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Vacuum tube preamp?

I have read that tube preamps can add some "warmth" and perhaps "soften" the audio signal input to the power amp. This has been recommended for systems which seem a bit "bright" in the reproduction of the higher range. I have Thiel CS 2's driven by a Hafler 9180 power amp and a Rotel 971 preamp. I haven't noticed feeling fatigued listening over long periods nor do I hear grain in the highs. I also wonder about characteristics of a given recording as the culprit more than my equipment. Any thoughts? If I did replace my preamp with a tube model I would want one at $500 or less? Do they exist at this low price?
nordic587
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
A cheap tube preamp is going to lose resolution to gain some coloration which is generally liked, and called warmth.
One additional help is it cuts the high frequency digital grunge.. smoothing it into something reasonable.
unsound
6,115 posts
 
IMHO, the Thiel CS 2's are best driven with a warm ss amp. With that said, as suitably compatible tube pre is a very good idea. With your budget I would consider a used conrad-johnson PV 10 BL. Which BTW would work very nicely with a used conrad-johnson MF series solid state amp and your Thiel CS 2's.
schubert
4,867 posts
 
A correctly modded PAS 3 sounds about as good as anything.
linaeum66
60 posts
 
dared sl-2000a can't be beat in that price range
lewinskih01
793 posts
 
Nordic,

I'm not familiar with your Rotel pre, but I had a Rotel RC1070 pre and while cheap, I wasn't hearing enough differences with other pres that would make me want to change, until I got a Lamm LL2. Certainly I can hear that difference, but the Lamm is like 10x the price of the Rotel. Point is don't assume more expensive will always sound better.
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