Top ten tube preamps

To my ears the Aesthetix Calypso is phenomenol, in this hobby one doesn't know how good the sound can be until one hears better. For now I have a hard time believing my system can get much better, so my vote goes for Calypso.

Best tube pre I've ever heard: Audio Valve Eclipse

Worst: ARC Ref 3

Wyetech Opal. Timeless and legendary, with good reason. It's alive!

Neal

Saying the ARC Ref3 is the worst tube preamp you ever heard is a remarkable statement. I would consider myself fortunate if it were the worst I ever heard.

I can only rank based on what I've heard in my system:

1) SMc Audio VRE-1
2) Lamm L2 Reference
3) Conrad Johnson CT5
4) Lamm LL2 Deluxe
5) First Sound Presence Deluxe II
6) Atma-Sphere MP-1 MK III
7) ARC Reference 3
8) Juicy Music Peach
9) Modwright SWL 9.0SE
10) Audio Horizons TP2.1 Balanced