Wyetech Labs Ruby Std tube preamp - any views?

[spiritofmusic]

I'm currently using a 2005 vintage Hovland HP200 preamp with 50s Telefunken tubes into a pair of Audion Black Shadow SET amps. Getting a great synergy, and not actively looking to change. In fact, a few preamps have gone thru my system, and none has scored a knockout blow to supplant the HP200.
The Wyetech Labs Ruby Std has piqued my interest however, and I'm wondering if any What'sBesters have practical experience of the unit, and can post their views.
Living in the UK, audition of this unit may be fairly tricky .

 

[Peter Breuninger]

I've been a Wyetech fan for years. Last year I reviewed the Ruby Phono stage and it remains my SS reference. The pre? Perhaps it's time to call Roger.

http://www.avshowrooms.com/Wyetech_Ruby_Phono.html

 

[spiritofmusic]

Peter, just to say I (and I'm sure 99.99% of What'sBesters) love your video reviews. You maintain an enthusiasm tempered by a wry humour, that makes for great viewing. Do you have any experience of the Hovland HP200? This is obviously the reference that I need to judge the Ruby Std against.

 

[Peter Breuninger]

Hovland came and went before I could wrestle one into my studio. Mid 2000s I was a CAT fan.

 

[LL21]

Peter, just to say I (and I'm sure 99.99% of What'sBesters) love your video reviews. You maintain an enthusiasm tempered by a wry humour, that makes for great viewing...

+1!

 

[spiritofmusic]

Hi Lloyd, Peter sure has a great hobby/job. The Wyetech Labs Ruby Std seems to be garnering a slowly growing positive buzz. For me, and many others, it's in the sweet spot for manageable high end pricing (sub $10k, even sub $15k is realistic). There are some comments that it bests the Veloce line stage, which is no slouch (at twice the price). How it might compare to another more expensive choice, the Steve McCormack SMCC1, would be interesting. One user on Audiogon says it trounces my HP200, but I'd like independent confirmation of that!
I'm not in any hurry to replace the HP200, and I have a real affection for it going back to my sadness at the companies demise a few years ago (so much so that I can't part with my Hovland Radia power amp, now consigned to rear channel amplification in my a/v rig).
My choice of replacement, if it happens, is the Ruby Std, and a radically different option, the Townshend Allegri Autoformer pre.
But the practicalities of demoing a direct sales item from overseas may be insurmountable. Any thoughts, Lloyd?

 

[LL21]

Hi Lloyd...the practicalities of demoing a direct sales item from overseas may be insurmountable. Any thoughts, Lloyd?

I am afraid there are no easy answers. I admit I have bought blind before...it's a bit nerve racking. Read everything, speak with people whose ears you have 'calibrated', ask them to compare to stuff you know intimately...go global, speak with editors...even ask manufacturers. Some are surprisingly candid. They'll tell you if you're on the wrong track sometimes even did to their own disadvantage...not always, but sometimes.

I bought my first Gryphon amp blind...I did everything above...and bought from someone whose ears I knew. Good price. Worked out great in terms of sound, though that unit needed some repairs...and have since upgraded to Colosseum.

 

[spiritofmusic]

No Lloyd, I won't buy "blind" ("deaf"?). I either get to hear it on trial/demo, or not at all. We'll see. I'm curious about the Townshend Allegri autoformer passive pre too. No probs re demo there, their hq is only 25 miles from me! The Hovland still ticks my main box re preamps in it's o/all lack of grain and fatigue. The other day, my work was cancelled for the day, and I listened to music 10 hours straight. Other than a flat backside , I had no cognitive dissonance, was as relaxed at the end as at the start. You can see my reluctance to rock the boat unless totally convinced it's a major step up in performance.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Peter, please do call Roger and audition the Ruby Std. I'd love to know your views. I'm going to do my best to audition it in the Spring, but advance thoughts from you would be appreciated.

 

[Parmenter Sound]

I am using the Wyetech Labs Ruby Std valve preamplifier in one of my sound systems here and really like this vacuum tube line stage. Love the retro look and build. The case could have more ventilation and the volume control has quite large volume gain steps in my system using the PBN Audio M1.5 speakers at 94 db sensitivity. I have the Ruby preamplifier matched with the Van Alstine Ultravalve power amplifier. Very musical combination with my horn speakers. Sound quality of this preamplifier is truly excellent and I would put it up against any tube preamplifier I have auditioned or personally owned. Single ended only - Inputs and outputs. Tone Publications Review on the Wyetech Labs STD preamplifier. http://www.tonepublications.com/MAGPDF/TA_075.pdf