2. amps-preamps
  3. 135117-496

Need tube preamp recommendations please

Hi all

Looking for tube preamp under 2K, no phono but MUST have a remote.

Current system:
PS Audio Perfectwave Transport
Schitt Yaggdrasil DAC
Quicksilver 300B amp
Frankenhorns ( picture top half a Khorn sitting on a bass cabinet)
Full loom of Triode Wire Labs
Bluesound Node 2 streaming Tidal
Placette Passive Preamp. I wanted the truth!? Well, maybe I cant handle the truth.

I'm listening to alot more Tidal these days. Although the sound is quite good, I feel its a bit "raw" hence the need to add a tube preamp to the chain.

I looked into both the Schitt Saga and Freya and owners found no difference in sound when activating the tube stage. Anyone here disagree?

Checking the used audio sites I came across a few of interesting prospects. One was the Rogue 99 Super Magnum and the other was Red Wine Audio Isabella Renaissance. Add to the list several VTL models.

Open to any and all suggestions and recommendations
emil
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
4hannons

What I like about the deHavilland is the very large sound stage. My thoughts are that this pre can be used in very expensive systems so that if upgrades are made to the system the UltraVerve will still be around. 
wig's avatar
wig
1,264 posts
 
Don Sach's DS2 is unbelievable and love mine; hard to believe you can get reference level SQ in this price range...

Wig
wynnytsky
17 posts
 
+1 for the DeHavilland.  I got to hear it's incredible dynamics and tone on my modified corner horns and I'll be patiently waiting for one to come to market.
4hannons's avatar
4hannons
187 posts
 

sounds, wig, wynn,

I agree with you on all accounts. I’m probably only keeping the Pass and selling the other two, here’s why: first, I need a pre that can remain powered on 24/7 -- my system is configured in a way that I can play music at a moments notice using my iPad as a remote. Sometimes I’m just too lazy to get up and turn on a tube pre.

Second, I’m a HUGE fan of Pass, I live not far from him. Pride of ownership is sky-high with me, I’ve dreamt of owning Pass for a long time. The look and feel of the XP-10 is suited to my high-tech taste.

Nevertheless, I’m taking time this weekend to evaluate (again) all three. I may end up changing my mind, this is a difficult decision and it may take longer than one weekend. I do not look forward to parting ways with any of them.

emil,

Any update?

More to discover