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 1 response by rmdmoore

rmdmoore
172 posts
 

I was a rogue guy. I had an old sixty-six from the late 90s. That was a great sounding amp. When I started on my big upgrades a few years back I went with an RP-1. It sounded so much better and I thought to myself, an RP-7 must be even better so I got one. It was crystal clear but somewhat sterile. No tubey goodness at all. I rolled tubes extensively and it got better but never where I really wanted. I read a lot about the don Sachs line stages so I got my hands on one of those and I felt as if nirvana had been reached, but like you, I needed a balance control and the Sachs didn't really have that. What it did have, and what I read a fair bit about after enjoying it, was 6sn7 tubes. I went on a search for preamps with that tube type. There are not ultimately that many: Cary, atma-sphere, modwright, vac, maybe a couple others. It was easy to get my hands on a modwright ls100 and it does have a balance knob that you can turn on and off. This has been where I've landed. It sounded great out of the box and with some NOS RCA tubes it it sounds even better. The Music Room carries them so you can buy it and try it and if you don't like it, return it.

If I were to upgrade again I'd strongly consider an atma-sphere as I ended up getting some used MA-1 amps and they made maybe the largest difference in sound other than my analog rig or speakers.

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