SP12 Preamp Build

Hello Everyone,

Just though I would share some pictures of an SP12SE preamp I just completed. It's got (optional) custom 4mm thick front and rear panels, NOS RCA clear-tops, Goldpoint input selector, TKD volume control, Mundorf output coupling caps, PH12 phono stage. Nice preamp, sounds great, noise free.

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Troy-built is best built, IMHO and considerable experience with his work.

Thanks David, I appreciate the kind words!

Tidy and quiet ... both good things!

Where'd ya get the NOS clear tops? I keep going back to the RCAs here - they perform way above their average price. in fact, just picked up on another set of 1960's matched number "better than new" off that auction site. Ya takes yer chances there, but lot depends on the rep of the seller. I have high hopes.

sKiZo wrote:Tidy and quiet ... both good things!

Where'd ya get the NOS clear tops? I keep going back to the RCAs here - they perform way above their average price. in fact, just picked up on another set of 1960's matched number "better than new" off that auction site. Ya takes yer chances there, but lot depends on the rep of the seller. I have high hopes.

There's a guy on CAM in Toronto comes up with a quad for $100 every now and then, have had good luck with him, if I can find his name I'll edit this. And Andy comes up with beautie clear-tops as well.

That's a real beauty, eh, Dave! Just picture perfect.

sKiZo wrote:Tidy and quiet ... both good things!

Where'd ya get the NOS clear tops? I keep going back to the RCAs here - they perform way above their average price. in fact, just picked up on another set of 1960's matched number "better than new" off that auction site. Ya takes yer chances there, but lot depends on the rep of the seller. I have high hopes.

The clear tops came from "that auction site", I have have had pretty good luck there. The price was right and the tubes were good!

everybody should have a preamp like this, unless you have an SP14, super nice!

TMadden wrote:

sKiZo wrote:Tidy and quiet ... both good things!

Where'd ya get the NOS clear tops? I keep going back to the RCAs here - they perform way above their average price. in fact, just picked up on another set of 1960's matched number "better than new" off that auction site. Ya takes yer chances there, but lot depends on the rep of the seller. I have high hopes.

The clear tops came from "that auction site", I have have had pretty good luck there. The price was right and the tubes were good!

Here's a listing from the guy in Ontario I mentioned. Highly recommend. Good man; speaks truth.
http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649071044-rca_6cg7_cleartop_pairs_circa_1960/
He's also doling out 6SN7s for folks with the SP-14. Pre-amp tubes are pretty much his speciality. Not always NOS but he'll tell you so.
Ditto Andy at http://vintagetubeservices.com Call him on the phone, don't email. He hates email. His website is probably the finest source of info for vaccuum tubes in general and a hoot to browse through.
Jim McShane is your guy for high-quality, tested and matched Russian power tubes. I wouldn't buy a KT-88 or -120 from anybody else and like the two aforementioned, a gentleman.
Fleabay, Audiogon, take your chances. Pay the vig and deal with guys who know what they're doing.
My two-bits' worth.

deepee99 wrote:Troy-built is best built, IMHO and considerable experience with his work.

I had Troy build me the PH16 phono stage boards, test them and ship them to Australia so that I could "upgrade" my PH15.
His workmanship was first class as were my dealings with him.
He even assisted me in sourcing some NOS tubes for the PH16 as well as my SP14.

Thanks Troy ... you're a champion!

Thanks Allan,
It's my privilege to work with great people like  David B. and yourself. This is  a lot of fun and I'm so glad I can be involved, and I would like to thank Bob Latino and Roy Mottram for the opportunity.

Alan-14 wrote:

deepee99 wrote:Troy-built is best built, IMHO and considerable experience with his work.

I had Troy build me the PH16 phono stage boards, test them and ship them to Australia so that I could "upgrade" my PH15.
His workmanship was first class as were my dealings with him.
He even assisted me in sourcing some NOS tubes for the PH16 as well as my SP14.

Thanks Troy ... you're a champion!

I second that emotion.