2. amps-preamps
  3. 193896-112139

Seeking a Tube preamplifier

I currently have the following system:

  • 1. Martin Logan 11A Impression Loudspeakers (hybrid electrostatic)
  • 2. Bryston 4B3 Cubed power amplifier 300 into 8 and 500 into 4
  • 3. Bryston Bp-19 preamp recently purchased
  • 4. Rogue Audio RP-1 tubed preamp backup for BP-19 preamp
  • 5. Weiss Dac 204 with Modwright Linear Power Supply
  • 6. Lumin U2 mini streamer with S Booster linear power supply
  • 7. SVS Pair of SB-4000 subs.

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. 

kjl1065

Showing 2 responses by audioguy85

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,032 posts
 

I bought a music hall ph 25.2 hybrid headphone/preamp on a whim. I’ll tell you what, the thing sounds freaking awesome! Picked it up on sale for 399...if you want to hear that bloom, this thing has it in spades, I’m shocked at how good it sounds. It also seems to provide plenty of detail for me. Yeah, your gear and your budget is way more $ than this thing, but I think for an outlay of a lousy 400, you may be very surprised. I think this thing is a hidden gem of a budget component. I think I’m gonna buy another one, to have it in reserve, in the event of a failure.  I honestly think that this little preamp proves that you do not need to spend an absurd amount of $ to get a very high quality sound. Just tell your friends you spent several grand on it, lol. As a bonus, your getting a darn good headphone amp too. 

It’s been implemented in my second set up, connected to two NAD 268 class D amplifiers that are in bridged mode/300 watts per Chanel, and an insane amount of power on dynamic peaks for short bursts (we are talking a half kilowatt!). I’m shocked how good this very cost effective set up sounds. It has me second guessing a lot of things.  All ears are different and your results may vary, but to my ears, it sounds very pleasing. My other system consists of Sugden class A and Tannoys. 

https://soundapproach.com/music-hall-ph25-2-hybrid-headphone-amplifier-with-tube-preamp.html

You can get it for only $359 from the sound approach link above....

https://www.musichallaudio.com/products/music-hall-ha11-1-headphone-amplifier

audioguy85's avatar
audioguy85
2,032 posts
 

Your doing yourself a disservice not at least buying and testing out the music hall I recommended. How can you lose? If you think it sucks, it can be sold on ebay. Lousy 400 bucks....heck of a lot better than spending 10k....just because it’s a whole bunch of money does not mean it’s a guarantee to sound great. It’s one thing I have at least learned in this insane hobby.

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