#4791
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I've concluded the Inspire definitely likes a good tube preamp in front for it to sound it's best.
I see a LP3 in your future. |
#4792
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Hehe. I know, not a bad I idea 'eh. My upgraded SLP-98 pre (love it) is for another system, and I've been swapping it in/out for now. Not a long term thing I want to do. On that note this week I was offered a LP3a and a second Inspire Hot Rod amp through a through a colleague who's not using it much any more. Like me, he wanted to "try one" and see what the hype is about, and all good. He has other systems. I thought about it some, essentially considering running two stereo amps for my bi-ampable speakers. While its something I'd like to try, it's another level to step up to now competing with my own main system and there are other local mono block considerations It's good to have tube amp options these days. Hard to believe I'm still enjoying this hobby after five decades. Tube amps and the sound they produce is good therapy after a long week at work
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#4793
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IMHO, you still need more hours on your amp. I don't think the caps have fully settled in. |
#4794
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To your point, if I'm grasping it, I still don't know what this little Hot Rod can do and will hear until I try these things, giving it more time. Will think about it. Thx. |
#4795
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Don’t sell it. Get the lp3a/Lp27a. You will not be disappointed.
Of coarse just a suggestion, not a command. |
#4796
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Hey There BCUSA, I’m good with “command” too and take it as confidence. It helps, thank you Sir.
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#4797
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Stereophile measured the SLP-98's gain at 21db. Very high! No surprise you are hearing quite a difference between the two preamps.
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#4798
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Found this on a prior LP3a sale on eBay, sold June 2nd 2018. 21db compared to 15db gain, is that correct? Quote: LP3a / "Circuit: Buffered 6SN7 (6SL7) input direct coupled to grounded grid 15 dB gain stage direct coupled to 6SN7 low output impedance buffer stage.", unquote. . . Last edited by decooney; 08-04-2018 at 02:51 AM. |
#4799
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To my knowledge the LP-27a is 12db gain and the LP-3a is 15db.
In regards to the LP-27a, I believe if you use #56 tubes instead of #27's, you'll increase the gain to 14db. |
#4800
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Good to know. I did some comparing to a local NorCal tube amp builder. Their brand standard preamp is 18db gain, and they offer a "low gain" 12db version. My SLP-98 at 21db gain seems to be more than plenty right now for my 91db speakers in terms of how quickly it gets loud at 10-11 o'clock on the volume dial. Perhaps I could step it back to a 15db preamp and still be able to use my main speakers (periodically) while continuing to work on a second custom (more) sensitive set of speakers to use permanently with my 10w Hot Rod and a possible LP-3a in the future; as tbd. Def gives some options to consider. Thx all.
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