I would start with a cj preamp and build from there. Conrad Johnson is known for making musical high quality preamps. The small signal tubes used in preamps are a lot more reliable and have fewer issues than do power tubes at least in my experience.
Some system advice
Thanks again to everyone for the responses to my tube frustrations. I thought I'd take up the offer to share my system and get some advice. I should mention that I first got interested in tubes when I was listening exclusively to digital. Since shifting almost completely to vinyl, I am much more comfortable with the idea of solid state gear for amplification. In any event, here's where I am, keeping in mind that I'm happy with the speakers and source:
Speakers: I have Tekton M-Lore speakers that I originally bought with the idea of adding a single ended tube amp. They are rated at 95db sensitivity, so they are compatible with a wide range of amplification.
Source: Marantz TT 15s1 with a Denon DL-110 cartridge.
Phono Amp: Jolida upgraded JD MK 2 with mallard tubes.
Amp: I have a McCormack DNA-125 that I really like, although I haven't found the right preamp yet. The DNA-125 is open and dynamic, easy to listen to.
Preamp: Right now, this is clearly the weak point as I'm using the pre-out on my Simaudio i-1 integrated. The sound is a bit thin and has some treble grain.
So, to get this system dialed in, I think a good preamp is what is most needed, although I'm open to other suggestions (like a tube integrated amp). Since I'm happy with the McCormack sound, I'm considering their LD-2 preamp which seems to keep with the relaxed, open McCormack sound (according to the comments/review I can find). Obviously, synergy wouldn't be an issue, and paired with the tubed phono stage and vinyl, it may be what I want.
Other than that, I've considered (around the 2k price point) the Rogue Perseus, the Croft Micro 25, and the Conrad Johnson Classic 2.
At this point, I really want to buy new to have a warranty (see my previous topic on tube woes to understand why :)).
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!! Scott
Speakers: I have Tekton M-Lore speakers that I originally bought with the idea of adding a single ended tube amp. They are rated at 95db sensitivity, so they are compatible with a wide range of amplification.
Source: Marantz TT 15s1 with a Denon DL-110 cartridge.
Phono Amp: Jolida upgraded JD MK 2 with mallard tubes.
Amp: I have a McCormack DNA-125 that I really like, although I haven't found the right preamp yet. The DNA-125 is open and dynamic, easy to listen to.
Preamp: Right now, this is clearly the weak point as I'm using the pre-out on my Simaudio i-1 integrated. The sound is a bit thin and has some treble grain.
So, to get this system dialed in, I think a good preamp is what is most needed, although I'm open to other suggestions (like a tube integrated amp). Since I'm happy with the McCormack sound, I'm considering their LD-2 preamp which seems to keep with the relaxed, open McCormack sound (according to the comments/review I can find). Obviously, synergy wouldn't be an issue, and paired with the tubed phono stage and vinyl, it may be what I want.
Other than that, I've considered (around the 2k price point) the Rogue Perseus, the Croft Micro 25, and the Conrad Johnson Classic 2.
At this point, I really want to buy new to have a warranty (see my previous topic on tube woes to understand why :)).
Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!! Scott