2. amps-preamps
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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.
128x128lowrider57
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lowrider57 OP
5,417 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.
salectric
751 posts
 
The Emotive Audio Sira is a seriously good preamp, and the one listed on Audiogon has the V-Cap upgrade which puts it above any of the Siras described in the reviews.
4musica44107
520 posts
 
Shindo Aurieges.
analogluvr
859 posts
 
I recently got a bottlehead beepre and once optimized it is one of the best sounding preamps I haveever heard. I preferred it to vacuum state svp2 I had which is a very good pre as well.
rcprince
3,070 posts
 
The Shindo Aurieges is a good choice for what you want (it has a very low noise floor and is on the warm side of neutral), but it will be hard to fit in your budget. I admit to being seduced by the Shindo Kool-Ade, but it is a special piece.
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