chubbler108 Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 I was thinking about getting the Pro-Ject Tubebox II, but I heard that for demanding music such as metal, punk, and rock (which is most of what I will be listening to) to doesn't sound as great, and has a bassey sound. I'm looking to spend between $200-$400 on this. The only other thing I was looking at is the Pro-Ject Phono Box SE II. But I haven't heard much about that one. I don't care if the pre-amp you recommend is Pro-Ject or not, I'm just not sure what to buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattstrike Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 To match with which turntable? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnail Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 These are supposedly pretty nice: http://www.needledoctor.com/Bellari-VP130-Tube-Phono-Preamp?sc=2&category=401 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cosmonaut Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Vacuum tubes are so cool. I like both the Pro-ject and the Bellari, although I have not heard heard how they sound. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkydrummer Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 I have the Bellari and I love it, it gives the music a nice rich, warm quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxmartinxx Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 http://www.performanceaudio.com/cgi/product_view.cgi?products_id=4787 Cheaper than NeedleDoctor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
numanoid Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 I have the Tube Box SE II and I haven't noticed too much bass or anything that makes punk and metal records sound "bad". I would imagine that would be more of a stylus issue. As far as I've noticed, it's a nice, clean signal, and perhaps the only "color" it adds would be that (and I hate this term because it's subjective and non-scientific) warmth from the tubes. It's less harsh on the some of the high frequency stuff, like cymbal crashes than some solid state stuff. Then again, there are people who say that you can't get a good tube system for less than $2000. Who do you listen to? If you do go with tubes, I would stay away from the Bellari. Only because there is one tube in that, and you really need a tube for both channels. It comes highly recommended by me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xxmartinxx Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Then again, there are people who say that you can't get a good tube system for less than $2000. Who do you listen to? Definitely not true, especially when it comes to vintage tube amps. Then again, these are probably the same people who say you can get a good power cable for less than $300. : Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iliketurtles Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 I've been looking at various tube amp kits like say this one: http://diyaudioprojects.com/Tubes/K-12M/K-12M.htm And is there a good reason not to fit a preamp into the same enclosure, do they interfere with one another or anything? Just curious for the dudes who may have built something similar. Also Kyle where's your kit? I wanna see you hunched over a box of parts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chubbler108 Posted January 1, 2009 Author Share Posted January 1, 2009 To match with which turntable? It is being used with a Pro-Ject X-pression II Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chubbler108 Posted January 1, 2009 Author Share Posted January 1, 2009 Thanks for your help everyone!! Please keep the suggestions coming! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohnotherobot Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 Here's a question for y'all... Would you recommend a pre-amp even if your system already has one built-in? The rationale is that adding a good pre-amp would add to the sound, especially if the built-in pre-amp isn't that great. Is this true? Or does it simply amount to spending lots of money on something that most people wouldn't notice anyway? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chubbler108 Posted January 1, 2009 Author Share Posted January 1, 2009 Here's a question for y'all...Would you recommend a pre-amp even if your system already has one built-in? The rationale is that adding a good pre-amp would add to the sound, especially if the built-in pre-amp isn't that great. Is this true? Or does it simply amount to spending lots of money on something that most people wouldn't notice anyway? Getting a better pre-amp will definitely make your records sound a lot better. It will open up the sound of your turntable and give it more punch. At least this is what I've heard it will do. I am going to pick up a new pre-amp tomorrow, upgrading from my $50 Art DJ Pre II. So I'll let you know how big of an improvement it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.