Before I got my integrated amplifier, I was using an Audio by VanAlstine tube preamp with MM phono option. Can't think of the model name now but it is sometimes called a hybrid design, but can be called a tube design since there are no transistors in the signal path. I made the switch to save space when I moved my rig into my bedroom, not because I was dissatisfied with the sound quality of the preamp.
I am using a Yaqin MC-10T integrated and for phono a Yaqin MS-23B both with Psvane 12AU7's, 12AX7's and 6CA7's in place of the EL34's.
Decware makes such nice products. A really underappreciated company in the scheme of things. I have there Decware ZP3 phono stage. I am also listening to their Mini Torii 3.9-Watt class "A" SEP (Single Ended Pentode) amp at present. Very nice indeed.
I've been using a Freya since May. It drives a 45 year-old Crown PS-400 power amp. I just use the tube mode. (WW2 era Sylvania VT-231 NOS tubes.) Wonderful.
Khozmo passive pre-amp. First passive one I've had. Really different presentation - spooky openness and purity to the sound.
Emotive Audio Sira that I had Fred make some mods to, including upgraded caps, volume attenuator, RCA jacks. IMG 0797 — Postimage.org
Since this post, I purchased a pair of the Decware SE84UFO3 Monoblocks with the 25th Anniversary mods and am over the moon with the amazing sound they bring. Then Steve Deckert announced that he was building the Decware CSP3 preamp with 25th Anniversary mods, and I couldn't help it, I bought one of those. For a while I was using BOTH the ZTPRE and the CSP3 and the sound was marvelous. This week though I removed the ZTPRE from the system and the resulting open and dynamic sound with just the CSP3 has become seductive. I think I'll probably sell the ZTPRE. . . it deserves to be used and not sit under my bed.
