2. amps-preamps
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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
ddrave44
35 posts
 
Ralph, Have you thought about Conrad Johnson? I have a CT5 that I believe would meet your criteria. I believe it's the first one of theirs with Teflon capacitors that really tighten the sound from the earlier generations of CJ.
I use it with Shunyata power cords and they may be responsible for some of the control as well, not sure.
Also, it has discrete volume steps (0.5db steps, I believe). Original list was $8k, but used ones should be a lot less.
CJ has replaced it with an ET5, but I haven't heard that so I'm no help on that.
david12
1,398 posts
 
I am on a similar hunt, looking to change my Music First Baby reference passive, into an Audio Research Ref 75 power amp. I say looking, because I think the Passive will take some beating. I don't particularly like the Arc reference 3 pre, cetainly compared with the Music First.

As Sabai suggested, I was looking at the Audio Horizon. It has good reviews and an enthusiastic following on this site. It is by direct sale, so good value for money and is available for home audition. The makers offer a wide range of possible upgrades and balanced and RCA inputs and ouputs. It seems a no brainer to me.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
7,068 posts
 
David, if you have a Ref 75 you must use a preamp that is balanced. The Ref 75 cannot accept a single-ended preamp, unless you use a line transformer to convert from single-ended to balanced.
ralpheburns OP
19 posts
 
Hi folks,

I first considered the C-J... they are hybrid... I was told they had a particular coloration.

Still, since I have a single source, a digital library, I could consider a DAC with a good pre out. Is that an oxymoron? Bad move? I email one owner of the MSB Analog DAC who loved the sound but did have reliability problems.

I did order at no risk the new Vinnie Rossie LIO; has a tube stage and DAC with off-grid supply. Might it be a step down for me? It will be here around the first of the year, so I ought to get some other preamps in for comparison. Maybe the ET5, maybe Herron. Nobody mention Aesthetix...
david12
1,398 posts
 
Thanks Atmasphere, I did realise I would need balanced outs. The Audio Horizon does offer that as an option.
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