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View Full Version : FS: AE Symphonies Tube Preamp


RuSsMaN
03-14-2007, 04:30 PM
This is the second time I've owned this exact preamp. I'm consolidating my headphone rig into the whole house audio rig, so in with the Melos and out with the AE.

AE Symphonies Tube Line Stage

3 x 12AX7, one for line in, one for line amp, one for line out
1 x 6X4, not exactly sure what it is used for - it acts like a buffer on the power supply, this preamp features a bulletproof solid-state rectification stage.

All point to point wiring on the drive stage, ALPS volume pot, balance, and selector (4 sources), IEC plug on rear. 4 inputs, 3 outputs (1 fixed - 2 variable). Brushed Aluminum facia, no 'gold' trim on this one.

$280 shipped with a JAN 6x4 and matched triad of EH 12AX7.

$320 shipped with a JAN 6x4 and matched triad of Mullard 12AX7.

Pics later tonight when I get back home - the following thread has pictures posted by the last owner.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44401

You can't really touch the performance of this preamp for less than $500 on the used market - It's DEAD quiet, and very musical, especially with the Mullards in it. Post intent to buy / questions in this thread please.

Cheers,
Russ
Sami
03-14-2007, 05:03 PM
Full width? Need another PA2000 for your house rig as a trade-in? :)
RuSsMaN
03-14-2007, 05:04 PM
Yeah, full width.

I'm good on amps Sami, why don't you swing on by and let me make you a deal you simply CANNOT refuse!
Sami
03-19-2007, 08:26 PM
Got it hooked up, sounds pretty good but I think I prefer the sound of HK3375 over this. Both were hooked into Aragon 2004 -> DQ-10's. Definately an improvement over the Lexicon on Rotel RB-890 -> LSi7's but I'm starting to believe the 3375 is as good as people say it is.

And I take back my words on the Rotel sounding better on the DQ-10's than the Aragon, not even close now that I played both at loud volumes. The Rotel is just too thin and lacks detail. The warm/neutral sound is not a bad thing on the 10's when you play them loud. Too bad it's not as compact as the Rotel since I'm tempted to keep the AE and Rotel in that rig since I can stack them on one shelf.

Anyways, thanks for preamp, overall I'm happy getting it although I can't hear that much of the tube sound as I was expecting. Based on the 1/2h or so I'd say it's not that much different from SS.
Early B.
03-19-2007, 08:59 PM
Sami -- are you using the Mullards or the EH's?
Sami
03-20-2007, 01:03 AM
Mullard's.
ND13
03-20-2007, 01:28 AM
Tubes must be new. I know how Russ likes to ship with new tubes. Half an hour won't be nearly enough time for new or close to new tubes. Hell, I warm my tubes up longer than a half hour.

Give it some break-in time.
RuSsMaN
03-20-2007, 09:49 AM
Those tubes are broke in for sure Sami. Maybe he's just not getting the synergy on this particular setup?
madmax
03-20-2007, 10:49 AM
Based on the 1/2h or so I'd say it's not that much different from SS.

This is not all that uncommon. Give them some listening time. Sometimes it takes awhile before you notice some of the reasons people fall in love with tubes. Could be you are trying to play them louder than they are capable of or the music you had on was not the best suited.
madmax
candyliquor35m
03-20-2007, 12:02 PM
I'm running telefunken ecc83's in my ae and like them.
ohskigod
03-20-2007, 12:12 PM
leave the unit on for an hour playing some music on low volume

walk away

come back in an hour

listen


might not make it better, but my tube pre needs to warm up before it sounds its best, tubes broken in or not
Sami
03-20-2007, 12:46 PM
While the HK was a lot better with Dire Straits 'Sultans of Swing', I did like the AE a little better on CCR. I will leave it on and try some more records, Patricia Kaas and The Doors is what I have in mind. Mind as well throw in some Kim Wilde too.
jtgranby
03-21-2007, 05:33 PM
While the HK was a lot better with Dire Straits 'Sultans of Swing', I did like the AE a little better on CCR. I will leave it on and try some more records, Patricia Kaas and The Doors is what I have in mind. Mind as well throw in some Kim Wilde too.

Sami

When I had that pre amp it saw a lot of Dire straits. What amp are you using with it? Like Lou said let it warm up for an hour. I replaced it with a Rogue Audio 99 magnum. It is more detailed. But like Russ said you can't beat it for the price. Great entry level tube pre amp.

JT
Sami
03-21-2007, 05:35 PM
Aragon 2004 and, currently, Rotel RB-890. Aragon is better hands down but I think I will get it up to my HT room to play with LSi15's.

Both have been on since last night so I will definately listen to them after I get home from work.
jtgranby
03-21-2007, 05:38 PM
Sami

Homeowners paid up:D

Let us know what you think.

JT
Sami
03-21-2007, 09:15 PM
Homeowners paid up:D
No problem with the heat on the AE/Rotel combo, if that's what you mean. In fact, they are stacked on top of each other and still no problems with heat. It's the poor 240W plate amp that is heating up on the sub when playing Gwen Stefani... ;)

Sounded better tonight but I don't know how much is due to not AB'ing with the HK. I'm not going to tinker much with this setup until I get wood floors in since they are going to alter the sound anyways. I have too much work to do getting the HT done, as you can judge from the pictures (link below).

http://skylinegtr.homeip.net/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=18410

Oh, tonights playlist: Dire Straits, Gwen Stefani, Sade. Sade definately needs something less bright in the path than the Rotel.