2. amps-preamps
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Seriously considering tube preamp…opinions?

Tube virgin, here. I am building a system and I'm trying to contain the preamp/amp cost to $3k or so. (I could go up a little.) 

I'm inclined not to dive into tubes all the way through, but get a solid state on the output end. (Open to suggestions; inclined toward PS Audio, Parasound.) I'm reading around about tube preamps and have talked with my local dealer, who sells Black Ice/Jolida and Prima Luna (PL). He used to carry Rogue but said they kept coming back for repairs. That's why he carries PL.

I'm asking these questions after having established (via reviews, comments) that Schiit gear is quite the value. Lately, I've been reading about Decware and other small tube makers. I'm very curious about buying direct, if possible, and a company that stands behind their products is crucial.

So, your opinions about tube integrated or *especially* tube preamps —

1. Who do you like? Consider I want to do pre/amp for a total of $3k if possible.

2. Do you think PL is worth all that money just for a preamp? I get the feeling they're high quality but a bit over-hyped. (No disrespect to the highly passionate Kevin Deal, but he's all over my search results.) And what would you think about $2k/$1k preamp-to-amp spending ratio?

3. Any sense of what happened to Jolida since the name change to "Black Ice"? I see there's a sordid story there but did the re-branding clear up the mess? Any experiences with the Black Ice company?

4. I know there are many Schiit fans out there; so my question would be -- did anyone consider Schiit for tube preamp and go another way? Or move beyond Schiit for any particular reason? It's hard not to just capitulate and do a Freya+ or Saga+ but why wouldn't one just go with Schiit?




128x128hilde45

Showing 2 responses by jackd

jackd
1,038 posts
 
@hilde45 

Have you looked into the Rogue gear?  The ST-100 and one of their preamps would work well with your gear and you should be able to strike a deal somewhere plus the re-sale is good. 
jackd
1,038 posts
 
With it’s SE and Balanced inputs and outputs plus fully adjustable gain from 0-25 db the base Chardonnay is flexible enough to be with you for years. To stay close to your total budget you can buy a brand new Odyssey Khartago for $995 and have a great combo. I own the Chardonnay currently and have owned the Khartago and three other Odyssey amps over the years so familiar with both brands together. This combo will put you over your budget by the shipping costs.  Another amp alternative that will save you $100 if you don't need the extra wattage is the Van Alstine SET 120 amp at $899. I haven't heard it but I do own it's big brother the SET 400 and Frank says they are voiced the same.  The Chardonnay and the SET 400 are playing now with my Verity Otello's.
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