Forums - Aric Audio preamp for Rachael

Coqui

Verified Member

Posts: 29

Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
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

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CAJames

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"I've run every
red light on memory
lane."

Posts: 1684

Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Reply #1 - 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.

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ChrisC

Senior Member

Posts: 77

Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Reply #2 - 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

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CXC, CXN (MWI), ZROCK2, Aric Audio Unlimited, Rachael, Omega CAMs

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Coqui Verified Member Posts: 29	Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael Reply #3 - 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
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Coqui Verified Member Posts: 29	Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael Reply #4 - 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
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Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23542	Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael Reply #5 - 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
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Coqui Verified Member Posts: 29	Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael Reply #6 - 10/01/23 at 20:42:57 Thanks for the tip Lon. I'll look into it. Ramón
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RonP

Verified Member

Posts: 32

Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Reply #7 - 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

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Coqui Verified Member Posts: 29	Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael Reply #8 - 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
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DRHamp

Verified Member

Posts: 4

Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Reply #9 - 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.

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Coqui Verified Member Posts: 29	Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael Reply #10 - 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
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DRHamp

Verified Member

Posts: 4

Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael
Reply #11 - 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

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Coqui Verified Member Posts: 29	Re: Aric Audio preamp for Rachael Reply #12 - 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
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