Take a look at the PS Audio BHK Signature preamp. Buying used, you should spend $3k or less. For the money it is quite good, very musically, reasonably detailed, nice 3D soundstaging. It uses a pair of triode tube inputs that you can change to tailor your system's sound, which can be very helpful. I ran one for 3 years before changing trying some much more expensive preamps (Luxman C900u, ARC Ref 40), and although the higher priced spreads did offer more, they did not embarrass the BHK. For the money, a very good value, IME.
Preamp recommendation; ≤ $5k
Hello all. I'll try to keep the memoir fodder to a minimum; I'm looking for a tubed preamp for my J2. I'm fairly new to the joys and kicks of hifi, and this would be my first non-solid state component. The J2 will be driving a pair of Zu Soul Supremes.
The conditionals: I have it on good authority, though not verified personally, that the J2 really comes alive when using its balanced inputs. With that thought knocking around in my head, and the fact that the J2 is the only production First Watt amp with balanced inputs, I am looking to utilize this feature of the amp. Therefore, the preamp I am looking for would have to be balanced. Further, I am not looking to spend more than $5k. Further still, I would strongly prefer that the preamp be domestic in design/manufacturing origin.
The dilemma is such that before I was gripped by the idea of narrowing my search to balanced designs, I was smitten by the Decware CSP325. Once settled on balanced, I shifted my attention to the Decware ZTPRE. I then discovered the Primaluna EVO400, which not only offers balanced outputs, but also a tube-regulated power supply. The only problem with the EVO400, from my perspective, is that it is manufactured overseas. I treat the practice of listening to records as a bit of a holistic event, and the idea that a contributing component to that experience is the benefactor of the exploitation of cheaper, non-domestic labor rates does not sit well with me.
In any case, if anyone has any thoughts or recommendations, they'd be most appreciated.
The conditionals: I have it on good authority, though not verified personally, that the J2 really comes alive when using its balanced inputs. With that thought knocking around in my head, and the fact that the J2 is the only production First Watt amp with balanced inputs, I am looking to utilize this feature of the amp. Therefore, the preamp I am looking for would have to be balanced. Further, I am not looking to spend more than $5k. Further still, I would strongly prefer that the preamp be domestic in design/manufacturing origin.
The dilemma is such that before I was gripped by the idea of narrowing my search to balanced designs, I was smitten by the Decware CSP325. Once settled on balanced, I shifted my attention to the Decware ZTPRE. I then discovered the Primaluna EVO400, which not only offers balanced outputs, but also a tube-regulated power supply. The only problem with the EVO400, from my perspective, is that it is manufactured overseas. I treat the practice of listening to records as a bit of a holistic event, and the idea that a contributing component to that experience is the benefactor of the exploitation of cheaper, non-domestic labor rates does not sit well with me.
In any case, if anyone has any thoughts or recommendations, they'd be most appreciated.
23 responses Add your response
@cleanshirt,You should seriously consider the Backert Labs Rhumba. It is balanced design and sounds wonderful. If fits in your budget and it is made in the USA. This is not a recommendation out of thin air - but I own it and love it. There are many others on this forum who own them and are happy with this preamp. https://backertlabs.com/rhumba-1-3-preamp/ |
You should look at the Aesthetix Calypso and Pallene. Both are $5K or less new and offer balanced and single-ended inputs and outputs. The Calypso has been around for a few years Andean be found used or ordered new. The Pallene is the preamp section of the Aesthetix Mimas integrated amp and is not on their website yet. Both are excellent sounding preamps made in the USA. Good Luck! |
A Don Sachs linestage is worth considering. He will tweak the output to match your amp’s impedance. They start around $2,600 and you can customize it with better caps. http://www.dsachsconsulting.com/custom%20line%20stage.html Oops, never mind, I just noticed you wanted balanced outputs. Don doesn’t do balanced outputs (only balanced inputs). |
soix asked the key question - one that posters far too often neglect to address in any equipment question asked that been said... pass makes pre’s, with balanced outs - house synergy can be magical... you’ve bought into the f2, this worth considering - talk to nelson... ayre does too, excellent solid state audio research for top shelf lovely sounding tube pre’s with true balanced topologies others out there too... but these to me are the obvious suspects to consider |
perhaps others know about this https://www.ebay.com/itm/Balanced-Audio-Technology-VK-30-Stereo-Tube-Preamplifier-VK30-BAT-Remote/33... same one, from hifishark, less money, perhaps more info from them https://tmraudio.com/components/preamplifiers/balanced-audio-technology-vk-30-stereo-tube-preamplifi... seems remote was an option, verify that. seems phono stage was option, possible to add? they are still in business another, MM, MC phono included https://tmraudio.com/components/preamplifiers/musical-fidelity-m6s-pre-stereo-preamplifier-silver-ne... |
| Post removed |
Surprised no one mentioned it but if you want truly balanced and differential with the balanced standard (not just a single ended preamp with an XLR connection) I can't think anything better than atmasphere mp-3, manufactured locally and providing service for their equipment. I owned an mp-3, amazing preamp for the money |
Surprised no one mentioned it but if you want truly balanced and differential with the balanced standard (not just a single ended preamp with an XLR connection) I can't think anything better than atmasphere mp-3It supports the balanced standard (AES48) too, one of only two mentioned in this thread so far (the other is made by Don Sachs) . But for the price limit, you'd be looking for one used. |
Wow, thanks for all your responses! Following along, this has been a serious education. As far as the sound profile I’m looking for, since I’m new to tubes, I want to see what differentiates tubes from solid state. What they have to offer, I suppose. That’s partly what attracted me to the evo400, being that even it’s power supply is tube rectified. This, despite my self-righteous statements regarding a preference for domestic origin/manufacture. Having said that, the atmasphere mp-3 looks quite nice. I did see one prominent review that mentioned the experience of noise from its phono stage. Can anyone shed any light on that? I suppose I could just use a separate unbalanced phono stage, but it would be desirable to plug my SUT into a phono stage that’s already integrated into the balanced design of the preamp. Further, does anyone know if the power supply regulation/rectification on the mp-3 is tube based?Also, I have to admit, part of the allure of the evo400 would be looking at the glowing exposed tubes in a darkened listening room, rather than an illuminated red dot. It seems like the casework of the mp-3 doesn’t allow for such superficial pleasures. |
As far as the sound profile I’m looking for, since I’m new to tubes, I want to see what differentiates tubes from solid state. What they have to offer, I suppose.That really doesn’t help at all. Tube pres range from neutral to warm and syrupy and everything in between. What specific characteristics are you looking for? Without this it’s not possible to make an informed recommendation that might appeal to you. |
This one beats even my Vinnie Rossi LIO DHT. The level 2 mods make it a giant killer. https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/microzotl-preamplifier |
Here is a little secret: Get an Antelope Audio Zodiac Platinum: it‘s a world class balaced preamp with a superb dac thrown in for free and you‘ll have have spare change from buying it in the used market or directly from Antelope on Reverb. As you‘ll shift to streaming, you won‘t need a separate preamp and have superb SQ. |
