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New to Preamp - Preamp suggestion around 10k

Hello all! I am new to this site, and preamp. Thiss might be niche, but I am using a Stax headphone with its amp, which has a bypass function for external preamp. I am trying to add a slight bit of warmth, plus better dynamics and imaging.

 

Currently I have found some good ones (and available), from what I've seen on this site, as follows:

Rogue Audio RP-9

Cary SLP-05 (around 11k with the "ultimate upgrade")

 

I've also seen ARC Ref 6 suggested, but there seems to be a lack of sellers in my place. As for SLP-05, the distributor at my place said there was no demo, even for the standard version......which left me with RP-9 for audition. Would much appreciate your opinions on them, and any alternatives!

 

Thank you in advance!

cming0038

Showing 1 response by markmuse

markmuse
290 posts
 

My journey in the last few years has been BHK, replaced with Rogue RP7, replaced with ARC 6SE, finally replaced with Backert Labs Rhythm. 

The BHK sounded best with 6-7 volt tubes, but was noisy with them in my admittedly overpowered system.

The Rogue was nice but I wanted a bit more resolution.

The ARC was hard and aggressive sounding.

The Backert is wonderful! Perfect balance of warm, resolving, no issues, only two tubes, responds well to tube rolling, including 12sn7 with adapters. 

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