preamp recommendation for bedroom set amp

Check out Music Hall and Cambridge audio. Great value for the money.

Not certain if it's a good match with the AJ, but check out the least expensive preamp (HP input and remote) from Linear Tube Audio.

Supposedly designed by David Berning and very positive reviews (both pro and otherwise).

With remote it comes in @ around $1.5K and the small signal tubes should last a lifetime (per reviews;-).

I've wondered if the power amp section would work with my vintage Elac wide range drivers as my cheap 3 watt 2A3 amps have Zero problem driving them.

https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/mz2mz2-s

DeKay

I agree that linear tube audio seems like a good idea just did not know if it necessarily mated well with a set amp.....its on my short list ....just seeing if anyone has been down this road testing preamp with set amp.....the art preamp is far too pricey....

can someone recommend a preamp for a set amp

That’s silly.  Lots of pres will work with a SET amp.  What sound characteristics and improvements are you looking to achieve?  That’s the bottom line here. 

my amp has volume control but seems many believe that amp is better still not receiving source digital system direct so want to try a preamp between the marantz digital player and the amp (ideally tube (dont want to lose set amp sound signature) with remote and headphone jack))

@karmapolice,
I took my 300b SET (Coincident Frankenstein mono blocks) to a friend’s home to hear in his system. We used his LTA Micro Z OTL MZ2 (With linear power supply and 6SN7 tubes)  as the preamplifier. Absolutely zero issues and the pairing had very good sound quality. I can’t foresee any potential problems with your Art Audio Jota SET (Very nice amplifier BTW).
Charles

soix:

What experience do you have mating preamps to DH/SET amps?

I had difficulty finding one for an Audion Silver Night 300B DHT/SET in that all tried diminished the positive attributes of the amp with it's simple ALPS volume pot.

Diminished enough that they were a no-go.

Good DH/SET amps are special and can be easily screwed up with poor matings.

DeKay

I was going to try the linear tube audio when I can find one secondhand as it would provide me a preamp and a headphone amp and a remote for volume.

I am not in a rush where I am gonna buy it new.....

hey, I am the new importer for Art Audio.  The Jota is a lovely amp.  We encourage you to look at very low gain with a tube stage for pairing with the any of our SETs.  The volume control is just a volume POT in a passive stage.  

The recommended preamp from Art Audio would be the Conductor Simply 2 which lists for $5500.  

I second the Conductor Simply 2 recommendation. We replaced our Joule Electra LA300ME (a very nice preamp) with a Simply 2 and the difference is startling. The Joule is darker, warmer, whereas the Simply 2 has a more detailed, more refined & clearer sound. Paired with the Art Audio PX25, the Simply 2 moves vocalists & singers out into the room front & center; with noticeably more midrange detail. Individual notes are better defined. Price has increased to $7999 at this writing, still quite a bargain considering its sonic qualities.