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Need Tube Preamp Warmth

I’m looking for recommendations for a tube preamp with a warm presentation, good soundstaging and imaging, and low-end extension.
It will replace my Rogue Perseus Magnum, which is a detailed, neutral sounding preamp with a great amount of extension in the highs. Even using Mullard Longplates, I’m not getting the sound I want.

The preamp is paired with a Sunfire 300 which has an input impedance of 42 kOhms and input sensitivity of 1.64V. (Single-ended).

The rest of my system is comprised of:
ARC CD3 mk II
Linn Axis TT
Gallo CL-3 speakers
Purist Audio Aqueous speaker cables
Cardas Parsec ICs
Audience PowerChords

The ideal preamp will reproduce classical music in an organic and natural way. (Not looking for vintage).
My budget is $2000 to $2500 used. Any help is much appreciated.
lowrider57
zd542
5,339 posts
 
"Reviews state that it does not have classic tube warmth, but makes each recording sound very natural and lifelike.

I also like what I'm reading about the VTL TL-5.5 Preamp. A dual mono design, it's described as as "three dimensional, with precise instrumental images, a top-end which was neither etched or analytical."

To me, it looks like you're placing way too much trust in reviews. You take on a lot of risk when you do it this way.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
Zd, you're right about that, and now that I'm a potential buyer, I've gotten caught up in the hype of Hifi sales. I've started to trust opinion as fact.
Thanks for the reality check; reviews and advise in these forums are the only way to go when a component can't be auditioned.

I am in talks with someone about a preamp...don't want to jinx it. But am still looking for input and I'm going to increase my budget to around $3000.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
Has anybody listened to the Blue Circle BC3000 preamp? I've already searched the archives.
larkston_zinazpic
36 posts
 
It's a very personal thing...but there's an Atma-Sphere pre up for sale right now well within your price range.

I haven't heard the UV-1, but I do own an MP-3. It doesn't do the glassy, sibilance-exaggerating thing other tube preamps do, and yeah, that's a big deal to me. I would have to imagine the UV-1 is similar.

Good luck in your search.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
Larkston, the UV-1 looks like a hell of a nice amp for a great price and I like the sound of 6SN7 tubes.

Pops was kind enough to give me his impression of the UV-1 vs. his CJ preamp and I do like the CJ house sound. Although, I find myself periodically googling the UV-1 thinking that I could make the move on that pre and probably be very happy.
Thanks for your input.
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