Beautiful Colored Tube Preamp ($10k budget) to Pair w/ Very Accurate Monitors (PSI A25M)

shoot realized i kinda need one that has 2 sets of stereo outputs... because there are 2 sets of speakers and 2 subs (big room) - unless there is some other way to get around that issue heh

dejayos

There are generalities of course between 12AU7 family compared to the 6SN7, but here are mine; and I have both 12AU7 and 6SN7 systems in my collection. These are my own findings, others may disagree:

6SN7 - I find these tube components to be richer, fuller, smoother, sweeter, engaging, and a little (just a little) more relaxed with a large soundstage

12AU7 - These tubes are more holographic, precise, analytical, detailed, and dynamic

I own both, because they are generally different; and have their own place in my system....and can match better in different circumstances. In your case you requested help with a warmer presentation to smooth out your speakers, that would be the 6SN7 in my experience.

That is why I recommended Aric Audio, Supratek, and Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamps; their preamps are 6SN7 based (with some variations available). They all make state of the art (as much as tubes can be) preamps, are hand made point to point, EXTREMELY high quality components, and some (Aric Audio) can be customized to your taste if need be.....whether that is with different capacitors, tubes, or connections.

I personally own several Aric Audio components, so make of that what you will....personal bias for sure. Though I know of several people with Supratek and Don Sachs gear, who adore their equipment

I own 2 of the preamps mentioned above, the LTA Reference preamp and the Aric Audio Motherlode XL.  Both preamps are fantastic.  The 2 preamps are in separate systems so it's hard for me to give you a comparison.  The Aric Audio preamps are custom made so you can change inputs/outputs or make changes to whatever you need so that's a big plus.  

ended up going with Aric Motherlode XL custom built to match the PSI system (apparently it has unusual needs being that they are powered speakers being fed directly from the preamp) =] thanks everyone for their input !

Ming Da MC2A3 is very warm and tubey sounding.