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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> What preamps with SE84UFOx?
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Message started by alper_yilmaz on 02/08/21 at 08:03:07

Title: What preamps with SE84UFOx?
Post by alper_yilmaz on 02/08/21 at 08:03:07

Apart from preamps by Decware, what other preamps are you using, if at all, with your SE84UFO amps? More specifically, anybody using preamps by McIntosh? SS or tube?

Title: Re: What preamps with SE84UFOx?
Post by CAJames on 02/08/21 at 16:41:56

I'm using a Woo Audio WA22 as my (tube) preamp/headphone amp with a pair of UFOs configured as balanced monoblocks. It sounds fantastic, better than connecting my DAC directly to the amps.

Title: Re: What preamps with SE84UFOx?
Post by gsanger on 02/08/21 at 19:39:57

I currently use a CXA61 from Cambridge Audio as a preamp. I did some comparisons between that and going direct into my SE84UFO, and couldn't tell an appreciable difference. So, with the CXA61, I get remote control volume, an extra line-level out for the subwoofer, and can pop it out of direct mode when I need balance, or low/high EQ.

I do have a Slagle autoformer on the way, and plan to wire that up in the next few weeks and give a passive a try, but can't comment on that right now. Never heard one before, but the promise of dynamics at low volumes was too tempting not to try.

We'll see if I like it, but I also have my eye on making an Elekit TU-8500, or trying an LDR pre, like The Truth or one from Tortuga.

Title: Re: What preamps with SE84UFOx?
Post by JohnnyB on 02/08/21 at 19:58:35

No McIntosh tried here either, sorry. I did try the MicroZOTL MZ2 from Linear Tube Audio a few years back and loved it with my SE84UFO2. It was borrowed so I had to give back. Going Decware CSP3 to LTA ZOTL10 is where I am at now, these 2 designs seem to play well together. :) :)

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/mz2mz2-s

Title: Re: What preamps with SE84UFOx?
Post by alper_yilmaz on 02/09/21 at 09:37:33

Thanks for all the replies, folks. Best,

Alper

Title: Re: What preamps with SE84UFOx?
Post by Melvin on 02/09/21 at 13:59:16

Hi Alper. I'm using a solid state linestage with my SE84UFO. I love the sound direct from my MHDT Lab Pagoda into the amp but my turntable needed the help of a preamp so I dragged out my old PS Audio Trio P-200. Happy with that and out of simple curiosity, I connected the DAC to the preamp as well. I fully expected the magic to be gone but was pleasantly surprised it was all there. In fact, with the preamp in place there seems to be greater density to the sound quality. Not sure why this worked so well as it flies in the face of the more often used tube preamp. Perhaps one day I'll opt for a new preamp but I'm quite satisfied with where I'm at. Point being, don't hesitate trying a McIntosh if that's your inkling. BTW, I like the added convenience of a remote for volume and source.

Title: Re: What preamps with SE84UFOx?
Post by alper_yilmaz on 02/10/21 at 09:29:55

Thanks Melvin.

A.