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What Preamp for ML Sequals & ESL amp?

Would like to get into "tubes," but recently purchased a pair of Martin Logan Sequals and an ESL amp for them. Got my eyes on a Shanling T-100- and would like to benefit from the tubes. Should I get a tube preamp? Or will a SS preamp suffice? Any suggestions on preamp brands/models, as well as technical info on the concerns of voltage, and ideal matching (re: the electrostatics) and how this will effect the performance of the ML's.

Thank you in advance!!!!!
keerwilson
newbee
4,093 posts
 
Keerwilson, i note that your Innersound amp has an imput impedence of 50K ohms - if this is correct you should not have a mismatch with a tube preamp of most any make. In addition to the CJ preamp you looked at you might also want to look at some of the better older CJ Premier's, ARC's and Sonic's Frontiers SFL's, assuming a remote is not mandatory. You would more likely find them to have a warmer tone.
tweak1
870 posts
 
Personally I prefer solid state preamp (I love my BVaudio P1). Think about it, this is the heart of your system everything should be processed untainted. If you want tube sound use either CD player with tube output, or tube amp(s).
tok20000's avatar
tok20000
608 posts
 
It all depends on how much you want to spend. What is your budget?

KF
keerwilson OP
2 posts
 
KF-max price I can go for the preamp is $1500.00 (but prefer to be around $1000.00 considering I still need cables). Also - I'd strongly prefer to have a remote w/ this unit as well as the simplest set-up and play-back possible (this will be my first piece of tube equipment!)

Tweak - I've considered your suggestion - however - if I go w/ a ss pre and a "lonely" tube cd player - I'm concerned I won't really hear those tubes.....
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