I need help choosing my next tube preamp.


Although I really enjoyed usnig my ARC LS-15 preamp since I bought it brand new several years ago, I'm looking to upgrade it.

I'd like to stay with tube preamps only.

I like experimenting with different tubes, so the new preamp should probably not be based on the new 6H30 supertube.

Qualities I'm looking for in my next preamp - it should have a pretty laid back(more so than the LS-15) but dynamic character, with plenty of detail, but not be hyper detailed, should have good definition in the bass region(deep, tight bass, not bloaty), full sounding mids and produce a wide and deep soundstage.
Also, it should have a high resolution volume control with plenty of steps to provide ability to fine tune volume for late night low-level listening.

Primary source in my system is digital. No analog as of yet.

The candidate preamps are:
ARC LS-25 MkI,
BAT VK-31,
Sonic Frontiers Line-3
Aesthetix Calypso

I'm pretty much open to other tube preamp suggestions, as long as it is from a well known manufacturer and is not known to have reliability issues.

I listen to different types of music. Classical, traditional and modern jazz, blues and rock.

Really looking for your expert opinion. And if someone who has any experience with the mentioned preamps can share their thoughts, it would be great!

Thanks a lot!!!!
128x128audphile1
Have you considered the Cary SLP-05? I ahve heard awesome things about that pre. I will be auditioning it against my Classe CP-700 ss preamp. In my opinion, you just cant go wrong with Cary pres and cdp.
Tboooe, no I haven't considered this preamp.
What you plan on doing, though, is going to be an interesting comparison.
The Joule Electra LA-150 has been upgraded to the MII version and no longer used any Russian tubes. The gain tubes and follower tubes are now 6350's which have been in the Joule lineup for over 10 years.

The result is a much more fleshed out and musical presentation.

Jud Barber - Joule Electra
thanks. At this point I am pretty satisfied with my ARC LS-25 preamplifier. So far I think the preamp search had ended. Thanks again for your recommendations.
Im an ex audio engineer and of course current audiophile/nutcase. I have ATC active speakers, Densen 400XS CD Player and the ModWright9.0SE Pre-amp which uses 2 5687 and 1 Sovtek for the valve regulated power supply.
This pre-amp will walk all over most pre-amps period and has been compared to the top range Wavac and VTL. And for the price, buy it!