The Dynaco Tube Audio Forum

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The Dynaco Tube Audio Forum

Dedicated to the restoration and preservation of all original Dynaco tube audio equipment - Customer support for Tubes4hifi VTA tube amp and preamp kits and all Dynakitparts.com products


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aguaazul
peterh
Dale Stevens
AmpedUp
Midwestside
9 posters

    Good tube preamp under 600$

    Midwestside
    Midwestside


    Posts : 78
    Join date : 2019-03-20

    Good tube preamp under 600$ Empty Good tube preamp under 600$

    Post by Midwestside Fri May 01, 2020 1:41 pm

    Hello,

    While i like my xiangsheng 728a preamp, it was sort of just getting my feet wet with that purchase. i know there is much better out there, but much of them cost.
    I have been looking at the sp 14 kit. It would take some time to save up, and maybe i will,
    just wondering if anyone has any recommends for a tube pre that plays nice with VTA amps, modern or vintage, dont necessarily need a phono stage.

    AmpedUp
    AmpedUp


    Posts : 36
    Join date : 2019-10-26
    Location : Kansas City

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    Post by AmpedUp Fri May 01, 2020 4:01 pm

    Hi MidW,

    It sounds like you are just getting started in this fun hobby. Welcome and get ready to spend some $ in your pursuit of that perfect sounding stereo system for you. My advice is to always do your own research before you open your wallet. Use google and read the forums. Below are just a few options: Since it sounds like costs are a major factor so I've included the approx. list prices:

    SP14 kit: $1200+
    SP14 Assembled: $1500+
    Don Sachs version of SP14: $2500+ - this has premium tubes and components. What I have.

    If you need a lower cost but you want quality, check out www.schitt.com. They are good value just not up to VTA value and quality - in my opinion.
    avatar
    Dale Stevens


    Posts : 201
    Join date : 2014-07-06
    Age : 74
    Location : Loris, SC

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    Post by Dale Stevens Fri May 01, 2020 4:36 pm

    www.tubes4hifi.com This is Roys stuff. Look into it. Occasional he will post here with a great deal on one of his pre's. Dale
    peterh
    peterh


    Posts : 1823
    Join date : 2012-12-25
    Location : gothenburg, sweden

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    Post by peterh Fri May 01, 2020 5:12 pm

    aguaazul
    aguaazul


    Posts : 136
    Join date : 2012-07-08
    Age : 63
    Location : Livermore, CA

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    Post by aguaazul Fri May 01, 2020 7:04 pm

    Roy has the assembled SP10 & SP11’s in that price range.  
    Great getting started point.

    SP10: http://www.tubes4hifi.com/SP10.htm Comes fully assembled.
    SP11: http://www.tubes4hifi.com/SP11.htm Kit or assembled.

    Aguaazul


    Last edited by aguaazul on Fri May 01, 2020 8:36 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Added Links)
    Dave_in_Va
    Dave_in_Va


    Posts : 443
    Join date : 2013-04-02
    Location : Mid. VA

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    Post by Dave_in_Va Fri May 01, 2020 9:08 pm

    I'd strongly recommend saving up and getting the SP 14. Then you're done. No second guessing.
    I've been down the other rabbit and in the end it's cheaper and more satisfying to get the good stuff from the git-go.
    avatar
    Tom


    Posts : 217
    Join date : 2011-04-04

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    Post by Tom Tue May 05, 2020 10:44 am

    I see the finished up SP8 is back, I wonder if it will ever be offered as a kit again?

    I got one back in the day, don't remember the cost but it was less than $600 for sure for board and parts.

    Honestly, sounds great and still in use to this day.

    Smile

    Midwestside
    Midwestside


    Posts : 78
    Join date : 2019-03-20

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    Post by Midwestside Tue May 05, 2020 1:18 pm

    I decided i will probably go with the SP14.  I have asked Roy a few questions already.
    I am trying to go the route of very good for now with  room to upgrade in the future.
    I pretty much priced out a unit. Im going to build it.
    I hope this build goes more smoothly.. lol
    So far, i decided to go with mundorf caps, B+ film caps, tube upgrade and  Khozmo main volume ( might get stock and get the mid level attenuators for vol , lgain, r gain when they arrive)

    Maybe some of you out there with sp14s could chime in on what parts you like best on yours.
    avatar
    Dale Stevens


    Posts : 201
    Join date : 2014-07-06
    Age : 74
    Location : Loris, SC

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    Post by Dale Stevens Tue May 05, 2020 2:18 pm

    Notice that the SP14 DOES NOT have a phono stage, just in case that matters to you. Dale
    Midwestside
    Midwestside


    Posts : 78
    Join date : 2019-03-20

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    Post by Midwestside Tue May 05, 2020 2:54 pm

    Dale Stevens wrote:Notice that the SP14 DOES NOT have a phono stage, just in case that matters to you.  Dale

    Yeah i have a pretty basic one at the moment.
    Perhaps later i would upgrade.
    Midwestside
    Midwestside


    Posts : 78
    Join date : 2019-03-20

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    Post by Midwestside Wed May 06, 2020 2:33 pm

    As much as i wanted to get an SP14,with the uncertainty of life these days, I just couldn't get the funds for it. Maybe at a later point.

    I ended up buying a Super clean PAS-3 from the auction site in the mean time.
    It looks to be factory wired and in pristine shape with some decent tubes included.
    From what i have read, Its a good idea to get rid of the selenium rectifier.
    Ive got my eye on an SDS Labs capacitor board to install soon after i receive the unit.

    Anything else i should look out for on these?

    Dave_in_Va
    Dave_in_Va


    Posts : 443
    Join date : 2013-04-02
    Location : Mid. VA

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    Post by Dave_in_Va Wed May 06, 2020 2:59 pm

    Is that a ship from Space 1999 as your avatar?
    Midwestside
    Midwestside


    Posts : 78
    Join date : 2019-03-20

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    Post by Midwestside Wed May 06, 2020 3:07 pm

    Dave_in_Va wrote:Is that a ship from Space 1999 as your avatar?

    Yes.. haha.
    I loved that show when i was a kid.
    cci1492
    cci1492


    Posts : 331
    Join date : 2016-05-09
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    Location : NJ

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    Post by cci1492 Fri May 08, 2020 3:59 pm

    Pas 3 is a nice starting point. There's always this schiit that has nice reviews:

    https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1
    Midwestside
    Midwestside


    Posts : 78
    Join date : 2019-03-20

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    Post by Midwestside Fri May 08, 2020 9:03 pm

    cci1492 wrote:Pas 3 is a nice starting point. There's always this schiit that has nice reviews:

    https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-1

    I was considering the freya at one point, but probably wouldn't have the funds for that one either at the moment without
    selling off some gear. I've seen lots of great reviews on freya.
    cci1492
    cci1492


    Posts : 331
    Join date : 2016-05-09
    Age : 63
    Location : NJ

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    Post by cci1492 Fri May 08, 2020 9:13 pm

    I agree with the other posters, save for one of Roy's amps. The good thing is that you can sell them on the used market and get a good chunk of your investment back.
    MechEngVic
    MechEngVic


    Posts : 106
    Join date : 2019-01-16

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    Post by MechEngVic Sat May 09, 2020 5:30 pm

    Tom wrote:I see the finished up SP8 is back, I wonder if it will ever be offered as a kit again?  

    I got one back in the day, don't remember the cost but it was less than $600 for sure for board and parts.  

    Honestly, sounds great and still in use to this day.  

    Smile


    I wish the website showed more pics: Tha back side, the inside.

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