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Best Valve pre-amp match for ME 550 amp

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TigerScent

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Joined 2006
Others who have experimented with valve pre-amps and SS amps speak of significant improvements, google searching has revealed. I think I am on the right track here..., will need to carefully weigh and consider every step...., and rely on my good helpful friends on here to guide me on my semi-pioneering journey into the esoteric unknown of valve/SS hybrid bliss :)

Quote: "... transformer coupled output on the pre or a follower type output will be almost mandatory. Another option is use of very low Rp tubes in the output stage of the preamp..." mike from AK.

Quote: "...I recently bought A older tube preamp built in the early 60s by the Stedman Radio Laboratories and connected it to my Sansui AU-717
main amp in jacks and I was very surprised at the major improvement in sound out of the Sansui SS amp. I know others have also had great
success with tube preamps and SS power amps ..." 'broken hill from AK.
 
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TigerScent

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Joined 2006
Zaphod Beeblebrox said:
Of course. Transformers introduce phase shift, frequency response errors, distortion, etc. Nothing is without (audible) cost.
Click to expand...

....so Zaph; what do you think of these other options with regards to lowering the valve impedance output to match, aside from the transformer idea? which would be the most preferrable?

ie: "....a follower type output will be almost mandatory. Another option is use of very low Rp tubes in the output stage of the preamp...."
 
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TigerScent

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Joined 2006
ahhhhh, but...remember 'Jonathan Livingstone Seagull'..., they told him he couldn't fly --- to stay within the confines of 'convention'...., within the 'herd mentality'....

...we are embarking on a journey, Zaph, .... you and I - and others involved..., outside the square of convention --- of 'herd mentality'...., we are about to fly --- with this innovative idea, of combining the unthinkable, the inconceivable --- and to some; even 'heretical' innovative - radical thought; of mixing the old technology with the new...., yet....with your expertise and ever-enduring good intent --- I am totally confident we can make it, and fly....beyond convention --- to greater unthinkable heights of sonic expression....

I know we can do it :)

So, how do you propose to add a SS buffer to the valve preamp I indicated I am building --- and please include schematics and detailed instructions.

Thanks again for your participation in this project and your unparalled expertise... :hohoho:
 
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Zaphod Beeblebrox

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Joined 2010
Not possible. The valve preamps you have submitted already compromise sound quality. In any case, you'll never know if a sound quality compromise has been made, until you hear the preamp that the ME550 was designed to be used with. I fail to understand your reluctance to listen.

It IS possible to build a valve preamp without compromising sound quality, but the cost (of construction) will far outstrip the cost of a second hand ME preamp. Examine a Conrad Johnson Premier 16 sometime and you will see just how much effort is required to build a no-compromise valve preamp. The toys you can buy on eBay barely scratch the surface.
 
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TigerScent

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Thanks for that - appreciate it, however if (actually when) I use a SS pre-amp, I will clearly go with ME preamps - as far as SS goes, however, I have a fascination with experimenting with a valve preamp at present...., if this one does not work well, then might try another ie: aikido etc...but I am going to get one to work well....:)
 
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Zaphod Beeblebrox

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Joined 2010
Rod Elliot's preamp is competent, but uninspired. It exhibits a 100 Ohm output impedance and will, accordingly, perform much better than any of the valve preamps you are considering. Like 99.9999% of all preamps (valve and SS), it uses a large amount of global NFB. Your ME550 uses no global NFB, as do all the ME preamps.

Take my offer. Try an ME preamp. You will quickly dispense with your time-wasting exercise.
 
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lordearl

Member
Joined 2007
TigerScent said:
Yes, I agree - using the silver wire in a second hand ME preamp would certainly be a significant and meaningful venture - but I also believe it would be meaningful using it in the ME 550 amp
Click to expand...

Why?

TigerScent said:
Which cheap tube preamps have you compared this circuit with?
Click to expand...

Many.

If you want quite a good one, try Arjen helder's valve preamp - it is hybrid so has a quite a low output impedance and you can play with any number of different valves.

Btw - keep the silver wire for when you acquire a girlfriend. You won't notice it in your amp, but she will love it around her wrist. :)

Zaphod Beeblebrox said:
Rod Elliot's preamp is competent, but uninspired.
Click to expand...

Have you listened to it with AD825?
 
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