2. amps-preamps
  3. 171837-10169

Best Tube PreAmp - McIntosh vs. Audio Research vs. VAC vs. Atma-Sphere

I’m in the market for a Stereo Tube Preamplifier for around $5k-8k in a used market. The reason I want a Tube PreAmp is because I love listening to Male Vocals with smooth velvety sound of Tube.

I will eventually be integrating it into a HT setup. When I’d Parasound Halo A51 5-channel Amp, I typically listened to Music 30% & watched movies 70% of the time. You never know but the % might change after I get the Tube PreAmp.

Source: Oppo BDP-105, Nakamichi RX-505 tape deck

Amplifier: Luxman m900u

Speakers: Tyler Acoustics Linbrook System II Floorstanding (89db, 8 ohms)

My question to you is which PreAmp would you recommend & why? I would prefer feedback from someone who has done some sort of comparison with atleast two of the following or similar type of PreAmps. I understand more you spend, more you get for your money. But I would prefer to stay at the lower spectrum of my price range than the higher.

  • McIntosh C2600 / C2700
  • Audio Research Reference 6 / 6SE / 40th Anniversary
  • Atma-Sphere MP1 / MP3
  • VAC Signature / Rennaisance / any other model
  • Cary Audio SLP-05 / any other model
  • PS Audio BHK Signature
  • Allnic L-9000 / L-7000

Later on the plan is to build a HT system & will add Amp for surrounds & center.

hitsofmisses

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

elliottbnewcombjr
5,249 posts
 

Your front l&r will be a 2 channel ’front stereo system’ via an integrated amp or preamp/amp pair. Used by itself for music, OR, used BY the AVR for video.

that preamp will need HT Bypass INPUT, that is how the AVR controls the front volume along with all the other channels it amplifies.

AVR will need FRONT L&R Preouts.

Consider low bass now: from the main speakers always, or if sub(s) will be used: how you get/control/ and if always available i.e. volume controlled via AVR and for just music, how use sub(s).

I would not complicate that with tubes myself, however, you know how much heat your cabinet/area/room can handle.

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