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EQUIPMENT FORUMS >> SE34I.5 >> Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
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Message started by Coqui on 10/01/23 at 12:55:55

Title: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by Coqui on 10/01/23 at 12:55:55

I am on the waiting list (6-7 months wait) for a Rachael and I have a second spot that I am planning to use for a preamp, most likely the CSP3. However, I would also like to get a ZP3 but don't want to wait 3-4 years or whatever the wait time is now for Decware. My questions is: Has anyone heard of a small company in Massachusetts call Aric Audio? They make products that are similar to Decware and I think the wait list is a lot shorter. I am tempted to order the Aric Audio Super 6SN7 Linestage Preamp. By doing this, I could use my second spot on the wait list to get a ZP3 phono preamp.

Does anybody has experience with this company and, more specifically, with this preamp? Any thoughts and opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ramón

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by CAJames on 10/01/23 at 17:19:49

I'd never heard of Aric Audio, but their gear looks really good to me. In general, and with all due respect to Decware, given a choice I like octal tubes like the 6SN7 better than miniature 9 pins tubes. If you are looking for a Decwareish company that I do have experience with I can recommend Mapletree Audio in Canada:

https://www.mapletreeaudio.com/

I have their phono stage and it is excellent. I think their linestage would be an excellent option.

Also in Canada is Space-tech Labs, from whom I purchased a 300B amp. They have a wide range of preamps (and phono stages) and I think they do excellent work as well.

http://www.thebestamp.com/

FWIW I'm in California but shipping from Canada was not a problem in either case.

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by ChrisC on 10/01/23 at 18:56:30

Ramon,

I have an Aric Audio Unlimited II preamp. This was Aric's entry-level pre that I think he's discountinued (assume not enough margine to make it worthwhile for a small shop). I've had the pre for ~18 months and its been great. Working with Aric was great; similar to the Decware family feel. He's knowledgeable and approachable. He let me upgrade the caps and delete a few things I didn't need. Out the door the amp was $1600 delivered and the remote's been great for my lazy ass :). Its been flawless and well worth the price. Would expect the linestage would be another level completely.

Hope this helps

ChrisC

[smiley=tunes51.gif]

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by Coqui on 10/01/23 at 19:03:43

Hello CAJames,

Thanks so much for the tip! I will check these options and see what happens.

It is so great to be able to benefit from the advice of so many experienced fellow Decware owners.

Thanks again!

Ramón

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by Coqui on 10/01/23 at 19:05:17

Hello ChrisC,

Your feedback is super helpful and I think I am going to give Aric's owner a call.

I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks so much again!!

Ramón

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by Lon on 10/01/23 at 19:23:10

In your shoes I'd look into this Decware designed and built amp for ZMF headphones that is basically a CSP3 preamp customized for this manufacturer. Looks amazing.

Not sure how long the wait will be. . . an email to them may gather some info.

https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/amps-dacs/products/decware-zmf-otl

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by Coqui on 10/01/23 at 20:42:57

Thanks for the tip Lon. I'll look into it.

Ramón

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by RonP on 10/02/23 at 02:05:41

I will give some positive feedback for Aric as well. I was going to have him build me a custom pre amp at one point. I demo'd one of his lower end models with a similar tube arrangement as to what we were planning. It sounded great! He's great to work with.

I had every intention to go ahead with that custom built pre-amp later in the year when I fell into a major deal on my BAT-33VK.

Now that I have the Tori in the main room, I've already started thinking about having Aric build me an integrated system for the office early '24.

tl;dr I would not hesitate to recommend Aric

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by Coqui on 10/02/23 at 02:20:14

Hello RonP,

Thanks for your feedback! It gives me confidence to hear that several people, including you, speak so highly about Aric and his products.

I already contacted him and he replied. It seems that he is researching the specs of the Rachael before he gets in touch with me again.

Thanks again!

Ramón

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by DRHamp on 12/02/23 at 13:37:37

I will add my endorsement for Aric Audio as well. I currently own 2 of Aric's linestage preamps - the first, one of his earlier Transcend 6SN7 linestage which I'm running in front of my Rachel. I also have one of Aric's Super 6SN7 linestage preamps running in front of an Aric Audio Super 2A3/45 amp and both linestages are excellent and perform flawlessly. As mentioned before, Aric is very approachable and will work closely with you both pre and post sale. He is a very talented builder and an all around great guy. I'm now considering one of his 300B SET amps.

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by Coqui on 12/02/23 at 18:58:12

Thanks DrHamp,

I have the Aric Super Line 6SN7 Linestage preamp on a box waiting for the Decware Rachel amplifier. I'm curious to know more about your impressions of the Aric preamp and Rachael combo. I'm 5-6 months away on the Decware 's waiting list for the Rachael.

Thanks for sharing!

Ramón

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by DRHamp on 12/07/23 at 15:44:57

Hey Ramon - I think the Aric linestage just adds another layer of fullness and depth to the already outstanding Rachel. I initially ran the Rachel with an Axiom passive preamp and liked that a lot just wanted a bit more gain. The Aric added the gain as well as that other layer of fullness - I really like the combo. That's all with the Transcend Aric --- The Super 6SN7 improves on that significantly.
Failed to mention, there was noticable improvement in soundstage both width and depth

Title: Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Post by Coqui on 12/07/23 at 21:56:54

Hi DrHamp,

Thanks for sharing your impressions of the Aric pre-amps and the Rachael. It is difficult to have about 5-6 months left before it is my turn for the Rachael. I will post my impressions when I have my Aric pre and Decware Rachael running.

Take care,

Ramón