestions please.
I really do love my McIntosh C220, It’s revealing as to what’s connected to it and it’s also very easy to change its sound by tube rolling. Red Lions give me more of a SS sound and Millard’s give it a more tube flavor. Endless tuning via tubes. Only one very LARGE PROBLEM, mine is NOT for sale! LOL The other problem is they go for more then 2K. Haven’t had a bit of trouble with it though. Happy Hunting and Good Luck! Edit; I’ve run the BL ST-120 with this preamp, only reason I don’t have it is my ears and speakers wanted more power! Match made in heaven! I've always lusted after Mc gear; except the price.
Retired and living off pension and SS with a son in college and want more AR speakers for my collection. LST's are on the list.
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Post by DavidR on Apr 21, 2019 22:24:26 GMT -5
Depending on budget, Jolida now Black Ice Audio makes some good cost effective stuff! I know of Jolida; looks like they make some nice gear. No knowledge of Black Ice Audio. I will look into both, Thanks
<edit> Ooops, mis-read. Same brand, different name.
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Post by monkumonku on Apr 21, 2019 23:02:36 GMT -5
You're probably already aware of this so maybe there's some reason you don't want it, but what about the SP-12 preamp? That has the option to include a phono preamp inside the main box. tubes4hifi.com/pre12.htm#SP12I was under the impression that all the VTA Pre-amps had a separate box for the phono section. That would be one to consider.
There's a short thread over on the Dynaco forum that might be helpful, in which Roy Mottram touts his SP-12 and points out that it does have the option to integrate a phono preamp in the same chassis. dynacotubeaudio.forumotion.com/t4064-sp12-preamp-revisited
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novisnick
EmoPhile
CEO Secret Monoblock Society
Posts: 27,213
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Post by novisnick on Apr 21, 2019 23:25:37 GMT -5
I really do love my McIntosh C220, It’s revealing as to what’s connected to it and it’s also very easy to change its sound by tube rolling. Red Lions give me more of a SS sound and Millard’s give it a more tube flavor. Endless tuning via tubes. Only one very LARGE PROBLEM, mine is NOT for sale! LOL The other problem is they go for more then 2K. Haven’t had a bit of trouble with it though. Happy Hunting and Good Luck! Edit; I’ve run the BL ST-120 with this preamp, only reason I don’t have it is my ears and speakers wanted more power! Match made in heaven! I've always lusted after Mc gear; except the price.
Retired and living off pension and SS with a son in college and want more AR speakers for my collection. LST's are on the list.
Dang, you have a full plate! I was seriously lucky to find something I liked this much before retirement, or I just don’t know any better! LOL Theres plenty of good reasonably priced gear out there. Just take your time and make sure your happy! Too late to sell the kid? 🤔 LOL
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Post by audiobill on Apr 22, 2019 5:56:02 GMT -5
David, seriously look at the sp12
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Post by boomzilla on Apr 22, 2019 7:33:12 GMT -5
Two brands that need to be mentioned also:
Prima Luna Audio by Van Alstine
Both have great reputations and reviews.
I'd actually throw in another brand that I've recently heard and was VERY impressed with - Jolida.
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Post by DavidR on Apr 22, 2019 8:04:47 GMT -5
Any thoughts on the Schiit Freya?
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Post by DavidR on Apr 22, 2019 8:11:35 GMT -5
Two brands that need to be mentioned also: Prima Luna Audio by Van Alstine Both have great reputations and reviews. I'd actually throw in another brand that I've recently heard and was VERY impressed with - Jolida. The Prima Luna EVO-100 looks like a good candidate AND it uses some of the same tubes as the amp.
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Post by mgbpuff on Apr 22, 2019 8:36:23 GMT -5
Rogue RP-1 or RP-5, Schiit Freya, Cary Audio ( I have a SLP-03 which I think has recently been discontinued). Van Alstine Super Pas (in the Dynaco tradition like your Bob Latino amp), Aesthetix's Saturn Calypso
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Post by brubacca on Apr 22, 2019 9:41:56 GMT -5
Limited Options under $2,000 with Phono Stage.
The Rogue RP-1 is about $1,800 and does have a Phono Stage internal. I like this product, buts its not inexpensive. The Schiit Freya does not have an internal phono stage option, but is very affordable.
I haven't heard the Jolida/Black Ice in a long time, but the last time I did it wasn't very impressive. I was a pre/dac with no phono stage. The Prima Luna is nice, but over the $2,000 price point with phono stage. The SP12 with Phono assembled looks to be about $1,400 and is probably your best bet.
I really liked to Rogue although I did not listen to the phono on it.
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Post by DavidR on Apr 22, 2019 10:12:39 GMT -5
...................... The Schiit Freya does not have an internal phono stage option, but is very affordable. ...................... Oops, I thought it did.
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jlafrenz
Global Moderator
I don't want to jump in, unless this music's thumping
Posts: 7,722
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Post by jlafrenz on Apr 22, 2019 10:52:53 GMT -5
I've been pleased with the Jolida products I have owned in the past. I have always wanted to try Rogue Audio, but my 2 channel system is no longer set up. You may also look at Odyssey.
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Post by boomzilla on Apr 22, 2019 11:00:13 GMT -5
I've also owned the Schiit Freya and was underwhelmed with its sound. YMMV - most reviewers love it...
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Post by Raven on Apr 22, 2019 15:26:01 GMT -5
Audible Illusions Modulus 3A one of the 12 (#8) most significant Pre-amps of all time by The Absolute Sound (money is no object) could be found for aprox 1.5K$ has exceptional MM phono stage
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Post by audiobill on Apr 22, 2019 17:20:59 GMT -5
David, build an SP12 and rest easy.
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