NVA P50SA vs NVA P50

[Copperblue]

Has anyone compared the P50SA directly to the P50?

What were the main differences heard?

I am thinking of getting a passive pre to use with a Quad 306.

[terrybooth]

Nope. I've gone from P90 to P90SA. And, from memory, it's a bit of a 'window cleaning' difference. I don't remember anything in particular jumping out as being different but things were clearer.

I don't know about using passives with a Quad 306. Others here may be able to comment on that.

[_D_S_J_R_]

I use a P50 with a power amp rated at 1.3V with absolutely NO issues at all! The 306 is around 375mV I believe, so VERY sensitive and perfect for a passive control, as the 303 and 405 are.

I have yet to use an official stepped attenuator in mine, but shall at some point.

[Copperblue]

Thanks

I checked with the Doc on eBay regarding the electrically compatibility with the Quad 306 and he also said in his own way that it should be fine

[_D_S_J_R_]

I'll stick me neck out and change the Doc's 'should' with 'definitely!' The SA attenuator uses some of the best resistors at anywhere near a realistic price and I'd jump at it for the low level channel tracking if nothing else

[Fretless]

I went from an old model NVA P80 preamp to a P50sa and the improvement in clarity, openness and dynamics was quite considerable. Sure that the Doc has improved the quality of the pots over the years, but I would regard the stepped attenuator as a definite step-up from the standard P50.

[Copperblue]

Sounds like a P50 or a P50SA should work nicely

I wonder how long the build schedule is currently if I bought one today?

I assume EBay is the best place to order ?

[Dr Bunsen Honeydew]

Yes eBay.

Already built as they are on Daves build list. Just need checking and converting if to SA, then cleaning and packing.

[Copperblue]

Yes eBay.

Already built as they are on Daves build list. Just need checking and converting if to SA, then cleaning and packing.

OK Doc. I will order a P50 on Ebay now. I will actually be at home on Wednesday and Thursday of this coming week - if delivery could be arranged for one of those days that would ideal. If it is after those days, then I would prefer delivery to my work address or for me to pick up from Argos (via Ebay scheme) or something of that ilk if possible.

Looking forward to trying it - will be my first passive preamp. If I get on with it, I will probably upgrade to a P50SA in due course using NVA's excellent upgrade scheme

Three questions for a passive preamp newbie:
1) what does the direct input do differently to the other inputs?
2) Do you use the "tape play" socket for connecting a headphone amp?
3) Will I need to worry about the capacitance of my 1M interconnect? It is a fairly standard I/C from Atlas.

Thanks to all for your replies.

[Copperblue]

Ebay purchase done and payment made