2. amps-preamps
  3. 1130717118

Looking for a crystal clear / dynamic tube preamp

Dear fellow addicts:
I am on a search for a very crystal clear, ultra dynamic sounding tubed preamp in the $2k price range. Also, ideas on NOS tubes which would be most appropriate with the preamp are very welcome.
I do need a remote control, since I simply no longer find the strength to get off my butt, and crawl to my audio rack to adjust the volume each time I feel the need.
I reiterate the need for a crystal-clear presentation (as well as strong dynamics, and bass). A silver faceplate option is a huge plus.
My system is as follows... Von Schweikert VR5 speakers with the magnesium code woofers option($10K?), Pass Labs X250 power amp ($6K), Arcam CD33t CD player ($2.5k), cables by Verbatim (hand made by a genius by the name of Paul Garner, of Von Schweikert Audio.... ps. Thanks, Paul!)
I would be willing to stretch the budget, within reason for something truly, special....
Best regards.

pkale69
pkale69 OP
7 posts
 
Jgiacalo,
I have been told that the tubes used in the Magnum 99 were 6SN7 tubes, and they were quite micro-phonic. Were those people wrong in their assessment?
pkale69 OP
7 posts
 
Sounds_real_audio,
Not sure where you got the impression I am looking for “A world beater tube preamp”. I am just looking for a “KISS ASS” tubed preamp... Oh my, can you say “ASS” on Audiogon? (BLUSH!) If so..., I’ve got a few others terms I would like run by my fellow audio-infected victims.
pkale69 OP
7 posts
 
Correction: the comment "KISS ASS" should have read "KICK ASS". Mia culpa.
greenman
53 posts
 
The ARC LS-25 was a relatively expensive preamp. At the new price I wasn't in love with the LS-25 but it is quite viable at the used price. The original LS-25 used 6922 tubes. The Mk II revision (2001) used 6H30s. So far, the 6H30 preamps I've heard haven't done it for me but I have not heard the new ARC Ref 3, The BAT VK-51SE or the Joule LA-150 so that opinion certainly isn't written in stone.
I tend to like tube preamps and amps that do not have much in the way of euphonic tubey colorations (some C-J and Cary products come to mind as too tubey) but still offer the dimensionality and "flesh" that the best tube gear provides. The preamps I've recommended strike a middle gound; not as SS sounding as some 6H30 designs but also not appreciably warmer and sweeter than life. You'll have to work out where that sonic line falls for you.
I would take a SF Line 3se or a BC 3 Despina Mk II in preference to either variant of the LS-25 but not by a huge margin. There is an upgrade path for the LS-25 through Great Northern Sound. Their Wadia mods are very good but I haven't heard the ARC mods.
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jgiacalo
446 posts
 
Yes, the Magnum uses 6SN7 tubes. Not sure how microphonic they are compared to other tubes since my experience is limited. Certainly no more so than my current McIntosh c2200 preamp which uses 12AX7 tubes.
However, there was a noticeable improvement when I placed a Herbies Tube Dampers (@$12.) on each tube, and, used Walker SST on the tube pins which totally eliminated even the minimal tube hiss present - it became totally quiet. Made it even clearer sounding than it already was.
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