Looking for warm tube preamp (should pair well with Pass power amp), budget $6000


Right now I have an ARC ref5se and its nice but looking for something of similar quality but warmer (maybe Vac, CJ or something you think will fit well). Looking for smooth sound, full mid range.

Thanks!

smodtactical

Showing 4 responses by rocray

Last summer I was on the hunt for my forever preamp.  I figured I would purchase new,since this was going to be the one.  I had it narrowed down to Don Sachs, Supratek Chardonnay, or an Aric Audio Transcend 6SN7 Line Stage.  I decided against the Sachs solely on the wait time. Now it was down to two choices.  The only other new piece of gear I’ve ever purchased was Aric’s Unlimited preamp.  I had decided at that point I was going to reach out and order from Aric. Literally,right after making that decision,a Motherlode II came up for sale on this site. It was a bit of a stretch budget wise,but it was definitely the right decision.  Aric has always been responsive to any questions.  His gear is top notch. I differ from most folks. When I purchase gear,I look at how the gear will improve my enjoyment only.  Some look at resale in six months,because there is always that itch to scratch. Aric has been around long enough where his gear is getting the reputation it deserves. I feel he makes true high end gear,at human prices.  I’m not saying that there aren’t other great manufacturers out there,because there certainly are. If folks are only interested in getting as much as they can on resale, I think they are already making a compromise.  Remember,you might be ruling out the better gear,simply because there aren’t tens of thousands of used sales records in which to refer. 
 

    Ray 

I’m going to back up @aricaudio with his statement about the value of his used gear. How can I do this? The reason I can is because I purchased one of the two Motherlode II’s that have come up on the used market. At the time,it was the only one I had ever seen. I stretched my budget a little,and it was worth every penny.

Aric Audio as @cmach pointed out. I run the Motherlode II with First Watt amps.  I find it to be an excellent pairing.  

Hi @smodtactical, I own three old Arics preamps. A very early 3.5 I think it is,an Unlimited ( it’s a 12a?7 based pre. Aric’s preamps are a tube rollers dream) and a Motherlode II.  I find the Unlimited to be more on the warm side than the Motherlode II. The Motherlode II is neutral with just a sprinkle of warmth. This pre is also VERY responsive to tube rolling.  I’ve never had the pleasure of hearing your Pass Labs amp,however if it has any of the same DNA as the First Watt amps,it will be a joy to listen to.  I hope I answered your questions.

 

      Ray