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 1 response by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Something with 6922 tubes would be good, then get a set of NOS Mullards from a reliable source like Andy @ Vintage Tube Services. Herron 2, older BAT, or CJ. IMHO, AR preamps are more neutral and like your description of the Rogue.

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. As you add more neutral (not dry, analytical) components you will get closer to more musical realistic sound. As you get closer to SOTA, the best gear converges at natural. Just an opinion, but one a number of top manufacturers have shared with me. Cheers,
Spencer
Cheers,
Spencer
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