Tube preamp for SS amp

Depending on your budget you may want to consider the Atma-Sphere preamps, which btw include (I believe optionally) what is by all accounts that I have seen an excellent built-in high gain phono stage. My understanding is that they would have no problem driving any amplifier in existence. They are also fully differential, which would be complementary to your Pass amp. They use 6SN7 and 12AT7 tubes, and also 12AU7's in one model.

Regards,
-- Al

+1 for Charles1dad, we're on the same page.

Just to clarify, the input impedance of the amp should be at least 10x the output impedance of the preamp.

Tube preamps can have fairly high output impedances, e.g. 1.5 kohms. 10x this output impedance would require an input impedance of at least 15 kohms for your amp. That's a pretty low input impedance for an amp, but they are out there, Pass Labs for example.

Many SS amps have an input impedance of 47 kohms or higher and you should have no problem pairing a tube preamp with one of these amps.

Try to find a review with measurements of the tube preamp you are interested in because manufacturers give a nominal output impedance with their specs. The preamp may hit a significantly higher output impedance at certain frequencies.

This question comes up often and there are a number of threads on this subject you can browse for that will give you recommendations for specific combinations.

Thanks for all the feedback. Based on all the research I've done I'm leaning towards 6SN7 or the 6922. I have had my eye on the cj et3se however I'm not sold on the volume control that it uses (push button/remote) and I'm not sure the entry level classic 2se (both use a single 6922) is enough of a preamp (ie performance not features). Herron audio has a 6922 based pre that I may investigate. There is a used VTSP-1a/166 here on audiogon and a NOS VTSP-2.

"12-25-13: Chad2635
Thanks for all the feedback. Based on all the research I've done I'm leaning towards 6SN7 or the 6922. I have had my eye on the cj et3se however I'm not sold on the volume control that it uses (push button/remote) and I'm not sure the entry level classic 2se (both use a single 6922) is enough of a preamp (ie performance not features). Herron audio has a 6922 based pre that I may investigate. There is a used VTSP-1a/166 here on audiogon and a NOS VTSP-2."

That's not a good way to go about this. You can have 2 preamps that use the exact same tubes and they will both sound very different. In a case like this, demo's aren't optional. You have to do it. If your only demo option is ARC, I recommend you try to put something together with them, as opposed to just guessing. When you buy equipment without listening to it first, be prepared to fail. (Understand that I'm not trying to be negative or mean. I'm just very direct in how I communicate.)