Wife urging me to upgrade

[jimbones]

So i have spent the past 3 years systematically rebuilding my system piece by piece. 2 Nights ago my wife and i are in the man cave and we are discussing all that I have done over this time. I have the last piece: an Audio Research SP8 tube preamp and she is trying to convince me to upgrade.  Would you believe that!  She says that I have upgraded everything in my system and that I shouldn't stop there and to get a new preamp and enjoy it. Bless her heart.  /   

[GT Audio Works]

So i have spent the past 3 years systematically rebuilding my system piece by piece. 2 Nights ago my wife and i are in the man cave and we are discussing all that I have done over this time. I have the last piece: an Audio Research SP8 tube preamp and she is trying to convince me to upgrade.  Would you believe that!  She says that I have upgraded everything in my system and that I shouldn't stop there and to get a new preamp and enjoy it. Bless her heart.  /   

My experience says she has bought something expensive for herself and is urging you to do the same, so when you find out about her purchase you will not be able to fault her. 

Greg

[BobM]

 That's when you say "thank you dear", and move on.

[jimbones]

My wife does not make extravagent purchases. I almost wish she did. She makes many many small useless purchases with nothing to show for it. I'd rather she get something awesome once in a while.

In any event, suggestions for upgraded preamp? 
I'd prefer tube but doesnt need to be. I'd like it to have a phono stage and remote volume control. I like buying preowned.

[tmazz]

Can you get me a vile of whatever it was that you slipped into her drink at dinner? 

[machinehead]

lol

[sleepyguy24]

Cool. Don't ask any questions and just go. As for a preamp how about a Modwright preamp to match with your amp? I don't remember the exact model # but there was one that with tube rectification and lots of tubes with a good phono section. (Modwright 9.0SE??)

[jimbones]

Cool. Don't ask any questions and just go. As for a preamp how about a Modwright preamp to match with your amp? I don't remember the exact model # but there was one that with tube rectification and lots of tubes with a good phono section. (Modwright 9.0SE??)

Thats what I was thinking. Too bad you don't see them used too often.

[richidoo]

Buy her a diamond necklace now, while she is still in this weakened state, and you will rule the roost for 1000 years.



I'd be considering:

Wild abandoned Tube Joy:
   DeHavilland UltraVerve or Mercury
   Cary SLP-05
   Melody 101 or 2866

Clean tube warmth:
   Manley Steelhead (phono and line)
   ARC Ref3
   VTL TL5.5

Solid state calm transparency:
   Parasound JC2
   SMc Audio VRE
   DIY opamp  

Passive:
   Bent Autoformer

Definitely get a remote.  And as Dean says, buy once, cry once.  

[tmazz]

Buy her a diamond necklace now, while she is still in this weakened state, and you will rule the roost for 1000 years.



I'd be considering:

Wild abandoned Tube Joy:
   DeHavilland UltraVerve or Mercury
   Cary SLP-05
   Melody 101 or 2866

Clean tube warmth:
   Manley Steelhead (phono and line)
   ARC Ref3
   VTL TL5.5

Solid state calm transparency:
   Parasound JC2
   SMc Audio VRE
   DIY opamp  

Passive:
   Bent Autoformer

Definitely get a remote.  And as Dean says, buy once, cry once.  

While you you have the green light why stop at the Reference 3, just go all the way to the Ref 10.

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/tube-audio-research-reference-10-pre-amp-excellent-2015-02-10-preamplifiers-33172-miami-fl--2

Sure it cost as much as a small SUV, but you only live once, and besides once you blow 19 grand on a preamp you will never be allowed to buy another piece of stereo gear as long as you live, so you better get it while you can. 

Isn't it fun spending somebody else's money for them? 

[StereoNut]

Isn't it fun spending somebody else's money for them? 

Sure it's fun!  All of us live vicariously through the purchases of new toys by our fellow Nervosians!

Check out the Audionote M-9 Phono & Pre-amp listed in the attached pic.  It's a bargain that's on sale for almost HALF OFF!

SN

[Brap]

How sweet is that!  I'd turn on the TV when you get home from work to see if its on the QVC or HSN channels........

[jimbones]

Buy her a diamond necklace now, while she is still in this weakened state, and you will rule the roost for 1000 years.



I'd be considering:

Wild abandoned Tube Joy:
   DeHavilland UltraVerve or Mercury
   Cary SLP-05
   Melody 101 or 2866

Clean tube warmth:
   Manley Steelhead (phono and line)
   ARC Ref3
   VTL TL5.5

Solid state calm transparency:
   Parasound JC2
   SMc Audio VRE
   DIY opamp  

Passive:
   Bent Autoformer

Definitely get a remote.  And as Dean says, buy once, cry once.  

Thanks Rich. You nicely laid out some choices.

Jim

[StereoNut]

Thanks Rich. You nicely laid out some choices.

Jim

Oh, sure Jim.  What's the matter with MY recommendation!?!

 

Bill

[jimbones]

Thanks Rich. You nicely laid out some choices.

Jim

Oh, sure Jim.  What's the matter with MY recommendation!?!

 

Bill

Hardi, Har, har!

NORTON!!

I would have to take out a home equity loan to pay for that one!