I just bought a $450 tube preamp...

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by ServingTheMusic, Feb 2, 2016.

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  1. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    I just ordered a $450 tube preamp, based on serious recommendations, from Aric Audio, out of Brimfield, MA.

    The Aric Expression:
    http://aricaudio.com/products.php?product=EXP100#desc

    Ships with Sylvania NOS 12AX7/12AU7 tubes!
    Choice of Burgundy, Black, Silver, or old school Cream!!

    I can't wait to get it and report back.

    [​IMG]
     
  2. Paully

    Paully De gustibus non est disputandum

    Location:
    Tennessee
    When I have seen amps like that in the phono stage realm it seems the chips are doing the heavy lifting and the tubes are more for show. Is that not the case with this one?
     
    Slippers-on likes this.
  3. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    I don't believe so. It is more an old school design. Point to point wiring..etc.
     
    Paully likes this.
  4. FLEMKE

    FLEMKE Senior Member

    Location:
    CROOK COUNTY IL
    No pics on the website under the hood..

    Tim
     
  5. dmckean

    dmckean Forum Resident

    Location:
    San Diego, CA, USA
    Robert M. and Kristofa like this.
  6. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
  7. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    Yes, I looked too.
     
  8. Spin Doctor

    Spin Doctor Forum Resident

    Huh... Doesn't seem like a whole lot there for $450. But who knows...
     
    Dukes Travels likes this.
  9. BIGGER Dave

    BIGGER Dave Forum Resident

    If it's wired point-to-point as the manufacturer claims, then most of the asking price went into labor.

    He would probably sell more of these if he posted internal pics. I am interested, but not without knowing what it looks like inside. Also, IMHO, that ON/OFF toggle switch makes it look too much like a science fair project.
     
    RubenH and Vinyl Addict like this.
  10. misterclean

    misterclean Forum Resident

    Location:
    Cleveland, Ohio
    Are those Fender guitar knobs?
     
    RubenH likes this.
  11. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    Why go negative?
     
  12. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    Lamm, which makes preamps from $6000 to $100,000... also uses toggle switches, as does CAT....:shh:
     
    SandAndGlass likes this.
  13. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    you can also uses chicken head knobs, in cream or black.
     
  14. tiger roach

    tiger roach Forum Resident

    Looks cool! I'll look forward to your report. :cool:

    What are you using for a power amp?
     
  15. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    1-Onkyo 5000R,
    2-Carver EL84,
    3-CLONES Audio 25p
     
  16. Spin Doctor

    Spin Doctor Forum Resident

    It's a 5 inch by 5 inch hobby project. You'd have to weigh it down just to keep the interconnects from suspending in in the air. I want components to sound AND look substantial.

    And yeah, parts are parts. The same toggle switches they source for a $60,000 preamp could also be the same switches they use on this one, if the engineers determined they are the best toggle switches on the planet. That doesn't mean anything....

    Anyway, enjoy it.
     
    RubenH likes this.
  17. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    FYI, it weighs 10lbs. You will hardly have to weigh it down. C'mon.
     
    SandAndGlass likes this.
  18. Spin Doctor

    Spin Doctor Forum Resident

    Listen. I don't have to like it. You paid for it, you like it.
     
  19. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    You also don't have to dislike it...:confused:
     
  20. BIGGER Dave

    BIGGER Dave Forum Resident

    The toggle switch comment was purely my opinion, not a knock on quality, just an observation that it doesn't convey an upscale appearance. I think it's the ON/OFF surround plate that turns me off. But in the end, if it sounds good, that's really all that matter.

    And, if the switch fails, at least they can easily be had for about three bucks! (scroll down to see switch with ON/OFF faceplate attached.)
    https://www.westfloridacomponents.com/SW063PD/Toggle Switch 20A 20 Amp 125VAC Heavy Duty On-Off.html
     
  21. uncleroy

    uncleroy Forum Resident

    Location:
    usa
    any initial thoughts? Ive got a pair of Outlaw monoblocks sitting around unused. One of these and a pair of MMG's could be pretty sweet for a grand or so
     
    Manimal likes this.
  22. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    I won't have the unit for about a week, 10 days.
     
  23. Upinsmoke

    Upinsmoke Well-Known Member

    Location:
    SE PA
    Lol I'm not condoning anything in this thread or its behavior. That said I wonder how many peeps thought you were talking about a knob with a chicken head on it.

    The unlimited looks cool too. I'd like to see a picture of the guts when you get it.
     
  24. Robert M.

    Robert M. Forum Resident

    Sometimes less is more.
    Hand made in the USA.
    Best wishes for a successful business.

    P.S.

    "Way cool" boombox.
     
    Manimal and Shiver like this.
  25. ServingTheMusic

    ServingTheMusic Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    SoCal
    The Unlimited looks very cool! He also does custom work. What ever you need.
    That was my way of thinking. Less is More. Especially with preamps.
     
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