DCAudioDIY.com

Over the last few years, I stepped away from audio, partly due to some bad experiences with DIY preamps. Recently, I decided to get back into the hobby and started looking for a new DIY preamp project.

Dave McGown was incredibly generous with his time and guidance throughout the process. Thanks to his recommendation, I ended up with the Tubes4HiFi SP14 preamp.

The SP14 is an outstanding preamp — so much so that I’m once again spending several hours each week just enjoying music.

Thank you, David.

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Walt

Shashi,

You are welcome. It is a nice 6SN7 Aikido implementation. Hard to beat a nice sounding 6SN7. Grover Gardner has this preamp, so the recommend was based on his experience with it (as well as my experience over the years with the Aikido topology of John Broskie in various preamps and gain stages). Really glad you have it running and are enjoying it.

Continued happy listening!

David

Yes, the SP14 is one of the great bargains in audio. Of course you can trick it out in a number of ways by upgrading the power supply and coupling caps etc. Also, if you hasven't tried the Bendix 5852 rectifier, you should!

Thx Grover, I will order Bendix 5852.

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Walt

I agree about the 5692, but I was referring to the 5852, Bendix's version of the 6X5. Frankly, the 6X5 is kind of puny-sounding, though it does the job. The Bendix version lends a deep, rich sound to the SP14.

OOPS! Eyeball error.

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Walt

Grover,
Bendix 5852 made significant improvements to the preamp. Was expecting a slight improvement. Background is darker, bass is tighter and mids are richer.

Pl. take a look at pic below. What upgrades would you suggest to the caps and the power supply.

Oh, I'm glad you like it! It's quite an upgrade for the money, more like 3 or 4 times the price of the tube! Don't know the Sonic caps but I do know the Mundorfs. I find them a little soft. Despite the issues David has had with them, I'd recomment some Miflex. I just pulled out a pair I had stashed away for a long time (and no, they aren't leaky, yet) and I have to say that they are the least "h-fi" cap I've heard for the money. Just clear, honest music with excellent body and detail. Parts Connexion still has them in stock. The .33's are less than $40. I think you'll like them.