Pre amp problems

My pre is playing up - bugger

it's an avi device feeding a bc evo 4 - any suggestions for a replacement ( nothing that also functions as a radiator)

not too much money either - max 1500ukp at a real push

John

 

PM leonard smalls he's been auditioning pres at about this price recently.

Paul

 

John,
If you fancy a tad of DIY then i would happily recomend the Transcendant sound grounded grid pre. It's a valve design (not a heater as it is only a pre) but really doesnt have any of the pre concieved valve attributes. I have been using mine for a month now and i am very happy with it.
The DIY aspect is very easy, everything you need is in the box, even the enclosure.
The only tweaks i would say it needs are a better pot and some case damping.
Its $399 for the kit or $599 pre-assembled.

 

that sounds interesting ,where to I find in on the net?

 

http://www.transcendentsound.com/preamp kit.htm

Sorry, i got prices wrong, its 499 for kit and 799 assembled.
I got the kit, worked out around £400 with import.

Also reviews on audioreview.com and audioasylum.

 

How about a passive pre like Music First or Bent Audio used by Michael? Within your budget I think.

 

i don't think the bent audio is being made any more.

 

Yeah, I read something to that effect a couple of days ago. Anyone know why??

Also another S & B design manufacturer was awaiting a delivery of transformers so couldn't supply a pre.

Hope its just coincidence

 

OK but Music First seems very similar. It's reviewed in the current issue of HiFi News.

 

Dev,

True, I've demo'd the MF passive and it a fine piece of kit but its £1500 and the others are somewhat cheaper options and using the same transformers they should sond pretty similar

 

Would you consider a Tagmclaren PA10


Link
http://www.hifibitz.co.uk/product.asp?id=3383


Tag and Belcanto do sound very good when combined.

 

the mf unit looks pretty interesting - i was reading the review this morning. did someone say the same but cheaper is available elsewhere. maybe the tag - tjhe money is attractive but i'd want to hear one first

 

btw

They sell a lot of bent audio kit in my local boozer

 

John,
If you ever get down brizle way your welcome for a listen (obviously bring the BC )

 

i'd love to but bristol is seldomly in my orbit - if it is I will though. If you're in london though i'd be happy to reciprocate

John

 

John, I was about to stick my ATC CA-2 into the classifieds. Just waiting to see if a guy on PFM who expressed an interest still wants it, if he doesn't you're welcome to borrow it and see if you like it. You can have it for what I paid for it (£375).

-- Ian

 

See here

John Chapman is a most excellent bloke and it's a shame he doesn't have the time to continue the NOH....for now. He's honest enough to recommend some S&B TX102 alternatives that people can look at.

I'm very pleased with my NOH it has to be said and it seems from John's posts that this is merely a hiatus in NOH production, not an end.

Michael.

 

Does anyone know the cost of the transformers on thier own?

 

Bent Audio were selling them for $550 a pair including mounting clamps. They might still sell them. However, since they're British made you might get a better price here. Their homepage is here but they don't sell direct. Call them and they'll tell you where you can get them.

Michael.

 

Thanks Michael, excellent news (agree totally with your description of John Chapman by the way) as I'm strongly considering (still ) the Audio Zone PRE-T1 to replace my CJ PV-10. In fact I had "ordered" one but the first the dealer was on vacation in Hawai, and then the mfg ran out of transformers ! Shame because a friend was in the States on business and was going to bring it back for me but he seems to be about to lose his job (which is obviously rather more of a shame!).

John wrote "did someone say the same but cheaper is available elsewhere" the retail price for the Pre-T1 I was quoted $1395 - about £790 exc shipping etc.