Seeking a Tube preamplifier
I currently have the following system:
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.
After living with and enjoying a Benchmark HPA-4 for a few years, I added an ARC LS28SE. It has the very high resolution and extension in the low bass and upper treble as the Benchmark, while "adding" just a bit of tube glow. Nice! The ARC also has all the inputs and outputs ever needed, including a fixed "tape" output that now feeds the HPA-4 which is used only to power my Meze Elite headphones. Used, it meets your price target. |
I agree with @bgross and @dfwmediagroup -- Having been through a number of linestages my search stopped at Aesthetix Calypso--to get the Signature within you budget you need used, but a new non-Signature is within it and frankly, although i have a Signature i had it upgraded from the regular and i have not noticed a difference other than price. |
I see some comments on Balance Control. If one only does digital and uses ROON. The "Balance Control" in ROON is phenomenal. You take a tape measure and get the distance from each speaker to your listening position, then input it into ROON I have a great analog balance control on the Benchmark HPA4 preamp, but the ROON balance is at a different level of effectiveness. I used to sit off center in my old office and the ROON balance did some incredible things to perfectly center the image. Of course, this only works on digital streaming while the analog HPA4 preamp would work on all sources.
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I recommend that you look into the C312 preamplifier from Gilbert Yeung. You can fine tune the sound to exactly what you are looking for, tube or solid state. Everything else is more of a calculated risk if you can't try them in your system. Tube preamplifier tonality and capability varies quite a bit. https://quarkhifi.com/products/gilbert-yeung-c312-preamplifier |
