tube pre suggestion


Hi Everyone,

I'm currently running an all nuforce system with the P8 preamp and the ref 9SE (currently v1, soon to be v2) amps. I have this hooked to Thiel PCS speakers.

I'd like to dump the nuforce pre and try something else. I've heard that a tubed pre is the way to go with my amps...a buddy of mine who I trust heard the Modwright SWL 9.0 SE with the nuforce amps and said it was incredible.

I'm new to experimenting with preamps--my other system has a Krell integrated so I've never needed to play with in this area. Any suggestions on where to start? My budget is $1500-$2k, and I'm thinking used market exclusively to maximize my value.

Comments from the Audiogon Gurus are appreciated!
samgupta101
The Modwright has a great rep (never heard). Other good options in that price range would include First Sound, ARC, Joule-Electra & VAC. I've never heard them with the Nuforce. Others will chime in on how they mate with the analog switching technology nuforce uses (way over my head).
I would guess that you prefer a very accurate, detailed and neutral sound. That's how I imagine your system must sound with the NuForce/Thiel combination. If you want to stay with this sound, then the First Sound Presence Deluxe II or Modwright 9.0SE are good choices.

If you want something that sounds a little rounder, and perhaps just a little softer in the highs, I'd suggest a Lamm LL2 Deluxe. The Joule and VAC would also move in this direction.
Take a look on the Audio Horizons threads. I don't think you can beat their preamps, and you get to try them for free. They certainly seem like a great value to me, from those that I respect highly. Note: I'm currently enthralled with a ARC Ref 3 preamp, which does not fall into your budgetary lines.

Cheers,

John