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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 3 responses by naimfan

naimfan
166 posts
 
@hilde45 -

I second the suggestion of a used ARC or CJ.  Both companies have set the standard at various times in tube preamps, both have been around a LONG time (in hifi terms), both can still service their products.  And they are effectively free if you want to sell them on later and get something different - you're likely to get close to what you paid for them when you resell them (assuming you don't keep them 10+ years, at least!). 

It can be really tempting to chase the unique, new, and exciting - avoid that temptation and you'll most likely be happier in the long run. 

And while it is a drive, a visit to Rick at Audio Alternative in Ft. Collins would be well worth it. 
naimfan
166 posts
 
Just to follow up - There are a couple of ARC Ref 1 preamps for sale on Agon at right around $3k as well as a Conrad-Johnson Premier 17 LS2 with remote. 

I've heard the ARC Ref 1 and it is terrific, have not heard the Premier 17 but based on the CJ gear I have heard I'd have no hesitation in trying it.  Either would sound terrific and not be the proverbial boat anchor if/when you want to sell it on.
naimfan
166 posts
 
@hilde45 -

I missed your budget being a combination of preamp and amp - my apologies. 

For both, you could do something like a CJ PV12/15 or ARC LS15 and match it with something like a McCormack DNA .5 or 1, Krell KST-100 (make sure it's been serviced), various Brystons, etc.  You'd likely want to get a set of replacement tubes for any tube pre you bought used; but that's usually not a huge expense. 
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