Recommendation for tube preamp


Hi, all. Initially I was going to ask, which would you rather own – Audio Research LS2B or (BAT) VK-3i? But realized I’m sure there are plenty of other tube options. As you can gather, I’m looking at around $2000 range. It will be driving ML 27.5 amp, which is partly why I’m looking specifically at balanced options. But I guess there’s no harm in using unbalanced>balanced cables? I listen mostly to jazz on vinyl, so I enjoy the details but not to clinical levels where it’s dry. I want warmth. Fine with a phono stage included, but not needed.

Appreciate any insight. Thanks.

hoytis

Showing 1 response by awise1961

I've had my ML 27.5  (and ML 23) for about twenty years now, but it has been sitting idle in a cabinet for several years since going all in on Conrad Johnson. For many years the ML 27.5 was fed by a Sonic Frontiers SFL-2 double chassis preamp. Connections were made via XLR cables and the sound was wonderful. After acquiring my CJ GAT S1, I briefly used that in place of the SF pre and it was excellent as well until buying CJ LP275M mono blocks. Remember, if you go CJ for a preamp, you will need the Camac connectors to get the RCA cables to feed into the ML amp.