2. amps-preamps
  3. 1415118412

Help picking a tube preamp, please

Can you suggest a new tube preamp? This is the kind of thing I'm looking for:

-the usual goals for good dynamics and detail, quiet background, uncolored and even tonality and good imaging, but I'm especially keen on articulate bass extension. I frequently listen at lower levels, so appreciate the bass extension.
- small, fine volume-control steps via remote control. This is absolutely key for enjoyment.
- no phono input needed. Actually, only one or maybe two inputs are needed.
- budget $6-7k-ish, new or newer-used. Budgets are mere guidelines.
- must be available for an in-home demo somehow.
- emotionally I prefer point-point wiring, but execution is all that matters.
- if a preamp is sold with more shrill reissue tubes, I can fix that later with some nice NOS ones.

Connected gear: both hi-res and redbook files fed from a CAPS Zuma SoTM server computer into a Hegel HD25 DAC, said preamp into Quicksilver Silver 88 amps with some NOS input tubes and KT150 output tubes driving Sonus Faber Elipsa SE speakers, all wired up with Kimber 1026, 1126, and 6065 hybrid cabling.

Thanks much, Ralph
ralpheburns
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
8,673 posts
 
You might want to consider the Herron VTSP-3A(r02), at $6550 new.

I haven't heard it, but Herron products just about always seem to receive glowing comments from A'gon members and other users, who also invariably mention that Keith Herron is an absolute pleasure to deal with.

It is described as having 100 step remotely controllable volume, which I would expect to allow 1 db or better resolution over most of its range.

Caveats are that all of its inputs and outputs are single-ended, and I have no knowledge of whether or not in-home auditions or return privileges are possible.

Regards,
-- Al
tonywinsc
583 posts
 
So you want a vacuum tube preamp. A quaint little box filled with 19th century technology, the warm orange glow of hot little glass bottles void of atmosphere but full of metals banned in most countries these days. Who can't be pulled back to yesteryear with those warm full tones magically pouring from those ubiquitous glass bottles. A miracle of genius and determination coaxing electrons through near lethal high voltage circuits. Oh the thrill of the music knowing death is just a finger poke away.
What an accomplishment creating sound out of decaying metal filaments spitting electrons into space. Wonderful, beautiful sound as long as everything is perfect: Bias voltage not too low or too high, no vibrations, heat not too low or too high, no radio signals/RFI to botch things up, connections not corroded and lastly humidity not too high or too low. So get your tube preamp, shop for just the right tubes, check the tubes for proper operation, check all connections, check voltages, let the unit warm up, kick back and enjoy.
Don't worry, I'm immersed in this hobby up to my neck too.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 
Al has a good suggestion heed it.
If you want good increment control over the entire volume range, this can only be achieved by a pre that has full range of motion control with your amp without having too much gain.
This pre can be set/switched to high or minimal gain, which means the full 100 steps of the volume control may be at your disposal. Instead of just from 7 o'clock to 9 o'clock for full level.

Cheers George
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
Don't ya love asking for suggestions of tube pre-amps to check out, and getting lectured on the obsolescence of tube pre-amps?!
goldprintaudio's avatar
goldprintaudio
332 posts
 
Cary SLP98 or perhaps SLP05.

***Cary dealer disclaimer***
More to discover