Preamp suggestions, yes again
@markf31 Are you thinking the AVA non-tube "SLR" all solid state version to pair up with your Aleph? In other words, what's driving you to the SLR vs AVA FET Valve or QS preamp (2nd hand) with tubes you could fine tube-tune later... kinda stuck with all SS. Is it the the hi/low filters or low gain buttons on the SLR version... |
@arcticdeth $4500 for one of the recent Sanders preamps, right? OP is looking closer to 1K to spend. ------- For $1000, Quicksilver Linestage tube preamplifier with no remote and really good vintage input tubes competes handily with several preamps at 2-3x the price. Or, pick up a remote version 2nd hand when they come up for sale, every once in a while. |
@markf31 Not sure if you are aware, it’s a common practice to run a tube preamp in front of the PASS / Firstwatt amplifiers. If you’ve not seen or tried it, look up Korg NuTube on the firstwatt site http://www.firstwatt.com/pdf/art_diy_nutube_preamp.pdf A few reviewers and owners of FW and DIY amps also demoing these flat tube preamps past few years. When I was doing research on the early version ".8" Pass amps a few years ago, was quite surprised to learn from Nelson directly how many owners were already using my own Cary 6SN7 tube based preamp in front of Pass SS amps. He shared he has a "lot of customers using my same tube preamp with his amps". If you are truly looking for suggestions... Your RP-600M and former RP160M predecessor speakers still tend to be a little bright and forward with the TracTrix. A few buddies with them use tube DACs and tube preamps in second systems, and softer input driver tubes. Folks are doing recent crossover updates on them now to help tame the RP-600Ms some more. A nice tube preamp in front of your Aleph SS amp can truly be an enjoyable way to go, fwiw. Or, the AVA Vision SLR preamp you are considering has the switch:
Best of luck on the preamp research and purchase. |
