Seeking a Tube preamplifier
I currently have the following system:
I like the Bp-19 preamp. The sound is refined, detailed and clear but it is missing some of what a tubed preamp delivers. I switched to my backup preamp which is a tubed Rogue Audio RP-1 entry level and noticed that is wasn't as resolving or crystal clear as the Bryston BP-19, but I noticed that a vocalist projected air, depth and a richness that I did not find on my solid state preamp. On a track with a guitar there was a bloom and decay that I didn't notice on the solid state. Now I was thinking what about a tubed preamp that delivers both the positives of a solid state and tubed preamp? My maximum budget new only is $7500.00. Only need a linestage as phono is not required. In any case, I started looking at the entry level Conrad Johnson ET6SE, but confirmed with manufacturer this morning that there is no way to control the balance on their entry level product. I am disappointed, but my seating requires the ability to control the balance. I was also looking at the Rogue Audio RP-9, but their product uses a 6H30 tube which may be difficult to obtain in the future. Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.
@rmdmoore The MA-1 has a direct coupled output. That same output is used in our preamps, but because its further upstream it makes a much bigger difference since its more transparent. IOW we think that doing this at the preamp level is a bigger deal. |
@kjl1065 Since your amp has balanced inputs you might consider a preamp that has balanced outputs. The advantage of going that route is, if the balanced line standard (known as AES48) is supported by the preamp (many high end audio balanced preamps do not, FWIW) then you get less artifact from the interconnect cables. If you've ever auditioned cables side by side and heard a difference, that's what I'm talking about. So if you're inquiring about such a preamp its a good idea to ask the manufacturer about this. There are balanced tube line stage preamps available well within your budget. |
