Might try a tube preamp


I’ve been toying with the idea of giving tubes a try and thought I would start with a tube preamp running to my SS amp and see how I liked it.    

After reading reviews and looking through some of the posts here on Audiogon I’ve been thinking of a LTA micro ZOTL or rogue audio RP-7 - each around $5k.   Thoughts on these?  

Or would I be better off looking for something else used here on Audiogon?  Maybe a ARC Ref 5 or LS-28?  I’m pretty new to tubes so am open to options.

Thanks
rshad0000
Yep, I’m looking for a little more sweetness and air for female vocals in particular.

I currently have a Gryphon Diablo 300 being fed by a Chord Dave and focal speakers(I need to update my virtual system in my profile).  

May seem strange, but I was thinking of just running the Tube pre theough my Home theater bypass on my integrated.   I love the Diablo, but thought it might be nice to use a tube pre for those times I’m looking for a different sound.   Is this crazy to do?  

Plus would give me a chance to see if I truly like the tube sound before going all in.    

No analog, I will be feeding it from a Aurender N10 and the Chord.  I’d like to keep the cost below $5k.  Thanks
You can buy an older Counterpoint preamp like a SA-2000.  They go for cheap on the used market.  If you like what it does, the upgrades can take it to an entire level for much less that anything mentioned about.  6922/6DJ8 tubes are east to test and make a difference.  Upgrades include volume control, nichicon caps, Vishay caps, tube regulation/rectification, a few resistors and filter choke.  Hard to beat in the $5K area once the upgrades are completed and for a lot less.

Happy Listening.

 look at what's on for used right now ( Jadis looks so beautiful IMO,drool), if your look at great tube sounding pre’s a Jadis is hard to beet for that price.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis94cdf-jadis-jpl-tube-preamp-tube