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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?




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lewin_author
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As it relates to Rogue.....I own the RP-1. I reside in Atlanta and one of the biggest dealers lives here - never had an issue with Rogue - and any questions are quickly answered by Rogue owners - such as fixing my Ground-Loop Noise issue.

The equipment is solid and the RP-1, though only incorporating two 12AU7/ECC82,
and mated to my Vintage NAD-2200 (into 4ohm DYS full-range speakers) created lovely mid-range tones and even spatial (front to back) depth. This summer the NAD-2200 moves to a different room and the Rogue RP-1 will be mated to a new tube amp - I am still researching.
This all said, I may trade up to the RP-5 (the RP-7 does not fit into what I want/need). Major magazines have reviewed these Rogue units...give them a read. As far as your local dealer telling you about Rogue coming back for repairs....never heard this anywhere in the industry, or better yet, contact the staff at Rogue through email and tell them your concern. Good luck with your research and final purchase. 

Kind regards,Lance A. LewinAtlanta
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