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Should I Try a Tube Preamp?

Presently I listen 80-90% to vinyl (using a modified Technics 1200) connected to a Parasound 2100 preamp, then Parasound 2250 amp in a small room (12' x 21') with older but decent standmount speakers (these to be upgraded in future).

Someone suggested that an upgrade to my system would be a good tube preamp to replace the 2100. I have no experience or knowledge of tube components so am wondering two things: 1) What benefit/improvement would I obtain from a tube versus solid state preamp (assuming I continue to use the solid state Parasound amp)? 2) Which good tube preamp would fit a budget under $1000?

Thanks, in advance, for any and all comments or suggestions.
kencalgary
allchemie
118 posts
 
An excellent and fairly inexpensive tube preamp is the Doge 8. At around $1,400 it is unbeatable and also has a fairly good phono section. But its linestage it what really shines.

I have a Doge 8 in a bedroom system and absolutely love it. You would have to go up to at least an Audio Horizon preamp at around $3,000 to be competitive.

Of course, if you could afford it, the Coincident Technology Linestage at $5,000 is unbelievably great, with its only shortcoming being its two inputs. One really has to re-think their front end (source components) when using this pre-amp.

Greg

Greg
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
One thing I forgot to mention. The Bel Canto pre 3 is a solid state design.

No worries as it sounds very good.
emorrisiv
312 posts
 
I second the Doge 8. The best preamp I have ever heard. This preamp gives a huge shot of adrenaline to any system. The line stage is superb and the phono is right there with it. I don't much like the MC stage but the MM phono with a good SUT is fabulous.
Saving up for one

e
stanman
18 posts
 
YES,YES, YES!!!!!!!!!!! Added a tube pre to my parasound HCA 1200 and OMG!! That's all I can say!!!!
78broncodriver
4 posts
 
I'm like you. I had a variety of solid state preamps to run with my B & K ST-202. I remember reading Sam's Space in Stereophile several years ago about using a tube preamp with his ST-140. I made the switch about a month ago with a Lazarus Cascade Basic & what a difference! You won't believe your listening to the same music! I'm hearing things I never knew were there! So, yes, go for it! Only your ears can tell you you made a good decision. I spent $400 on my Lazarus and it's money well spent. Good Luck, Matt
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