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
rollintubes
84 posts
 
You cannot go wrong with a Prima Luna Dialogue Premium or any Conrad-Johnson that you prefer. Tubes are great!
Rollin
1extreme's avatar
1extreme
161 posts
 
It’s clear from your post that you are new to tubes and your intent is to introduce tube sound to your system to see it’s right for you.

My advice:
1. Buy a tube amp to fully experience tube sound not a tube preamp to use in front of a SS amp.

2. When moving in the direction of tube audio for the first time do not buy new, buy preowned.

3. When selecting a tube amp be aware that the equivalent sound/usable power ratio compared to SS is about 4:1 meaning a 200w SS amp can be replaced by a top brand class A 50W tube amp.
bbreneman
3 posts
 
Check out the pre-amps from Backert Labs.  Well within your budget, great build quality, and they sound fantastic.
1markr
594 posts
 
@bbreneman1   +1 for the Backert Preamp; I use the Rhumba 1.2.

Excellent sounding preamp that's highly tunable based on the relatively inexpensive 12au7 family of tubes (uses a pair). Highly recommended!
ggc
178 posts
 
These are all solid suggestions.  I would go with the Rogue. Great sound stage, imaging and detail. Also really friendly for tube rolling.  I have owned some of the units listed and when I was in the market for a new Preamp I compared Rogue with some of the units listed as well. Obviously I ended up with the Rogue. 
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