2. amps-preamps
  3. 1447924039

Need Tube Preamp Warmth

I’m looking for recommendations for a tube preamp with a warm presentation, good soundstaging and imaging, and low-end extension.
It will replace my Rogue Perseus Magnum, which is a detailed, neutral sounding preamp with a great amount of extension in the highs. Even using Mullard Longplates, I’m not getting the sound I want.

The preamp is paired with a Sunfire 300 which has an input impedance of 42 kOhms and input sensitivity of 1.64V. (Single-ended).

The rest of my system is comprised of:
ARC CD3 mk II
Linn Axis TT
Gallo CL-3 speakers
Purist Audio Aqueous speaker cables
Cardas Parsec ICs
Audience PowerChords

The ideal preamp will reproduce classical music in an organic and natural way. (Not looking for vintage).
My budget is $2000 to $2500 used. Any help is much appreciated.
lowrider57

Showing 10 responses by lowrider57

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Thanks so far. And yes, I want a tube amp to pair with the SS ARC CDP. The ARC CD3 mkII does everything well, but there's no mistaking that it is solid state.

A few years back I had a Jolida pre and the sound was wonderful, but it did not have a low enough noise floor.
So I'm staying with a tube pre.

Zd... VTL would be high on my list.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Thank you, Polk432. A tube amp would provide the most realistic sonics. I ultimately will give tubes a try, but that's for my next generation system.

For now I'm very happy with my Sunfire amp, it's got warmth, excellent dynamics, and it's so smooth that I would call it very non-solid state sounding. Perfect for Classical music.

For the record, I'm not trying to get a tube sound out of my system (of course I'd need a tube amp), I like the timbre and characteristics that a tube preamp can provide.
I had a very nice sound with the Jolida as my preamp, but the damn thing was too noisy.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Please don't take offense, but FWIW, sounds like a short term approach and you might be better off figuring out what other component isn't natural enough sounding and making you feel like extra warmth is needed.

Sbank, none taken and I'll look into your suggestions.
I don't feel this is a short term approach, I've chosen wisely with the budget I've had (also spent a lot on power conditioning). The synergy between amp, speaker cables and Gallo speakers have a very natural and realistic image. I've substituted preamps and could hear the realism of a string quartet...it sounds lovely.

To quote you, "what other component isn't natural enough sounding..." It's the preamp; it is analytical with every type of tube. That's it's design and my mistake was during my audition it was paired with a tube amp.

I appreciate your advice and perhaps "warmth" is not the way I should describe it, but there's no doubt that a preamp upgrade is called for.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Thanks for the heads-up Jackmonster, I've made inquiries to the seller. An all-tube preamp of that pedigree would be ideal.

Reviews state that it does not have classic tube warmth, but makes each recording sound very natural and lifelike.

I also like what I'm reading about the VTL TL-5.5 Preamp. A dual mono design, it's described as as "three dimensional, with precise instrumental images, a top-end which was neither etched or analytical."
I don't like that it uses 12AX7's in the linestage which can be noisy.

As far as CJ, it's hard to figure out which models have their best classic dynamic tube sound (Premier 14/16??), and when they changed to a more detailed design.
Any advice on CJ is welcome, but I'm not looking to buy vintage and have to refurbish it.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Since YOU mentioned CJ at the outset and listen to acoustic/orchestral music I think it would be the safest choice but stay with the Premier line with the bigger power supplies, THIS makes all the difference in the long run for BIG music IME. It's better to go used for a better preamp with greater potential than entry level new or slightly used in your budget range.

Tubegroover; thank you, this advice really helps. I'm looking for details such as which line has the larger power supplies. And yes, I'm looking at mid-level preamps (not entry level), and I'm finding my budget of $2500 is in the ballpark.
Thanks.

@ Pops...
Thanks for your input and your impression of the UV, I was trying to find a user review. I'll keep searching for a Premier line and BTW, listening in Row M is ideal for me.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Zd, you're right about that, and now that I'm a potential buyer, I've gotten caught up in the hype of Hifi sales. I've started to trust opinion as fact.
Thanks for the reality check; reviews and advise in these forums are the only way to go when a component can't be auditioned.

I am in talks with someone about a preamp...don't want to jinx it. But am still looking for input and I'm going to increase my budget to around $3000.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Has anybody listened to the Blue Circle BC3000 preamp? I've already searched the archives.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Larkston, the UV-1 looks like a hell of a nice amp for a great price and I like the sound of 6SN7 tubes.

Pops was kind enough to give me his impression of the UV-1 vs. his CJ preamp and I do like the CJ house sound. Although, I find myself periodically googling the UV-1 thinking that I could make the move on that pre and probably be very happy.
Thanks for your input.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Atmasphere, thanks for correcting my mistake.
I spoke to USA TUBE AUDIO and they're out of stock, but expecting more UV-1's to arrive.
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
5,418 posts
 
Thanks, Larkston...I'm the one who was confused; UV, UV-1.
I've only found one online review and it was a rave; a preamp with a natural and realistic sound.

I like Ralph's straightforward designs, and with this little preamp, I wonder how deep and full the bass is; in a normal device you would need a decent sized power supply.
I sent Ralph a PM for specifics.
More to discover