Musical Fidelity "The Preamp" - any good ?

[gilwe]

I have been offered one, but I read it uses obsolete "Dr T" power transistors ? :/

How good should this unit be and is what I mentioned a "no-go" ?

Musical Fidelity The Preamp/Dr Thomas - Vintage - Pre/power amplifiers

Thanks !

 

[rayma]

I have been offered one, but I read it uses obsolete "Dr T" power transistors ? :/
How good should this unit be and is what I mentioned a "no-go" ?

Since it can't be maintained, it should cost just a fraction of the original price, and then only if it works properly.

 

[billshurv]

The unobtainable transistors are in the DrT power amp, not the preamp. Searching on this forum suggests hitachi devices.

 

[gilwe]

So the preamp is "safe to go" ?

How great (or bad) is it supposed to be ?

 

[billshurv]

Should be. It's hair shirt hifi at it's best, but never seen or heard one. Might not like CD line level as from the Pre-CD era but was well regarded at the time. Really depends how much you are being asked to pay.

 

[AMV8]

The preamp works well. ( I own 2 of these and the Dr T's)
There are no obsolete parts in the preamp. (Also the output devices in the Dr T can be replaced by modern lateral mosfets although they very very rarely give trouble )
The preamp was built with poor quality electrolytic capacitors. If you want good sound these will need to be replaced with low esr electrolytic capacitors. Ideally Elne Simic.
Don

 

[davym]

I found MF amps a bit dull in the past, wonder if re-capping would have helped.

Could be a nice enclosure for a DCB1 if you don't like it, just saying 😀

 

[gilwe]

Been offered the preamp for 130$. I wonder if it worth it as a "nice to have". At this point I'm using a passive one.

 

[rayma]

Been offered the preamp for 130$. I wonder if it worth it as a "nice to have".
At this point I'm using a passive one.

If you can, try it out first. You may like your passive better. Do you need to get a phono stage?

 

[davym]

Unless you need extra gain or have impedance matching issues a passive usually sounds better. Most modern sources output 2V which is more than enough to drive a domestic power amp to clipping.

 

[gilwe]

I'm using the phono stage of a Nuance preamp, going to a passive volume control and then to a Quad 405, like the setup quite much but wouldn't mind improving the phono stage. Should the MF have any better phono stage ?

Does it sound exceptionally good, to keep for a 150$ ? Unfortunately I cannot really listen to it, only check that it "works".

 

[davym]

You could probably sell it on if you don't like it. I was advised years ago to use an active pre with Quad power amps due to their input impedance, I'd still try a passive first though.

 

[Konzentr8]

For 130 $ worth buying if only as a piece of " hi-fi history " and if in original working order an investment .
As for using it well , if it still works for how much longer without surgery ?
And has some " enthusiast " swopped caps etc without knowing exactly what they are doing ?
I could go on with what ifs but in 1982 it was an outstanding product , it's now 2016 thats a long long life for any original electronic component.

 

[davym]

Most active pre amps add their own 'flavour' and one from 1982 probably wont be a stellar performer. There are some good diy options on here and $130 would get you quite a long way. If you don't need gain then a DCB1 with a component kit from teabag is a good solution for the outlay, especially since your in the states.

 

[Konzentr8]

Theres a few review/aticles on google , one from hi fi news and another from gramophone worth a read .
Sorry i did try to post links but they didn't work for some reason.

 

[gilwe]

I do have one 405 which I really love, using a passive with it. I passed over the MF as it was in really bad shape (and had broken switches too). But I got the second 405 which I plan to restore and keep 😉

Thanks !

 

[davym]

Good choice. I remember an article that said the 405 was a great amp which was compromised by poor capacitor choice. There going to be quite old anyway (unless someone changed them) so i would start there. Have fun.

 

[Bernie7]

I had a Dr T and the Preamp back in the day. Replacing the plodding sound of Dr T with an Adcom made a huge improvement. The Preamp though was quite good. Still working after 30 years with cleaning of the selector switch and producing respectable sound.

A good passive preamp like an LDR optical volume control blows it away. If impedance matching is an issue you could add a buffer stage to your passive.