Preowned Aesthetix, Calypso Signatute... has a balance control, true fully balanced compnent with every input/output available in XLR, lineatage only, looks amazing and has an easy Velcro-esque pop top for tube trials. Mine currently running with NOS Brimar 12ax7 & Amperex 6922 tubes - just a perfect component for me & my setup. Have used Chord, BAT, Canary even Shindo power amps with it each being a wonderful pairing. They are a bit over $8K new so a lightly usd one would be a winner for you budget-wise. Just my opinion.
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.
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- 65 posts total
I’ve had a Zesto Pre and PS Audio BHK, both are great. LTA and Aric though would be where I’d go. Both use top of the line parts and have exceptional know how when it comes to design, implementation. If I switch up my Pre it will be a touch decision on which to roll with but will be one of these 2 options. Don’t sleep on how much tubes influence the sound of a tube pre, BHK is a hybrid, with the stock tubes it’s a good pre, with vintage Telefunken tubes moves up several levels. You’ve gotten great advice in this thread, good luck!! |
@kjl1065 - Another vote for the Linear Tube Audio preamp. It’s really good. I believe they have a return policy. But after hearing it in your system, I doubt you’ll want to return it |
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 |
- 65 posts total