Aesthetix Janus or Calypso, beautiful smooth fatigue free with dynamics
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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Your doing yourself a disservice not at least buying and testing out the music hall I recommended. How can you lose? If you think it sucks, it can be sold on ebay. Lousy 400 bucks....heck of a lot better than spending 10k....just because it’s a whole bunch of money does not mean it’s a guarantee to sound great. It’s one thing I have at least learned in this insane hobby. |
@audioguy85 -1 The Music Hall 25.2 might be fine for a low resolving system but not for a system featuring ML 11A speakers. My educated guess is with his current partnering components the Music Hall would scream “Weak Link” ! |
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 |
Preamplifiers have more effect on sound quality than any other individual component save speakers. And, everything goes through your preamp. Companies that specialize in building the highest quality preamps are relatively few. The best value at the moment might be Conrad-Johnson's GAT2. Available used and maybe guaranteed by the factory at attractive prices. Good luck and enjoy your quest. Bob |
I would recommend you look into the Gilbert Yeung C312, you can control the tonal aspects between tube and solid state sound. You could change it on the fly or set it to your preference without guesswork or tube rolling. https://quarkhifi.com/products/gilbert-yeung-c312-preamplifier |
Another vote for BAT. Consider used if there isn’t a new model in your price range. |
