2. amps-preamps
  3. 1204685941

Tube preamp suggestions.

I would love to hear from anyone who has heard individually or compared good tube preamplifiers lately. I was dead set on getting the Wyetech but is is so much money for a line stage only. I am very happy with the way my system sounds in general but would like to experiment with tubes as my whole system has been entirely solid state except for my phono pre. I love all types of music but especially enjoy ambient electronic music, classical music, and jazz. I am tempted by the ease of having a remote control and lots of features but the truth is I want the best sound quality. I like crystal clarity, holographic, engaging sound so a tube preamp that is still accurate and with a lot of coloration would be great.

Here is my short list of potential tube preamps:

Wyetech Labs New Jade
Atmasphere MP3
Joule Electra LA150 (maybe used)
McIntosh C2200 (maybe used)

My current system is:
Audio Physic Virgo 3 loudspeaker
Spectron Musician 3 signature edition
Edge Electronics G1 solid state preamplifier
Resolution Audio Opus 21 CDP
Tara Labs RSC Interconnects
Isoclean Power cords

Thanks for you input.
j_evege
lokie's avatar
lokie
511 posts
 
You may want to research a Shindo Monbrison.
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
I would recommend reading Supratek thread.

I recently evaluated three preamps home.
*Supratek Chardonnay
*Jas Arrey1.1
*Consonance Cyber 222 MK II

also Raysonic C200, GRANITE AUDIO 770fp , Cary SLP 98P with my amps, CDP but different speakers.
j_evege OP
29 posts
 
I'll have to edit my postings more carefully next time! I do not want colorations or distortion. I really enjoy clarity and timbral accuracy. My apologies if I was unclear in original post. I am definitely very intrigued by what I've read about the Supratek preamps. Does anyone know the lead time to receive a Supratek pre or if it is possible to audition one? I'm not in a major hurry, just curious. Pubul57, I appreciate your comment about adding "wetness" to the sound; like the way the city lights seem richer and deeper after a rainstorm, the sound can also sound dry or wet. i believe i associate the all solid state sound with dryness. Since adding the Spectron Musician 3SE to my system, I am amazed by how engaging the music is. I am very busy and have little time to just sit and listen while doing nothing else, but the Spectron has given me many hours of enjoyment while I work and late at night before I sleep. Now that I realize how engaging and detailed the sound can be, I want to investigate with a tube preamp. It would be great to find a pre with a good phono stage too. I currently use a Pro-ject tube box. Thanks again for all of your great suggestions!
mrjstark
1,112 posts
 
If in NY area you are welcome to hear it in my new listening room. It is not 100% finish but if it helps you make the right decision.........yes....come on in.

If you want to buy new.......it might take a while.
Used are here on Audiogon - but you have to act fast.
It is a great preamp.
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