Magidrakee
Magidrakee's picture
Offline
Last seen: Never ago
Joined: Dec 31 2008 - 10:13am
Adding a tube preamp to my system
jackfish
jackfish's picture
Offline
Last seen: 10 years 5 months ago
Joined: Dec 19 2005 - 2:42pm

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

judicata
judicata's picture
Offline
Last seen: Never ago
Joined: Jun 26 2008 - 11:55am

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...

SAS Audio
SAS Audio's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 months 4 weeks ago
Joined: Jun 6 2007 - 6:56am


Quote:
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

judicata
judicata's picture
Offline
Last seen: Never ago
Joined: Jun 26 2008 - 11:55am

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...

Magidrakee
Magidrakee's picture
Offline
Last seen: Never ago
Joined: Dec 31 2008 - 10:13am

Thanks for the replies.

I didn't know about tube buffers. I will try one and see if it does the thing for me.

JIMV
JIMV's picture
Offline
Last seen: 6 years 1 month ago
Joined: Jan 31 2008 - 1:46pm

I have used one for years with my video system and really like the result

Magidrakee
Magidrakee's picture
Offline
Last seen: Never ago
Joined: Dec 31 2008 - 10:13am

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!

SAS Audio
SAS Audio's picture
Offline
Last seen: 4 months 4 weeks ago
Joined: Jun 6 2007 - 6:56am


Quote:
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...

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

judicata
judicata's picture
Offline
Last seen: Never ago
Joined: Jun 26 2008 - 11:55am

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.

Log in or register to post comments
-->
  • X