Best tube preamp for Quicksilver V4 tube mono's (newest KT150 version)

I had the best luck with an Aesthetix Calypso on my V4’s. The Audible preamps work well with Quicksilver amps.  I also had good luck with the PSE HL 1 but they are no longer made and are really hard to find. Good Luck!

When I had Quicksilver V-4 amps I used them with an Aesthetix Calypso preamp and had great results.

"Best performing" and "bang for the buck" are all completely dependent on what type of sound and characteristics you're looking for.  Without this info you're just getting random opinions of what other people like, which may or may not mesh with what you're looking for.  A little further info will go a long way. 

I had the balanced and unbalanced V4's. I really enjoyed these amps, though I have never heard the KT 150.  I tried an EAR 912, and I can tell you from a sound and synergy perspective, it was a good match. I believe I had the balanced version of the V4's at the time. If I had these amps again, the preamp I would want to try would be Shindo. 

In your mind was there any difference between the balanced and unbalanced versions?
Jim

@fjn04 04-18-2018 8:12amI had the balanced and unbalanced V4’s. I really enjoyed these amps, though I have never heard the KT 150. I tried an EAR 912, and I can tell you from a sound and synergy perspective, it was a good match. I believe I had the balanced version of the V4’s at the time. If I had these amps again, the preamp I would want to try would be Shindo.

Which Shindo preamplifier?

Currently running a 6SN7 based tube preamp with my QS mono amps (KT150s) and really like it, thus maximizing the capability of the amps. Interested in what others have tried. Seeing several preamps listed on the Shindo site.

I have the VR, Vosne Romane. Funny on the timing here because I'm considering getting another QS...but either Sixty watt mono or Mono 120. This is to drive second speaker I recently purchased...Harbeth C7 w/ Ton Trager stands.Have not tried Shindo w/ Quicksilver but I have no reason to think it won't be wonderful. Great amp you just bought. 

I would also consider a CJ especially if you stick single ended

I am a longtime Shindo preamp owner and lover, but have found often found that if your amp doesn’t have any gain controls, it may be difficult to get enough workable range on the volume to make the pairing workable. 

Excellent point. This is indeed a concern. I have heard the Monbrison and Aurieges are even tougher to match, having no transformer in the output stage. The Massetto and up the line do have one. I believe the VR and above have a smaller stepped VC, allowing for more incremental choices from low to high. My plan is to demo the Quicksilver prior to buying. Hard to wrong with CJ...I really liked the Premier 16 and Art, in that late 90's vintage. I may be off on vintage, if not early 2000's. If you're all digital, perhaps CJ. The Shindo gives you a nice phono section though. 

I recently purchased a Aric Audio all tube preamp. It has variable gain (0-20 dB), 300ohm output impedance, 100K ohm input impedance. 

Forgot to add, I have the  Aric Audio Special.

@mesch
Forgot to add, I have the Aric Audio Special.

That Aric Special seems like a nice little preamp. Attention to detail, caps, adj gain feature too - nice. It’s great to see folks trying different preamps with the QS amps to get the best out of them. I’ve noticed quite a difference with the most subtle changes to preamps, preamp input tubes, cap changes, vintage input tubes in the amps themselves.

>> using different 6SN7s in the preamp other than re-issue TS 6SN7s...<< vintage RCA or Sylvania black plates, Sophia Electric Blues / TJ Full Music / Northern Electric. Was a game changer for my own QS amps.

Mesch,
Have you messed around yet with swapping out the vanilla stock re-issue TS 6SN7s that came with your Aric-Special preamp?

Decooney,thanks for the support on my purchase decision.  I have not tried tube rolling with this pre. I have owned it about a month. My approach is to live with it as is to enjoy and better understand what it is providing towards my listening experience. I am considering the purchase of a tube amplifier, stereo or monos, not sure. Considering Aric Audio or Quicksilver.  

@mesch 2,026 posts
Decooney,thanks for the support on my purchase decision.  I have not tried tube rolling with this pre. I have owned it about a month. My approach is to live with it as is to enjoy and better understand what it is providing towards my listening experience. I am considering the purchase of a tube amplifier, stereo or monos, not sure. Considering Aric Audio or Quicksilver.  

Hey, If you like the Aric preamp, maybe consider the Aric amp for the best synergy. I mix brands, and it goes well however IF you like the sound of your Aric gear and happy with the support, might be a good way to go.    

Yes, I remain in communication with Aric regarding his amplifiers. 

Greetings, When I began Audio Connection, years ago a Julliard trained wise owl musician strongly suggested whatever I do, make sure to continue a strong positive relationship with Quicksilver Audio and Vandersteen. After many years this still holds true bearing witness to their extraordinary performance and issue-free operation.As witnessed by their steadfastly loyal customers including the many who have come full circle. Success fuels success! JohnnyR Audio connection

"Wise owl"for sure.  

Something to be said about buying nice new proven products at reasonable prices and skipping the whole used > shipping > repair/upgrade cycle. Sure saves a lot of time and headaches, and the "quality costs less" theory applies for the long-term.  

I’m one of those who came "full circle", or at least recognizing true value, with an appreciation for clean and simple designs both offer. It seems there are many loyal folks who buy Quicksilver/Vandersteen or Quicksilver/Klipsch combos. Always see lots of praise for both and less rotation of gear with them.

Perhaps there is nothing else for them to wonder about, it just "works" out of the box as-is, and they get to spend their time simply listening to music. :) Time savings is a true value $ too.

audioconnection

Greetings, When I began Audio Connection, years ago ...

I am going to give Johnny a hard time here, because he is not really the founder of AC. I know that because I bought a Denon DP80 at AC  (on an early VPI HW9 two-arm base) from Hart, the guy who did. Of course, Johnny has taken the place to another level.

I'm sure Johnny will be ok with me clarifying AC's historical record.

Get out..Audio Connection without Johnny R is like the Starship Enterprise without Captain Kirk. Cheers Johnny -Don

Yes, the wise old owl was Hart Hutchens that began AC in 1980 we always had a great relationship. 9 years later1989 is when I arrived on the scene with expanded offerings like Audio Research Ayre Aesthetix Audioquest Aurender Belles Bryston CAD HRS Innous Magnepan Proac Rega Rogue Rotel AMG Clear Audio Bowers Wilkins etc and still having fun!
 Cheers JohnnyR

"Kirk to Enterprise"

https://y.yarn.co/c8a528b9-3d20-43e3-8489-35fe18e96007.mp4?1585191626917

I’m using a Manley Shrimp with my mid mono’s. Sounds great, but else to compare it to.  

I’m using a Manley Shrimp with my mid mono’s. Sounds great, but nothing else to compare it to.  

I would make sure you try the latest Quicksilver 12 AT7 line stageand put more into your front end. The AI preamps work well
 The new Aesthetix Palene 5 K Made in the USA with ala carte Phono and Dacs very sophisticated design, great performer and matches with Quicksilver V4s

@audioconnection 
I would make sure you try the latest Quicksilver 12 AT7 line stage and put more into your front end....

Agree with @audioconnection - 
I recommended the same to a few friends in the past few months, and both of them are super happy with their new Quicksilver Linestage preamplifiers. 

One is now reselling his former preamp that retailed for 5x the cost of the QS line stage, will be putting money back in his pocket!  A majorly underrated tube preamplifier. With some really good vintage/NOS tubes, brings it to another level as well as both have confirmed. Both enjoy the soundstage presentation in particular.    

I have the latest version Quicksilver V4s with the KT150s.  After a couple of bad matches with other preamps, I spoke with Jonny from Audio Connection.  Even though he didn’t have the unit yet to sell me, he recommended the Aesthetix Pallene (which is essentially the preamp half of the Mimas integrated).  I ordered one and had one of the first off the line.  It matches perfectly with the Quickies.  No grain, no harshness, it’s just sonically open, but yet it has plenty of drive to it.  There is a ton of space around everything I play, and it “pulls apart” a lot of music that I’ve been listening to for most of my life.   And after having played around with maybe 5 other preamps while waiting for the Pallene to be built, I realized that the preamp is a huge part of the overall sound of the system.  The user interface is really cool as well - lots of adjustable volume levels, customizable equipment tags, etc.