2. amps-preamps
  3. 129202-3022

Best Tubed Preamp For A Warm, Rich Sound, Yet Still Detailed and Agile

As the title says, I am looking for an exceptional preamp (obviously tubed) with warmth and liquidity, some of that golden glow, in the midrange and highs. I do not want slowness, or lack of detail, however. My budget is up to $6,000.00, for a used model. 

Based on my research, many of those that might make the list are very rare to find, and other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. 


nightfall
initforthemusic
237 posts
 
nightfall,

Perhaps if you list what the tube Pre. will be paired with would help. I'm going to suggest save some money and get a Vincent SA-T8, fully balanced Pre-Amp. The most musically involving Pre-Amp I've heard at anywhere near or double it's cost. Roll in some better tubes and you've got a Pre. you won't ever want to switch off.
scar972
96 posts
 
You have a lot of good options here to choose from, but don't forget the benefit of a tube preamp is the ability to try different tubes! The warm, rich, detailed sound you're looking for could depend on the tubes you decide to use as much as the preamp itself.
tooblue
787 posts
 
Another nod for the Lamm LL2 or the LL2.1. I purchased the LL2 used and after letting it go cycled back to a new LL2.1 after trying some really good used preamps, the only other preamps I tryed that gave the Lamm a run were the Audible Illusions Line stage with upgrades and a First Sound Presence that was the equal of the Lamm. Good luck

nightfall OP
133 posts
 
I appreciate everyone's input thus far. I will research and carefully consider your suggestions. I've also had recommendations for the following:

Cary SLP-05
Allnic L-3000 MK2
McIntosh MC500T
Joule Electra LA-150 Mk II Special Edition

Any thoughts on whether these would provide what I am looking for would also be appreciated. Thanks.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I'm not really sure what you are looking for. From what you have posted, it sounds like your preferences are toward the rich and warm sound, though you would like a bit of detail. 

You have to understand that as you get warmer, richer, sweeter sound, you also lose detail and definition. The higher the resolution and detail, the less warm and rich sounding. So obviously you cannot go in two opposite directions at one time.

That said, if I am reading you right, the Cary SLP-05 or a Joule Electra LA-300ME may be just what you are looking for.  
The Allnic L-3000 mk 2 is more similar to my original suggestion of the VAC Renaissance mk III. These are not the warmest or richest sounding tube amps. The VAC and Allnic both lean more toward the resolution/detail side of the fence, but with a bit more warmth than the likes of ARC.

It seems like you want more warmth and richness, so Cary, CJ or JE may be what works best for you.
More to discover