Suggestions on valve pre-amp with phono stage.

graham67

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May 19, 2010
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Hi,

Would like to ask for suggestions on valve pre-amps with an onboard MM phono stage. It is to partner a net audio modded Quad 405-3 and Tannoy 15" in GRF cabinets.

I am currently using a Canary Audio line ECC88 pre amp and a Creek OBH 15 II phono stage which sounds very nice. However gain is a bit high on the pre and I am sure the phono stage (although surprisingly good) could be bettered. With my AT MM cart, I am using the adjustable Creek phono on 47ohm load, 100pf cap and 40db gain, so all very stock settings.

I dont want dual or stepped volume controls. And the gain must not be too high as the Quad is 1.5v input sensitivity and the Tannoys are very sensitive. I will be using mainly for rock, pop, electronic, vocal, etc so something with good pace and presence.

I have a good selection of NOS ECC82, 83, 88 valves so would be bonus to find something that uses these, but it is not a deal breaker.

And as I am trying to keep the box count down, I want a single chassis unit that preferably doesn't weigh 25 kg.... And NOT in silver or champagne!

Will consider s/h or new and would prefer something manufactured in UK or Europe as easier to get repairs etc, but will consider US or Japanese too.

I am not in a rush, as my current rig sounds good so can take my time to find a suitable unit.

Thanks for any suggestions and ideas.

Graham.

 

FunkyGibbon

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Aug 16, 2005
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Mark
Hi Graham, just to mention that it's not difficult to reduce the sensitivity of the Quad 405-3. It's an option as it might broaden your range of pre-amp options.

 

RobHolt

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Rob
If the Quad is sitting at 1.5v sensitivity it's already had a reduction and should be working well with most things. The high sensitivity of the Tannoys is the complicating factor.

You can take it lower of course - technically the lower the better if the pre can drive it.

Seems a shame to replace the entire pre/phono when a few resistors and caps will sort the issue.

I'm assuming the NET Audio input stage follows the original Quad. If it's a different circuit topology, give them a shout and I'm sure they'll advise.

 

Juancho

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Hi, World Designs modular kits give fantastic sound quality for the money. Of course they are kits but if you were interested I would quote you for building some.

The Pre uses ECC82s and the phono stage ECC83s

 

bmtell

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May 9, 2010
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Mark
1.5v input sensitivity seems very reasonable for most active pre.....
Quite a few valve pre's can have a fair bit of gain. For example mine has 23dB.

Personally I'd adjust the i/p gain of the Quad and see if you are happy with the sound. Otherwise 2nd hand Conrad Johnson stuff is very well made and good vfm.

 

graham67

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May 19, 2010
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hi guys thanks for comments,

yes you are correct, the Net Audio 1.5v is a lower sensitivty than the standard 405-2 boards which are 0.5v. Actually the valve pre has already been cleverly modded down from a crazy 20v to about 3.5v output for a 2v input, but it is still a bit on the high side. My Quad 34 pre with 0.5v output is about ideal!

I like the idea of having a valve phono stage again, so thought rather than just look for a phono stage, get a pre with a decent built in phono stage.

 

naxos10

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Dec 8, 2009
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Alan
Hi Graham,

I used to use the original Croft Micro with a 405-2 and the result was very good, so I would imagine that the newer croft would also suit (I am using the current version with crofts own ss power amp - excellent). Believe me using the dual controls becomes second nature, I marked my typical listening levels in two places around the pot which makes things even easier.

 

graham67

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May 19, 2010
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Croft keeps popping up. And I have heard a croft pre into my 405-2 into LS3/5a and thought it sounded very good. But I really am not a fan of those dual volume controls though.....

 

HoopsOnToast

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Feb 6, 2006
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HiFi Trade?
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I have been impressed with my Croft Micro 25 Basic, but then I am using it as a fixed output pre/phono stage and control the volume on my 'power amp' directly.

 

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