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

I’m running a new RP-7 with a Bryston cubed and have no complaints. The Rogue is something special with Amperex Holland 7316s or Radiotechniques. Mullards with the Bryston's bass might be pushing it.

Over the course of 55+ years I have tried many tube preamps but curiously enough not ARC, which has a long time stellar reputation. However within my budget my current VTL 550i is the best I have owned. I upgraded from the VTL 2.5i, which if you have a more limited budget gets you to about 90% of the performance of the 5.5i at a much lower cost and both have balance controls. In terms of bang for buck the 2.5i is the value buy.

Without even a second thought having 4 decades in audio the Linear Tube Audio 

Micro Z-OTL latest version 3 preamplifier is exceptional on many levels giving you upto 4 Vacuum tube options  ,3 separate gain settings , 1% resistor  ladder relay volume 

with adjustments down to .5 db up to 100  top quality parts throughout $5800- $6610 well worth checking out and made in U.S.A 30 day audition

and 3 year transferrable warranty !

There's a Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme right now on audiomart and you already have 12AU7 tubes.  I doubt that it will be available very long.  That's what I have.  If you ever wanted to upgrade to a higher level, you could upgrade the caps to VH Audio V-caps and get really close to the Backert Labs Rhythm.