Preamp suggestions for a tube newbie

[santiu]

Hey guys,

Well, I just picked up a NAD 2200 amp for free, and I decided I'd like to build a tube preamp to feed it (I'm building another set of speakers too, still trying to decide between Dr. K's MTM, Martin King's ML TQWT, and Dave Brown's db717tl).

I've taken a look at the Bottlehead Foreplay kit, and it looks good, although I was wondering if I could put together something myself for cheaper.

I don't really want to do any design, but I have no problems following a a schematic, or maybe making small tweaks to another design.

Any suggestions? Thanks a bunch...

[Bryan]

Well,

I am partial to the 12B4A.

What type of gain fo you need?

BK

[SRMcGee]

Santiu:

I purchased a Bottlehead Foreplay back when it cost $149. It was a remarkable bargain at the price and, over time, I have added a number of tweaks that boosted my investment in the unit considerably over the current $349 price. Each expense was worth its weight in gold -- that preamp remains an exceptional value. That appears to be the hallmark of Bottlehead's products.

My point is that even at the seemingly high price of $349, the Foreplay III is probably an excellent investment. And you can likely improve it further with tweaks as your budget allows.

Bottlehead's products come with a first-rate manual and remarkable support. Consider the value of that as you ponder your options.

Regards,
Scott

[Sherman]

Search this forum for 'Aikido'. I have not built one, it will be my next project after the guitar amp I'm working on, but those who have report excellent results.

At least it is another choice.

[Eli Duttman]

Check out the spec's for the NAD amp carefully. Many SS amps will produce full power O/P with less than 2 V. of drive. That means you need attenuation, not gain, if a CDP is the source. Buffered level controls may be all that's necessary for use with the NAD amp.