2. amps-preamps
  3. 1261957803

Go with a tube preamp or not?

Hello everyone, I am interested in purchasing a tube preamp for my system. I am considering replacing the Classe CP 60 I am currently using and am looking for recommendations. The rest of my system is a Denon 3910 with Upgrade Company signature mods, a pair of Aragon Palladium 2 monos also upgraded by Upgrade Company, a pair of Intuitive Design Summits with Path stands and a total of 6 Stillpoints per side. I use a Velodyne DD12 to augment the low end. Cabling is mostly Ridge Street Audio with one pair of Jungson Golden Dragons used between the pre and power amps. the room is about 13.5 by 17.5 with 8 foot ceilings. I listen to a wide range of music including pop, classic rock, heavy metal, contemporary jazz, blues, and funk. Normal listening volume is 80 to 85 db's but occasionally will listen in the range of 90 to 95 db's if the mood strikes me.

I recently got to hear another member's system that has the Summits and uses a very nice tube preamp. I would like to see if I could get some of that tube sound in my system. I am not looking to drastically change the sound of my system, rather just add a touch of warmth. I have no experience with tube gear, so I am looking for help. I have looked at past threads, but am not finding specific enough info.

There are a couple of requirements that I am looking for and a couple of others that would be nice but are not mandatory. First, I want the unit to be remote controlled. It needs to have both balanced and single ended outputs that are active at all times. (My amps are balanced and I am not looking to change them at this time. The amps also have a 44 kohm input impedance.) Home theater pass thru would be nice, but is not mandatory. Same thing for phono capabilities. I am looking in the $1500 range used but could go as high as $2k if the right deal came along. I am not going above the 2k mark. I would need to sell the Classe pre first.

I have looked a little, and offerings from BAT, Audio Research and Conrad Johnson have all gotten my interest. I am sure there are plenty of others that I haven't mentioned. What I don't want to lose that the Classe does well is pacing and dynamic contrast. Any input is appreciated.
csmgolf

Showing 2 responses by ontjesr

ontjesr
157 posts
 
Just did a shootout between a ARC Ref 3 (1,241 hours) verses a McIntosh C500C/C500T (600 hours) and to quote the owner of the ARC Reference 3, "the C500C/C500T trumped my ARC without question. There was nothing positive to say in it's defense."

Honestly, we both feel there was the lack of synergy with the ARC Reference 3 in my system (McIntosh MC2301 amps, MCD500 CD/SACD & Andra II speakers).

Planning to bring my pre's to his house next week to duplicate.

Bottom line CSMGOLF-- try to get an in-house demo before buying preamps. Probably the hardest item to compare (moreso than CD players where you can listen to exact cuts seconds apart).
ontjesr
157 posts
 
Hi John - long time since we last spoke. My point to CSMGOLF was regardess what preamp(s) he considered, at least make the attempt to have in-home demo as synergy in itself has alot to do with the final results.

Best to you & you provided CSMGOLF with some excellent suggestions inwhich to focus his attention.

Bob
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