2. amps-preamps
  3. 1206813054

Best Preamp for Hovland Sapphire Amp and Quads

I have a Hovland Sapphire EL34 tube amp and Quad ESL 63 speakers. Presently, my source is a Pass Labs DAC1, which has a SS preamp built in. The sound is excellent to my ears, but I have wondered about adding a tube preamp to the system, to take it to another level. I also would like to have a remote control for the volume. Don't need phono stage at this point in time. I know that Hovland makes a couple of good preamps, but they are so darn expensive.....thoughts and suggestions for cheaper options, preferably under $2,000 used, would be appreciated. Conrad Johnson? Sonic Frontiers?Thx.
halbrian

Showing 1 response by mrtennis

mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
i owned several pair of quad 63s and now have a pair of quads unlimited quad 57s.

i do not find the quads lacking in dynamics. if you are looking for a tube preamp, i suggest you listen to as many as possible. i suspect you have a preferred voicing of a preamp and only you can determine the preamp which satisfies your needs.
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