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The Doge 8 Clarity
* Based on best selling and award winning Doge 8, with a new circuit and critical caps in high signal areas.
* The Doge 8 Clarity has a re-designed phono section and high level buffer
* Has 5 inputs, MC / MM phono section with high / low impedance switch
* Appears on Vic's Picks
* 4 out of the 5 water cooler panel members have purchased the Doge 8 Clarity
* 100% of all water cooler panel members recommend the Doge 8 Clarity
* Based on best selling and award winning Doge 8, with a new circuit and critical caps in high signal areas.
* The Doge 8 Clarity has a re-designed phono section and high level buffer
* Has 5 inputs, MC / MM phono section with high / low impedance switch
* Appears on Vic's Picks
* 4 out of the 5 water cooler panel members have purchased the Doge 8 Clarity
* 100% of all water cooler panel members recommend the Doge 8 Clarity
Headlines
Product Details
Product Details
The Doge 8 Clarity is an upgraded version of the legendary Doge 8 preamp that has been a
marquee preamp for quite some time. The Doge 8 Clarity has the same configuration of the
stock Doge 8, (8 tube dual mono design (4 X 12AX7, 4X 12AT7), 3 power transformers three
outputs: Two RCA- and one XLR balanced, 4 inputs, MM / MC phono and remote.
The phono and high level sections have been re-designed to take advantage of the latest in
component technology. The high level section includes a new PCB board, new circuit
topology and the addition of Musicap and Clarity capacitors. The phono section removes the
JFET transistor hybrid design and uses an all-tube configuration. The upgrade allows the
phono section to accept moving coils with an output of .25 mV or greater, straight in, without
a step-up transformer. The phono section also benefits from a new PCB and circuit topology.
In addition to the above, the Doge 8 Clarity includes internal gain switches for high level and
phono so it can be precisely matched to the input gain characteristics of solid state and tube
amplifiers.
The rest of the Doge 8 remains unchanged and still has the superior build quality and heft of
the original Doge 8. The user selects up to 4 gas relay inputs via remote control or front
panel buttons. The Doge 8 Clarity uses a finely matched ALPS potentiometer with a channel
balance of less than 0.3 The Doge 8 Clarity also uses a “Stand By” feature which keeps a
small charge in its relatively hefty capacitor array. This allows for quick warm up upon turn on.
The Doge 8 Clarity comes with remote and power cord. The Doge 8 Clarity ships from Chicago
IL and is only available through a USA distributor network.
marquee preamp for quite some time. The Doge 8 Clarity has the same configuration of the
stock Doge 8, (8 tube dual mono design (4 X 12AX7, 4X 12AT7), 3 power transformers three
outputs: Two RCA- and one XLR balanced, 4 inputs, MM / MC phono and remote.
The phono and high level sections have been re-designed to take advantage of the latest in
component technology. The high level section includes a new PCB board, new circuit
topology and the addition of Musicap and Clarity capacitors. The phono section removes the
JFET transistor hybrid design and uses an all-tube configuration. The upgrade allows the
phono section to accept moving coils with an output of .25 mV or greater, straight in, without
a step-up transformer. The phono section also benefits from a new PCB and circuit topology.
In addition to the above, the Doge 8 Clarity includes internal gain switches for high level and
phono so it can be precisely matched to the input gain characteristics of solid state and tube
amplifiers.
The rest of the Doge 8 remains unchanged and still has the superior build quality and heft of
the original Doge 8. The user selects up to 4 gas relay inputs via remote control or front
panel buttons. The Doge 8 Clarity uses a finely matched ALPS potentiometer with a channel
balance of less than 0.3 The Doge 8 Clarity also uses a “Stand By” feature which keeps a
small charge in its relatively hefty capacitor array. This allows for quick warm up upon turn on.
The Doge 8 Clarity comes with remote and power cord. The Doge 8 Clarity ships from Chicago
IL and is only available through a USA distributor network.
The Doge 8 Clarity has 5 high level inputs, one phono MM / MC, remote, stand by switch, XLR and RCA outputs.
The Doge 8 Clarity has a different circuit topology than the stock Doge 8
The Doge 8 Clarity uses high quality Clarity and Musicaps throughout
Pricing
Stock Status:
Doge 8 Clarity with 4 X Sovtek 12AX7
LPS, 4 X JAN 12AT7 Tubes
LPS, 4 X JAN 12AT7 Tubes
Scoreboard
Features
Specifications
Gallery
Click on the image to enlarge
The Phono section comes with high level / low level impedance matching switch for 47K / 100ohm cartridges
To see inventory, click on the
"Order Now" button. In stock
items ship in 4-7 days.
"Order Now" button. In stock
items ship in 4-7 days.
Doge 8 Clarity
Preamp
Preamp
Tube Complement: 4 X 12AX7, 4 X 12AT7
Frequency response: 5Hz- 200kHz/ 2,5V
Distortion THD+N: ≤ 0.0009 %/ 1V *
Max. Level- output: 10 V/ 10 kΩ/ 1kHz *
Signal/ Noise- ratio: ≥ 90 dB *
Impedance In/ Out: 100 kΩ/ 620Ω
Gain: MM: 52, MC: 72
Power- consumption standby.: ≤ 0.5 W
Power consumption total: 39 W
Dimension W x H x D : 44 x 12 x 36 cm
Weight: 35Lbs
Frequency response: 5Hz- 200kHz/ 2,5V
Distortion THD+N: ≤ 0.0009 %/ 1V *
Max. Level- output: 10 V/ 10 kΩ/ 1kHz *
Signal/ Noise- ratio: ≥ 90 dB *
Impedance In/ Out: 100 kΩ/ 620Ω
Gain: MM: 52, MC: 72
Power- consumption standby.: ≤ 0.5 W
Power consumption total: 39 W
Dimension W x H x D : 44 x 12 x 36 cm
Weight: 35Lbs
Bass: Integrated nicely with the mids, although like in the previous Doge 8, we have a slight roll off occurring around 40Hz. This was less
pronounced when using a MC transformer and more exacerbated when not. Mids:. Incredible, detailed and warm midrange with spot-on
tonal balance and perspective. Highs: Extended, warm and articulate highs. Excels in the upper midrange to high end where glare is
virtually nonexistent, yet highs are prominent and detailed. Dynamics: A low noise floor combined with a powerful DC supply extend
dynamics to life-like levels. Air around instruments: Uncanny with its ability to surround an actor ( a musician or a soloist) with ambience
and space. Body and Weight: While actors have body, sometimes weight can be a little lean. Warm/Cold: Nicely warms up the
music - not too lush. Imaging / Sound Stage: Superb sound stage rendition and rock solid imaging. Resolution / Detail: Excels at
resolving detail from digital sources and CDs and rendering them in their proper perspective to minimize glaze and “etched glass”
rendition. Value: This preamp competes at the high end dollar range of preamps. Although pricey, it represents a phenomenal value
when compared to other preamps at similar price.
pronounced when using a MC transformer and more exacerbated when not. Mids:. Incredible, detailed and warm midrange with spot-on
tonal balance and perspective. Highs: Extended, warm and articulate highs. Excels in the upper midrange to high end where glare is
virtually nonexistent, yet highs are prominent and detailed. Dynamics: A low noise floor combined with a powerful DC supply extend
dynamics to life-like levels. Air around instruments: Uncanny with its ability to surround an actor ( a musician or a soloist) with ambience
and space. Body and Weight: While actors have body, sometimes weight can be a little lean. Warm/Cold: Nicely warms up the
music - not too lush. Imaging / Sound Stage: Superb sound stage rendition and rock solid imaging. Resolution / Detail: Excels at
resolving detail from digital sources and CDs and rendering them in their proper perspective to minimize glaze and “etched glass”
rendition. Value: This preamp competes at the high end dollar range of preamps. Although pricey, it represents a phenomenal value
when compared to other preamps at similar price.
On the Web
I kept it on all weekend. Did a lot of listening. It has worked flawlessly. It just keeps getting better and better. The phono section is super
quiet and has great extension. I think the tubes are good, but I will be looking for some Amperex 12AX7s. This thing deserves the best. I am
using a VPI HMW 19 Mk III with a Denon 103 and a Ypsilon SUT (which cost more than the preamp!!!) and it sounds fantastic.
The line stage is nothing short of magnificent. Super charged dynamics with inner detailing I have never experienced.
My friend has a regular Doge and I loved it but I think this one is better. More defined sound stage, lower sound floor and a perception of more
pace and annunciation (prat). - Ed Morris
quiet and has great extension. I think the tubes are good, but I will be looking for some Amperex 12AX7s. This thing deserves the best. I am
using a VPI HMW 19 Mk III with a Denon 103 and a Ypsilon SUT (which cost more than the preamp!!!) and it sounds fantastic.
The line stage is nothing short of magnificent. Super charged dynamics with inner detailing I have never experienced.
My friend has a regular Doge and I loved it but I think this one is better. More defined sound stage, lower sound floor and a perception of more
pace and annunciation (prat). - Ed Morris
| Explore |
Now that the Doge 8 Clarity has had about 75 hours of break-in time, I thought I owed you some feedback. My setup had been Audio Space
Ref 3.1 300B, Doge 6 cdp, Clearaudio Concept w/Maestro mm, AES PH1, and Zu Soul Superflies. Zu cable of various grades all around.
The PH1 has been with me through numerous amps, and I’ve always thought it was a good strong performer—definitely better than the
phono section in the Audio Space. After upgrading to the Maestro cartridge, improvement was minimal, and I began to suspect that the PH1
wasn’t keeping up. In looking at next-level phono stages, I worried that the preamp section in the Audio Space was going to quickly become
the next weak link in the chain. The Doge 8 Clarity looked like a ‘two birds with one stone’ solution to me. And if my experience with the
Doge 6 was any indicator, it was a good bet. I have to say that aesthetically it worked well too—matching the Doge 6, the Clearaudio, and the
‘cosmic carbon’ Zu’s. The remote control might have been a factor too.
I had read that the phono section of the Doge 8 would benefit from a quad of good 5751’s, so I tried that out with some JAN GE’s. Meh. I
wasn’t really impressed by that combo. You had suggested good quality European 12AX7s, but I didn’t have any quads of anything NOS
kicking around. I did have four matched Ei 12AX7s, which are kind of quasi NOS (and quasi European for that matter). So, I kept the JAN
12AT7s in place and went with the Ei 12AX7s.
After about 50 hours, here is what I found:
1. Audiophile pressings of non-audiophile LPs, specifically new pressings of 70s rock favorites such as Neil Young, Eric Clapton, CSN, The
Band, etc., which had previously been uniformly disappointing (many never had the B side played before being relegated to the shelf),
suddenly came to life. You’ve got to love an upgrade that lets you add dozens of recordings to your rotation!
2. All around wider, deeper, and more clearly resolved soundstage. Really impressive stuff. Live recordings, which are often problematic, also
really pop. Allison Krauss + Union Station Live: outstanding. Little Feat, Waiting for Columbus (the new MoFi release): equally superb. Most
impressive of all, Bill Evans’ Waltz for Debbie and Sunday at the Village Vanguard. I’ve never heard ambient noise sound so good. And that’s
just the improvement realized in my vinyl collection.
3. CD’s, which were sounding pretty good already, have benefited from the changeover as well. Had I not been looking for a new phono stage,
I’m not sure I would have considered switching the Audio Space from integrated to power-only amp. That would have been a great loss.
Ramblin’ Jack Elliot’s South Coast is just scary-good. Close your eyes, and you would swear that Jack is sitting about 10 feet in front of you
performing live. Recordings from Chesky—oh my goodness! I’ve always just taken their word for it when they espoused the benefits of their
unusual recording venues. Now I get it.
I am looking forward to lots more listening, and am once again jazzed about acquiring some new recordings. Incidentally, I have rolled the
tubes in the Doge 6 quite a bit. I’ve got some NOS Brimar CV4024s in there now, as well as a quad of Fullmusic 12AX7s. I think it’s a good
mix. I also liked the sound of the JAN 12AT7s, (which you supplied) along with a quad of Genelex re-issue 12AX7s. Those re-issues are a
pretty good tube, and very hardy.
Thanks for the care you take in selecting your inventory. It really shows. OK, I’ve got all that off my chest. Back to work.
- Chris Keene
Ref 3.1 300B, Doge 6 cdp, Clearaudio Concept w/Maestro mm, AES PH1, and Zu Soul Superflies. Zu cable of various grades all around.
The PH1 has been with me through numerous amps, and I’ve always thought it was a good strong performer—definitely better than the
phono section in the Audio Space. After upgrading to the Maestro cartridge, improvement was minimal, and I began to suspect that the PH1
wasn’t keeping up. In looking at next-level phono stages, I worried that the preamp section in the Audio Space was going to quickly become
the next weak link in the chain. The Doge 8 Clarity looked like a ‘two birds with one stone’ solution to me. And if my experience with the
Doge 6 was any indicator, it was a good bet. I have to say that aesthetically it worked well too—matching the Doge 6, the Clearaudio, and the
‘cosmic carbon’ Zu’s. The remote control might have been a factor too.
I had read that the phono section of the Doge 8 would benefit from a quad of good 5751’s, so I tried that out with some JAN GE’s. Meh. I
wasn’t really impressed by that combo. You had suggested good quality European 12AX7s, but I didn’t have any quads of anything NOS
kicking around. I did have four matched Ei 12AX7s, which are kind of quasi NOS (and quasi European for that matter). So, I kept the JAN
12AT7s in place and went with the Ei 12AX7s.
After about 50 hours, here is what I found:
1. Audiophile pressings of non-audiophile LPs, specifically new pressings of 70s rock favorites such as Neil Young, Eric Clapton, CSN, The
Band, etc., which had previously been uniformly disappointing (many never had the B side played before being relegated to the shelf),
suddenly came to life. You’ve got to love an upgrade that lets you add dozens of recordings to your rotation!
2. All around wider, deeper, and more clearly resolved soundstage. Really impressive stuff. Live recordings, which are often problematic, also
really pop. Allison Krauss + Union Station Live: outstanding. Little Feat, Waiting for Columbus (the new MoFi release): equally superb. Most
impressive of all, Bill Evans’ Waltz for Debbie and Sunday at the Village Vanguard. I’ve never heard ambient noise sound so good. And that’s
just the improvement realized in my vinyl collection.
3. CD’s, which were sounding pretty good already, have benefited from the changeover as well. Had I not been looking for a new phono stage,
I’m not sure I would have considered switching the Audio Space from integrated to power-only amp. That would have been a great loss.
Ramblin’ Jack Elliot’s South Coast is just scary-good. Close your eyes, and you would swear that Jack is sitting about 10 feet in front of you
performing live. Recordings from Chesky—oh my goodness! I’ve always just taken their word for it when they espoused the benefits of their
unusual recording venues. Now I get it.
I am looking forward to lots more listening, and am once again jazzed about acquiring some new recordings. Incidentally, I have rolled the
tubes in the Doge 6 quite a bit. I’ve got some NOS Brimar CV4024s in there now, as well as a quad of Fullmusic 12AX7s. I think it’s a good
mix. I also liked the sound of the JAN 12AT7s, (which you supplied) along with a quad of Genelex re-issue 12AX7s. Those re-issues are a
pretty good tube, and very hardy.
Thanks for the care you take in selecting your inventory. It really shows. OK, I’ve got all that off my chest. Back to work.
- Chris Keene
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