@keithr, Since you are coming from a Music First Audio TVC preamp, you will value a preamp that's not colored or voiced I guess. Shindo, Audio Note, CJ and the likes are all very voiced products. They have a strong house sound. At least I have used them all and found it that way. If you want a really good preamp without voicing and full range, direct sound, check out Wavac PR-Z1 or PRT-1. Fast, natural, glowing sound without voicing.
Tried several and judged them to be this or that compared to this and that, then the Modwright 36.5 with NOS tube made me cry. Your experience may vary. Might be better at this or that.
I like this relevant discussion and would also like to ask for some kind of advice.
I have the latest version of the McIntosh C22 preamplifier, with tone controls and such, hooked up to an ARC GS150 amp and Wilson DAW speakers. My source is an Esoteric X-01xs...all cabling Nordost and Synergistic Research (Euphoria!), except have not found great speaker cables yet... Not trying to hijack the thread, my apologies. Since I have an Esoteric SACD/Cd player as a source, I am trying to figure out the preamp...
@haabitat Get a balanced tube preamp for your amp.
If you get one that supports the balanced line standard then you will have a fair amount of immunity to the sound of the interconnect cables. FWIW most balanced line products in high end audio don't support the standard. ARC is a good example.
@mikem I'm not sure why you care how I spend my money. And I'm almost certain you've never compared the Freya to a top of the line preamp. If you have direct experience, go ahead and enlighten us.
The best one under 15k is the one that sounds best to you. Asking others a question like this is like asking someone what’s the best tasting pie under $15. People tastes differ not only in what they like to hear, but also in what they like to eat.
One other unit worth checking out is the KR Audio P 135. It is a 45 based preamp. Really cool unit with an unbelievable soundstage. I personally am intrigued by the idea of pairing this preamp with a Chord Ultima 6. I think it would be an incredible combo.
I am a KR Dealer but you guys should check out the review on this one. Worth the read.
Exemplar audio XP-2 (15 K) , in view of most, who have heard this preammp, is as good as most preamps up to 35 K. It has vishay naked resistors & Urushi capacitors. I compared it to the stock Wavac PRT1 & it definitely to my ears was overall more musical & better . I still have PRT1 , but modified all resistors to Audio Note Tantalum silver resistors & Electrolytic caps to Audio Note Kesai. ( No Other Caps to change) , Only then the PRT1 sounds superior. I compared Exemplar XP-2 n my previous life, to CJ ACT 2 & preferred the XP-2 I improved XP-2 further by bypass Audio Note Silver caps The rest of my system; Speakers Giya 2, Power Amps; Audio-Music 833 MKII, Silver Ultima Mono blocks, Audio-Music 833 MKII, Silve editin Monblocks, Jadis JA80 25th Anniversay, Lamm 2.2 . T/T; Roy Borgess / Kuzma 14 inch . Technics SL1000 with 3 tonearms ( the other 2 tonearms ; Axiom & SME5) . cartridges include Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement. I mention the above system , to assure, who is reading this , I am qualified to have an opinion about Hi Fi ( I am X- Publisher of Hi Fi plus mag )
I always thought I would miss preamp tubes if I crossed over to the dark side, but I recently went from an LTA MicroZOTL preamp to Pass XP-20 and have not looked back. Details emerged, stage grew bigger (especially higher), and most importantly for me, my noise floor dropped like a lead balloon. Tubes are great, but you might benefit from considering SS as well (particularly if, like me, you have any electrical gremlins that can be exacerbated by tubes - particularly in the preamp where the signal is of lower amplitude).
There have been a couple of mentions for VTL in this thread. The top two models - TL-6.5 II and TL-7.5 III are both hybrid designs employing tubes and MOSFET and most importantly they are both MORE than $15K.
The sweet spot in the VTL line-up is the TL-5.5 II. This is a pure tube design. There is an option to have this model (and only this one) fitted with a tube phono section (which borrows a lot from their top of the line Phono stage). With the optional phono card installed this should squeak under your budget and it certainly will if ordered as just a line stage.
It also has a full function remote (machined out of a piece of alloy).
Aesthetics are personal and many here don't worry too much about them, but if you do then the VTL looks like a fairly modern, sleek unassuming box. There are no tubes on display, and no grab handles on the front.
PLEASE LISTEN: I can guarantee you that the MicroZOTL pre beats out my Pass XP30, 20, 22, and, my Conrad Johnson GAT And all other pres I’d thought we’re under $5000 giant killers. In my MicroZOTL I’m running great tubes. The 6SN7’s which to me have the sound I like. In addition the volume attenuation step in Tenuate or on the MicroZOTL is excellent and on par with both the Conrad Johnson and the pass labs although possibly not as smooth as Pass
The VAC Renaissance V with phono is my current preamp. Simple remote with mute and volume provides me the convenience I desire, but still have to manually change source. The transformer output is able to match to any power amp and currently drives my Ayre VX5/20. Another solid feature is the phono section that VAC is know for and it performs well with my Madake, Purpleheart, or Windfeld Ti cartridge. You should seek out a demo or at the least call VAC and speak with Kevin or Brent about your system goals. I have owned 3 VAC preamps over the last 15 years. Factory support is excellent no matter what level of their equipment you own. Sorry to sound like a crazy fan but I guess I am... Rick
I am glad you are pleased with your LTA microZOTL. I think it is a fine preamp, but in my situation it was not the best fit. Different strokes for different folks. And our natural variability in preference and hearing make for an even richer audio community in my opinion. Cheers
Wavac Pr-t1 In my system clearly bested the Vitus Masterpiece, and fought a score draw with Boulder 2110. The significantly more expensive Boulder was larger scale and has a wider envelope c/w subterranean, house-shaking bass, while the Wavac (with Amperex valves) was more musical, intimate and atmospheric....and is stunningly beautiful to behold
“Didn't even know there were any good ones for under $15k”?
Ummmmmm! Yes, there are a few. Example, Cary Audio SLP-05 with the Ultimate Upgrade. check out the article on Stereophile. You don’t have to pay $20–80K to be the best sounding
There has been a Shindo Vosne-Romanee lurking about Audiogon for a few weeks.
listed at 12k. That is an amazing pre for well under your 15k budget.
like other posters I would also consider the
Shindo Masseto can be found on here a few times a year usually at about half your budget. The shindo line goes Auregies, Monbrison (regularly found on here for $4500-6k), Masseto, Vosne-Romanee, then a couple more above that but very rare. The Masseto and the Vosnee are stunning. especially if you can get a good deal on used.
models by VAC
KONDO Audionote (Japan, not the UK boys.... get the real deal if you can afford it.. sublime). Every blue moon or so a Kondo will come on here that is in your price range.
Jadis (although I personally prefer Shindo)
Air Tight.. very very good and in your price range could likely get a great pre and a phone stage
There are others I would also look at.
Maybe a CJ GAT
Wavac
Few interesting German brands: Voxativ, Viking, others
Leben
Top end Luxman
As others have said; ARC.
There are more, but that would be a good start.
remember, you said best TUBE pre amps under 15k.
Any serious "best" list would have to include those brands and lines in tube pre amps.
Don Sachs all in pre. Or you can get an LTA integrated or separates and have plenty of cash to spare. I have the Don Sachs paired with the LTA ZOTL 10 and its stunning.
“Didn't even know there were any good ones for under $15k”?
Ummmmmm! Yes, there are a few. Example, Cary Audio SLP-05 with the Ultimate Upgrade. check out the article on Stereophile. You don’t have to pay $20–80K to be the best sounding
Lots of things come and go in my system but the Don Sachs 2,pre amp stays for less that 3k it will compete way beyond its price point in the 7k to 10k category
I came from a ARC Ref 1 and the EAR is a better sounding unit in my system, to my ears. A stunningly good piece of gear. Tone, texture, soundstage and PRaT are spot on. I have it driving an Einstein The Power Amp. Great combination. I listen to Jazz, Rock, Classical, Pop, Bluegrass, Ambient...
I am surprised there is so little love for the magnificent McIntosh C1100 which can be found used for less than $10,000. Insert some Gold Lions for a little extra pop and air and you have a world class Pre Amp.
I'll add the Woo Audio WA33 Fully-balanced Headphone Amp/Preamp to the mix. It's $14,999 for the 'Elite Edition'. Made in Brooklyn, New York. I have a 1st-generation WA22, modified to preamp duty with a 2nd balanced input and love it. Perfectly silent, perfectly euphonic. Even so, I lust after the WA33. Not sure it's worth 3x as much as what I already have, but I'm sure it's a lot nicer in every conceivable way.
I am voting for the Modwright LS300... I also use his Phono PreAmp and love it as well. I purchased the PH9.0 a few years ago and had him add balanced outputs for me which he did with Lundahl Transformers. The sound was incredible! I have had the LS300 for less than a week, but I must say it was an upgrade that has wowed me. I am using Bryston 7B mono blocks with Revel 226Be. So yes... a big hurrah for the LS300!
I like the 27 SET preamplifier, but it has to have DC for the cathode heaters to silence hum and it is very tricky for its plate power. I like the blue glass Arcturus 27's and they sound good too. You have to build your own. You can also use 2C22's in choke loaded mu follower.
I would suggest checking out the Thomas Mayer 10y Line Preamp. I think this is one of his best known products.
Each unit hand built to your specs by him personally. You can select for what combination of inputs and outputs, chassis wood and paint scheme, he may also give choices on input and output transformers. It can run 10y VT-25 tubes, 801a VT-62 or his own Elrog 801a tubes. Also transformer volume control is standard which is very rare. The build quality and parts selection are at the highest level. If you are outside the EU you can deduct the 19% VAT from the price. To the US and without pricey options it would cost about $10k. https://www.vinylsavor.com/en/products/line/
His all silver and differential models cost over $15k
Cary Audio SLP-05 with the Ultimate Upgrade. List price is just shy of $11,000; however, through Carydirect.com, you can purchase it for just under $7,000. With the money you’ve saved, I’d upgrade the eight (8) stock 6SN7 tubes.
Are you all crazy! Everyone knows that AR SP10 is one of the top Tube Pre Amp of all time, for some, the best there EVER was! They can be had for around 5k, if you can find one!
So I ended up with the MicroZOTL and am very pleased with this preamplifier. The 12at7s required changing out and after some rolling decided on some RTN east german tubes. The NOS 12SN7s are actually quite good. I don't find the preamp super warm at all, but open sounding with good liquidity.
Paired with the Ampzilla, 2nd Edition yields a very pleasing, dynamic combo. I'd love to try a Vac Ren V at some point too, but in no hurry now.
The Cary SLP-05 is an excellent preamp.The Supratek Cabernet [and probably Sauvignon] are better though.And cost less .They are made to order however so you have to wait for them to be built.
@Keithr, Nice of you to assume what equipment I’ve owned and compared to.. I’ve been doing audio for over 50 years and spent enough to know you don’t need to spend as much as you think.. some of my previous preamps, BAT VK5i, Blue Circle BC3, Django TVC Passive (still using), Bel Canto DAC 3.5 VBS, DeHavilland, Cary audio, a couple of ones I built via AES, and others I don’t remember.. The Freya equals or bests most of them.. While it’s not the “ultimate” preamp out there.. It’s quite good and will compete with units costing much more.. But many audiophiles need to spend more to think they’re better...
@Three_easy_Payments. “I'm not sure why you'd need to spend $900 on a Freya when you have a perfectly acceptable iPhone and earbuds that sound just fine. ” I don’t want to imitate your sound system... I like mine just fine.. but thanks..
@tinear123 How did you like the Pass X-22 overall.. I’m considering the XP12 mainly because of the volume control which is used on the XS pre. I’m happy with what I have and the flexibility... but i want to TRY a Pass preamp with my pass amp.. I haven’t heard a complete pass combo and I’m curious to give it a try... sighs.. I’ve been Tubes all my life, but this Pass amp is making me want to try a SS pre.. thanks.
I haven't tried enough to declare any best, but I will concur with those above who vote for the Don Sach's 6sn7 pre, I love mine.
I'm also surprised more people who are into tube-based pres aren't mentioning DHT designs. They are challenging to build without noise/microphony, but the above designs by Thomas Mayer and Vinnie Rossi provide two well-reviewed examples. Allnic provides some others that I'd love to hear. Out of curiosity (started by 6 moons and my ownership of Coincident speakers) and the fervent online following of DHT designs I'm having Radu Tarta build me a custom two-chassis unit based on the high gain EML 20AM tube. Hopefully in a couple months I'll find out that the DHT adherents are correct.
i own 6 linestages at present - no such thing as a favorite... it depends on system and what is needed but you can see what i voted for with my feet and wallet so to speak
audio research reference 3 ayre k5xe mp cj et5 cj prem 16ls2 don sachs carver lightspeed ref
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tried and sold (partial list) over the years
vac ren 4 modwright swl 9 se arc ls26 arc ref 2-2 mccormack tlc audible illusions mod 3a cj act2 cj gat (1) cj pv14 cj pv10a cary slp 98 parasound jc2 ps audio bhk
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