2. amps-preamps
  3. 138310-5802

Might try a tube preamp

I’ve been toying with the idea of giving tubes a try and thought I would start with a tube preamp running to my SS amp and see how I liked it.    

After reading reviews and looking through some of the posts here on Audiogon I’ve been thinking of a LTA micro ZOTL or rogue audio RP-7 - each around $5k.   Thoughts on these?  

Or would I be better off looking for something else used here on Audiogon?  Maybe a ARC Ref 5 or LS-28?  I’m pretty new to tubes so am open to options.

Thanks
rshad0000

Showing 3 responses by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
rshad0000 OP133 posts
  I also like th idea of getting a tube pre on a trial basis.    I haven’t heard much on the Freya.

Freya is great also, has 3 different modes ss,tube, and passive. Also has the best mechanical volume control going around (the one in the Chord is better being digital).
  
But still, my bet is for the Chord direct into the Gryphon to sound the most transparent , dynamic, and un-coloured.
But then some people like colouration's that all active preamps give, even passive ones to a much smaller degree.

Cheers George  
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 

rshad0000 OP132 posts

This is what you should try before blowing 5k on a preamp.


It in your instructions to set up rca input 3 to be a power amp only input.

Set the Diablo 300 in the menu to make input 3 a "poweramp input" and this totally by-pass the preamp stage.

And because your Chord has such a great volume control, connect it to input 3 of the Diablo, and use the Chord to adjust your volume.

From Chord:

"The device’s lossless digital volume control outputs the signal direct to your power amplifier for the purest experience.

DAVE has a full-sized LCD display, showing input, sample frequency, volume and set-up configurations options, within Chord’s famous porthole design. On its fascia, DAVE also features a rotary encoder with a large stainless steel controller and ball buttons, enabling direct interactivity in addition to the supplied remote control."


From Gryphon:

" RCA Input 3 of the Diablo and using the Menu to configure this input so that the signal bypasses all preamplifier stages in the Diablo."


Cheers George


georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
rshad0000

atmasphere6,545 posts09-20-2018 1:48am
Since your amplifier is integrated and there doesn’t appear to be a direct input to the power amp section, I don’t see how a preamp tube or solid state would help.


I believe it can be used as a poweramp.
" RCA Input 3 of the Diablo and using the Menu to configure this input so that the signal bypasses all preamplifier stages in the Diablo."

My friend has one he says he uses it with his Lightspeed Attenuator passive preamp.

Cheers George
More to discover