Columns Retired Columns & Blogs |
January 2, 2009 - 10:19am
#1
Adding a tube preamp to my system
Loudspeakers Amplification | Digital Sources Analog Sources Featured | Accessories Music |
Columns Retired Columns & Blogs |
Loudspeakers Amplification Digital Sources | Analog Sources Accessories Featured | Music Columns Retired Columns | Show Reports | Features Latest News Community | Resources Subscriptions |
The Rega Brio does not have main in jacks which makes it an unlikely candidate for adding a preamp.
Consider a tube buffer.
http://www.pacificvalve.us/YaqinTB.html
http://www.audiodigit.com/index.php?section=81
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1235326834&/Musical-Fidelity-X-10v3-Tube-B
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1235177021&/Musical-Fidelity-X-10v3-Tube-B
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1234663513&/Musical-Fidelity-x-10v3-
http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?accstwek&1233772659&/Musical-Fidelity-X-10V3-tube-b
I was about to ask if the Brio could operate as a power amp only, but jackfish answered that already.
I recently added a tube preamp to my integrated Marantz PM7001, which has a main in and "separate" switch that turns it into a power amp only. It's working out great so far. I wonder if you could sell the Brio, take the cash you get from it, add $500-$1000 and end up with a better sounding tube pre and a ss power amp? Else you could try the buffer...
I concur with Jackfish, a separate preamplifier probably would not be the best solution. The added gain would limit the rotation of the volume control before becoming too loud and possibly increase hum. Adding a cathode follower (gain less than 1) would change the tonal character of the system (depending upon the brand), however, it would be a patch. If I may suggest, finding and correcting the offending component would be a better solution.
For instance if the highs are the problem (all else is ok), one could add a medium ohmage resistor directly across the tweeter's terminal, say a 470 ohm resistor 1/2 watt, to "tame" the tweeter. A 470 ohm resistor (1/2 watt) is effective by reducing any resonances in the tweeter's response yet affects the tweeter xover only approx 1%, very little. It will also slightly change, smooth the midrange character a little. One could also do this for the midrange driver. One can vary this resistor(s) for individual tastes. Just an example and thought.
Hope this helps Magidrakee.
Steve
Steve - I'm just checking because you quoted me, but do you think this is not a good idea for my integrated that can "switch" to a power amp only? I know the OP's amp doesn't have this function, but I just want to make sure...
Thanks for the replies.
I didn't know about tube buffers. I will try one and see if it does the thing for me.
I have used one for years with my video system and really like the result
So I've got myself a Musical Fidelity X-10v3 tube buffer. I've been using it for 3 days now.
I am very happy with the result so far. It does seem to smooth out my digital sources and makes music much more enjoyable. Listening fatigue is gone (in fact, I didn't really know I was experimenting it..., now I feel I could put on music for the entire day without any problem). Mid-highs are more present and highs are a bit attenuated.
I don't think this unit would be necessary with higher quality systems, but in my case, this 250$ addition was really worth it. Thanks!
Hi Judicata,
I am sorry, my post was confusing Judicata. Please accept my apologies and your situation is just fine. I meant to agree with Jackfish that Magidrakee's integrated with a gain preamp would probably have too much gain.
Glad things worked out for you Magidrakee. Enjoy.
Steve
sasaudio - No apologies necessary -- I didn't take any offense. I was pretty sure that was what you were saying. But I was just genuinely curious; if there could be a problem with my setup, I'd like to know. Thanks for clarifying.