Preamp for First Watt F7

Please keep this in mind youDonot want any preamp with a Alps,or Bourne 

volume pot for they degrade the detail and sound quality 

they are a silver looking round can ,inside 2 plastic wipers with a conductive spray 

$25 , even some preamps advertised in magazines look at the inside any round silver can up front ,don’t buy it,a resistive ladder type, or relay volume remote 

you want.

I ran a Rogue RH-5 with an First Watt F6 and thought it was an excellent match. I just received it back from Rogue with a clean bill of health if you're interested. I also have a bunch of spare tubes if you are so inclined.

I'm looking for a warmer sound signature. I am no longer a critical listener, just want something that sounds good without bright edges. All of the components (Pontus, Tannoy, Firstwatt) lean towards that. The more I am reading up on things the more I'm leaning toward a tubed preamp. I've reached out to Van Alstine to see what they they think about the match up with an F7, will let you know if I go down that route. the 10RB is interesting for sure. The Rogues are also interesting, will message you privately.

For an affordable but excellent passive pre try one from Luminous Audio. They customize to your system. I recommend the Walker mods. Very transparent.

https://luminousaudio.com/collections/axiom-ii-passive-preamp

https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2012/12/30/mini-review-luminous-audio-axiom-ii-walker-mod/?amp

Quicksilver is very nice and warmish….. So is a Belles 20A if you can find one….