2. amps-preamps
  3. 1259257802

So many preamps, so little time

I am trying to move up the tube audio food chain having left solid state recently (after listening to tubes I can never go back). Since then I have gone from ultra-linear tube amps to a used pair of Cary 805AE (300b) monoblocks (very happy!). I still have a Primaluna Prolouge 3 tube preamp; I rolled a pair NOS Radiotechniques (French military 1955)and a pair of Pope Holland (NOS 1959) replacing the stock Chineese 12AX7 and 12AU7 (which have really opened up that little preamp).

My interconnects are Acoustic Zen and speaker cables are Red Dawns (Silver)connected to a pair of Vienna Acoustic Concert Grands (sensitivity 91db). I have a Cary 300/303 CD player, and PS Audio line regenerator.

My sound room is small (12 x 12)so my listening is mostly direct energy from the speakers. Still, I enjoy a wonderful soundstage with much of the benefits that tubes provide.

I would appreciate your recommendations on a preamp upgrade. I have tried bypassing the preamp altogether but have decided not to go down that road. I expect to be looking in the used market for something.

Is it a waste of money to buy a balanced-preamp with an un-balanced system? I find reviews aren't any help (every preamp out there is "always the best"). What do you guys like? Any input would be appreciated.
erfranke

Showing 2 responses by clio09

clio09
3,372 posts
 
For me, a good tube preamp that mated nicely with a Cary V12i amp is the Joule Electra LA-100 MkIII. Might be worth trug with your 805AE.

Stick with single ended versus introducing a balanced preamp. While most balanced preamps have the option to use single ended outputs they sound best when using the balanced outputs.
clio09
3,372 posts
 
Would have to agree with Shakey. Passive preamps did in my SLP-98 and Joule Electra LA-100MkIII, as well as a couple others.

I had the SLP-98 mated with my V12i and while there is definitely synergy, IMO it was too much of the Cary house sound for me. The Joule alleviated that, and had better frequency extension.

As for 6SN7 designs versus the smaller signal tube designs, there is a lot more to it than the tubes. I have had both types of designs in my system and while I think highly of the sound that 6SN7 tubes can deliver, I've quite enjoyed a number of 12AU7, 12AX7, and 6DJ8/6922 tubes as well.
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