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
mazian's avatar
mazian
422 posts
 

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.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,302 posts
 

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 !

yowser
108 posts
 

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.

oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
507 posts
 

+1 LTA MicroZOTL. I have the version 2 preamp. Before it, I had a PS Audio BHK Reference preamp that I was really happy with until I auditioned the LTA preamp. 

vthokie83
1,016 posts
 

Your gear deserves so much more than an RP-1, a great tube preamp might be the solution.

My first two choices are the Aric Audio Motherlode XL $6,875, and the Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp $6,395; sold by Spatial Audio Labs. Best preamps I've ever heard, and I auditioned over a dozen in the last year or so.

Next would be the Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1.4 $8,500 (NOT the base Rhumba), and the Supratek 6SN7 Cabernet $4,000 or Supratek Grange $6,500, and the 

I own the Aric Audio Motherlode XL, and it is my last preamp....but the Raven preamp is amazing as well. Both are point to point wired, used incredibly high quality parts, and their reputations are impeccable....and Aric will work with you if you wish to make any customizations to the Motherlode XL 

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