New Project - I need a Pre Amp.

[Mike]

As the title says, I want to build a pre next.

Anyone got any sugestions for kits or other designs that are kicking about?...

I was thinking about one of these: http://glass-ware.stores.yahoo.net/aikampocboar.html

[Primalsea]

I quite rate Audio Research although I don't own any (but a friend does). On the ARDB website you can download circuit diagrams from some of their earlier pre amps if you're interested.

The problem I have with pre amps is that virtually everybody only uses them to attenuate the signal. I really like my pre amp but it is a real pain that it can't be modified for unity gain without a fundamental change its circuit design.

[Mike]

Thanks Paul,

Is this it? http://www.arcdb.ws/

[Primalsea]

Thats the one!! The latest preamp that they have schem for is the SP11 which is a fine pre amp. Overcomplicated - well maybe, but AR stuff sounds great.

[alb]

I don't think there's much wrong with your first choice, Mike.
It's been well tried and tested by all accounts.
I'd be tempted to try the 9 pin version with 6n6p or 6n6p/6n1p combination though.

[Mike]

Like this (http://glass-ware.stores.yahoo.net/aik9pinsterk.html) one, but sourcing the valves elsewhere maybe?

[Mike]

Hmmm... then again, there's this: http://www.bottlehead.com/et/adobespc/foreplay3/foreplay3.htm

Odd looking beast, but I kind of like it.

[Primalsea]

Odd looking beast, but I kind of like it.

Yes I agree, she's pretty nice from what we can see of her, not sure about the amp though, it must be her ugly mate:lolsign:

[Mike]

Tehe... :lol:

At least someone cottoned on!

[Ali Tait]

Bear (:)) in mind Mike,it only comes with 120v ac mains.

[Mike]

ooh yes!!!... Good point! :(

[Ali Tait]

A 240 mains trannie wouldn't be too expensive though.

[Mike]

True, but TBH, I think still might go for the WD Pre3. It's more expensive which means I'll have to wait a little longer, but I like the WD stuff I've tied so far.:)

[Cotlake]

I don't think you can't go wrong with a WD3. It's a tried and tested product with an evolved history. Many others are satisfied with it. Yes, expensive for a kit but cheap in comparison to what you'd get over the counter, plus you have all that tweaking and improvement option. It doesn't end with the basic build. That's just the beginning. Thereafter you can tweak it to produce mega buck sound performance. Seriously, you can't go wrong and you'll always remember the day you made the commitment to buy :)

[Mike]

Yes, you're right! :)

I'm just impatient to build something!... It's 'the bug'!

I should confine myself to sorting the phono stage and TT for the time being... But! :mental:

[Primalsea]

I will second Greg on the Pre3 but as an owner of one I would, wouldn't I. Are you close to Huntingdon?? Its worth going to see Peter & Andy and demo one if you can spare the time. They don't do the show at Heathrow anymore but it looks like WD is closer to you than Heathrow anyway.

[Mike]

Are you close to Huntingdon??

I'm 185 miles away. :(