Tube Pre Amp replacement for Manley Shrimp.


I'm looking for some recommendations on an upgrade to my existing pre amp. I'm currently using a Manley Shrimp and have been very happy with it up to now (great PRAT and sound stage with the right tubes). I'm currently looking for a unit that offers remote volume control and doesn't require more than 6 tubes (to keep tube rolling more cost effective). I've used a lot of different pre's in the past - Sonic Frontiers, Bryston, McCormack, and Manley - and would like some recommendations on other manufacturers. I'm a big fan of tube "warmth" and tend to lean towards the Mullard type "sound". My current gear behind the Shrimp is a Bryston 4B ST, Classe CDP 10, KEF 104/2, Harmonic Tech Pro-Silway III+ interconnects, and Harmonic Tech Pro9+ speaker cables. I'm looking to spend between $2-3 used. Would be very interested in any feedback on pairing the Bryston with an AR, Calypso, or DeHavilland.

As always - thanks for the help.

Clayeton
128x128clayeton
I have a Lamm LL2 delux I've been very happy with. Has 5 tubes. 2-6DJ8 2-ECC82 and. 6X4
I'm very happy with the stock tubes and have not done any tube rolling
If you're a fan of the Mullard sound, then providing the impedance match with
the Bryston 4B is good (and it should be), then the Lamm LL2 Deluxe with NOS
Mullard Blackburn tubes is awfully tough to beat, IMO. The preamp is a
chameleon and lets the sound of the tubes shine through.
Tvad

Do you use the Lamm LL2? If so, what have you compared it to? Cary SLP-05?

Thanks
I owned a Lamm LL2 Deluxe (now own a Lamm L2 Reference).

I compared the Lamm LL2 Deluxe, and preferred it to:
Modwright SWL9.0SE
Audio Horizons TP2.1 (with all the upgrades)
First Sound Presence Deluxe II
Atma-Sphere MP-1 MK III
Supratek Cortese
And to fine tune it even more,I have an Audio Horizons TP 2.0n
that I preferred over the following:
Aesthetix Calypso
Modwright 9.0 SE
Supratek Syrah
Cary 98L
No opinion on the Lamm LL2 but all reviewers and owners give it thumbs up.