The Tube Distinctions AOS grounded grid valve preamp

[Steve Toy]

Here it is. Stepped attenuator, Audio Note knobs, MM phonostage built in (that I'm not using because I don't have a TT) NOS JAN Philips and Mullard valves.

It sounds very musical in a precise and intimate kind of way. Articulate, dynamic and focussed, spotlighting the musicians rather than casting a wide stage although there is plenty of depth, separation and layering to the presentation.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/3010/aospre002ga1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/9643/aospre001ps0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The system as a whole as of yesterday (includes Marco's modded Sony DAS R1 DAC)

http://img385.imageshack.us/img385/587/aospre008mz7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[aquapiranha]

Steve, I have just read most of the story behing the A30 you had modded on the other forum - very interesting too, especially since I use an A30. Maybe one day I will mod mine a little, but I have to say I think in it's stock form it is a ridiculous bargain and is incredibly good.

Is this pre a modded one, or a built from scratch amp?

Steve.

[Mike]

Here it is. Stepped attenuator, Audio Note knobs, MM phonostage built in (that I'm not using because I don't have a TT) NOS JAN Philips and Mullard valves.

It sounds very musical in a precise and intimate kind of way. Articulate, dynamic and focussed, spotlighting the musicians rather than casting a wide stage although there is plenty of depth, separation and layering to the presentation.

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/3010/aospre002ga1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Show me it's guts!!! :mad: :fingers:

[Steve Toy]

Steve, I have just read most of the story behing the A30 you had modded on the other forum - very interesting too, especially since I use an A30. Maybe one day I will mod mine a little, but I have to say I think in it's stock form it is a ridiculous bargain and is incredibly good.


If you ever hear mine you'll want yours modded just the same although mine is now a dedicated power amp not an integrated. The difference Anthony made to it is huge.


Is this pre a modded one, or a built from scratch amp?

The amp was originally built by Anthony as a prototype back in 1999. I borrowed it, liked what it did so he agreed to revise it by changing the valves and much of the wiring for pure silver, replaced the ALPS Blue Velvet for a stepped attenuator, changed the input selector switch and added a switchable cooling fan. Cosmetically he cleaned it up, put the AOS acrylic panel on the front, changed the LED for a green one to match the power amp and put two new chrome finish Audio Note knobs on.

With Anthony's permission I'll post pics of the innards in due course.

[Marco]

Looking good, Steve :)

I can vouch for how good this preamp sounds as it pushed my heavily modified Croft all the way. Ultimately I preferred certain presentational qualities of the Croft, particularly when using recently purchased NOS valves from America, but that doesn't detract from how capable a preamp the AOS/TD one is.

I would put it comfortably up against any commercial valve preamp on the market up to or in excess of £8k.

Marco.

[Mike]

I would put it comfortably up against any commercial valve preamp on the market up to or in excess of £8k.


:lolsign:.... These numbers just keep on climbing! ;)

[Marco]

LOL. I don't recall that I've ever commented on the commercial worth of Steve's preamp before...

Undoubtedly though I would put it up against any commercially produced preamp solid-state or valve at that price :)

Marco.