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$3500 to spend on a tube preamp....ideas?

Suggestions? Amps are Herron M1 monoblocks, Speakers Von Schweikert VR4-JR's. I borrowed a McIntosh C2300, and while it was good, it wasn't THAT much better than my Modwright 9.0 Signature. Bass was a little deeper, soundstage a bit more open, instruments more focused, but again, probably not worth $3500 to upgrade to. Also had an LS26 from ARC in my system, again, similar performance level to the C2300 and slightly more dynamic than the Modwright. With $3500 to spend, is there anything that can get me to that next level in dynamics? I am really happy with the other hardware in my system.

ideas: Herron VTSP3a, Rogue Athena
VAC Standard LE, Modwright LS36.5, Conrad Johnson Premier LS 16II, Dehavilland Mercury 3:

other options?
chiho

Showing 3 responses by grannyring

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grannyring
6,438 posts
 
If dynamics is what you want and a better overall sound compared to the likes of the AR 26 then the Dude is a must. I have compared the Dude to the Lightspeed, Joule 150 and many, many other high dollar preamps (read my review here).

These other preamps mentioned are good (like the AR 26 is good) but the Dude opens up a whole new realm of what is attainable with music in a home system.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,438 posts
 
I also agree with the last two posters on the nature of sharing on this site. However, I also think one's comments should be reasoned and reasonable. We can all say what we want and I don't want to change that. Yes, we even have the freedom to say a person or company is a "joke" or "evil" or whatever harsh comment we want, but in the end is it right or helpful. Freedom and reasoned civility are two different things.
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,438 posts
 
Sorry to all, my post above was meant for another thread. All good preamps here and all good comments :-)
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