2. amps-preamps
  3. 1051912600

Need help with choosing a tubed pre-amp.

After trying to find interconnects and what not to fix the sterile, somewhat harsh upper region sound of my SS system, I've decided to get a tubed pre-amp. I'm entering a new territory, and any road map or reccomendations would be greatly appreciated. My very modest system:

Adcom GFP 750 preamp (passive)
Bel Canto 2
Arcam cd72t
Audio Physic sub
Monitor Audio Silver 8i
Nordost Quattro Fil ic

I'm looking at a used BAT VK 5i and seem to like it. Does anyone have any experience with it and can relate the positive/negative to owning one. Or, if there are better alternatives within the price range.

I listen to mostly jazz and am looking for something smooth, warm, dynamic w/o overly warm or loss of detail and transparency. Or, the closest thing to a real life jazz concert. I know I've got a long way to go, but it's a start.

My thanks in advance.
mhu
waterman58
13 posts
 
I use a BAT VK5i preamp with a pair of Bel Canto eVo 200.2 amps in the monoblock configuration driving a pair of B&W 801 matrix series 3 speakers. The combination is wonderful! Smooth, but detailed with a huge soundstage and no edginess at all.
Good luck with your quest.
rsbeck
887 posts
 
Check out the McIntosh C-2200.

The dealer had this pre-amp in the system when I
auditioned a pair of speakers -- sounded great.
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ivanj
35 posts
 
I would say your problem is the combination of Monitor Audio, Belcanto, and Nordost. The Adcom in passive mode is merely letting that edgy, additive combination through. Nevertheless the BAT is a nice preamp. All IMHIO.
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