2. amps-preamps
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Recommendation

I am considering purchasing a solid state pre amplifier.  I would consider paying as much as $10,000. It will replace a VTL 5.5.  I have used a tube preamp for over 20 years, and I love the sound of tubes, but it is becoming more and more difficult to change the tubes, and now that I am using Tidal and internet radio, the pre amp is on almost all of the time.

The power amp is BAT 6500 and Magneplaner Tympani t 1d.  (I have owned the tympanies since 1978!)

nmaudlin295n
9 responses Add your response
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,393 posts
 
Why isn't an Ayre preamp under your consideration?  You can't do better.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
As a fan of tube preamps, Klyne is the only SS preamp that I would consider.

I certainly haven't heard them all, but I've owned Levinson, Krell, Classe, Rowland, Klyne, Coda, Threshold and had Ayre, Pass Labs, Spectral, and BAT preamps in my system.
I have not heard Vitus, Burmester, MBL, etc., but they may be over your $10K range, even used.

Curiously, how hard is it to change tubes? Some tube designs even have the tubes openly accessible.
Post removed 
infection's avatar
infection
807 posts
 
In your opinion what are the strengths & weaknesses of the VTL? 
What are your input requirements? 
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,593 posts
 
Keep the amp and pay a tech to visit your home with white gloves and replace the tubes every few years. No point paying out huge money for streaming source material.
nmaudlin295n OP
8 posts
 
Dear Infection:. I really like the VTL.  Really, the only reason to switch is to avoid having to pull the unit out a couple of times per year and change the tubes.  

I like noromance's advice--. When it comes time to change the tubes, and if I do not want to do it, I will hire someone!  

Thanks for all the comments.  

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,544 posts
 
In my experience a Tube pre-amp should not need re-tubing a couple times a year even if on a considerable time. I would have a tech look at it and then consider what brand of tubes you are using.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I agree with glennewdick, a tube preamp should not need re-tubing a couple of times a year. If it does, there maybe something wrong with it. Preamp tubes should last for several years.
johnch993
5 posts
 
I've had a VTL 2.5 for over 12 years that is on 24x7 and serves double duty for music and TV -- i.e. it sees a LOT of use.  I finally did a re-tube this year. To be fair, one tube started acting up about a 18 months ago, but the preamp certainly does not require new tubes every couple of years, let alone a couple of times per year as you've experienced with your 5.5.  Have you spoken with VTL about your experience to get their perspective?
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