2. amps-preamps
  3. 1415118412

Help picking a tube preamp, please

Can you suggest a new tube preamp? This is the kind of thing I'm looking for:

-the usual goals for good dynamics and detail, quiet background, uncolored and even tonality and good imaging, but I'm especially keen on articulate bass extension. I frequently listen at lower levels, so appreciate the bass extension.
- small, fine volume-control steps via remote control. This is absolutely key for enjoyment.
- no phono input needed. Actually, only one or maybe two inputs are needed.
- budget $6-7k-ish, new or newer-used. Budgets are mere guidelines.
- must be available for an in-home demo somehow.
- emotionally I prefer point-point wiring, but execution is all that matters.
- if a preamp is sold with more shrill reissue tubes, I can fix that later with some nice NOS ones.

Connected gear: both hi-res and redbook files fed from a CAPS Zuma SoTM server computer into a Hegel HD25 DAC, said preamp into Quicksilver Silver 88 amps with some NOS input tubes and KT150 output tubes driving Sonus Faber Elipsa SE speakers, all wired up with Kimber 1026, 1126, and 6065 hybrid cabling.

Thanks much, Ralph
ralpheburns

Showing 1 response by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Al has a good suggestion heed it.
If you want good increment control over the entire volume range, this can only be achieved by a pre that has full range of motion control with your amp without having too much gain.
This pre can be set/switched to high or minimal gain, which means the full 100 steps of the volume control may be at your disposal. Instead of just from 7 o'clock to 9 o'clock for full level.

Cheers George
More to discover