malcolm

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Price Paid:  $250.00 from ebay

Summary:
Best phono section I have had using moving MM cartridge. Very powerful, drives amps no problem. Very simple, no extra controls except a few filters and balance. Other reviews said costs less than $100, but probably less than $200 would be lucky and a very good value still.

Strengths:
Low cost.

Weaknesses:
very small, so hard to visually fill up your listening room.

Similar Products Used:
Perreaux SM3, crown sl-1, phase linear 3000II,4000II,mcingtosh C26 -(stay away from). Several Yamaha's/ (they have nice tone controls)

Price Paid:  $225.00 from private sale

Summary:
A great little preamp. Sounds fantastic, and a very good buy. Can be had for less than $100 on Ebay. You won't find anything better for less than $1500.

Strengths:
Very low distortion: .008%, and RIAA phono curve accuracy of +/- .05dB. No tone controls. Two sets of outputs, 6 inputs.

Weaknesses:
Low snob factor - too cheap to be good in many people's eyes. Not very common.

Similar Products Used:
This is the only preamp I've had for the past 20 years.

Price Paid:  $175.00 from Roger''s Catalog Sho

Summary:
I have had this pre-amplifier since 1981 when I purchased it along with the DB-6 amplifier. I got this from Roger''s Catalog Showroom, which was something of an enigma. A catalog showroom that also had a high-end and normal Hi-Fi section...They used to seel pretty unusual / esoteric stuff. I stumbled onto this deal just before an inventory (and they wanted to unload floor models). I think this is an extremely low-noise preamplifier, owing partly to any hum-producing components (i.e. transformer) being outside of the chassis. An incredibly low noise phono section as well. Be prepared for a ''minimalist'' experience. No tone controls (but I also have those - they are sized like the DB-1A) but again, if you like it simple, low noise, and musical you may want to check this one out. Unfortunately, not easy to find these days. I have not had one bit of trouble with the unit since owning it.

Strengths:
Craftsmanship, low noise, freedom from overload, simplicity. Reliable.

Weaknesses:
The DIN-style power connector from the outboard supply...sometimes this can work slightly loose causing a little noise. re-seating it helps and generally takes the noise away. Could use one more line level input. As my system has grown (to include DVD, VHS HI-FI etc) I have had to find creative ways to accomodate all inputs. Still, this really speaks to the fact that it is from a different era and not a ''design fault'' per se.

Similar Products Used:
Harman-Kardon HK 725, Harmon-Kardon 825, Sansui AU-6600 (preamp stage), Dynaco Tube preamplifier (been so long I don''t remember which)

Summary:
I agree with the last review, find this preamp and buy it! I've tried many types of preamps, both solid state and tube, and this is the best I've heard. I'm using it with a pair of Quicksilver mono tube amps and this preamp has brought more detail and impact than the others I've used, all of which cost much more including VTL, Creek, BK, HK. This is how all HiFi gear should be, reasonable cost+ great sound.

Summary:
Find this product and buy it. Solid construction. Transparent sound. Simple to use. Tried may preamps but have not found one I like better. The only preamp I've found that sounds good ahead of Citation 12, Citation 16 or bridged pairs of Citation 19's. Two left channel and two right channel outs make this a versitile preamp for running stack speaker pairs or front and rear speaker sets.
Find one used and DB Systems will retrofit it and return to factory specs for a small fee.