2. amps-preamps
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Suggestions for a holographic preamp?

I'm looking to replacing my Herron Audio tube line stage with something else, not because of a problem with the sound, but for a few other reasons.

I do both digital and analog, and have a Herron Audio tube phono preamp. My power amp is an MSB S-200, which is awesome, and my speakers are Marten Parker Duos, which are wonderful for a deep, holographic soundstage that I like so much.

I listen mostly to rock and reggae, and I'm looking to keep the price under $10K US, and I'm fine with a used one as well.

I get the feeling that I will need a tube preamp to get that holographic sound, but perhaps there are some SS ones that do as good a job?

The fellow I work with at The Music Room suggested a ModWright LS-100 or a used PS Audio BHK preamp; I've researched and they both look like they'd fit the bill, but I'd like to hear your suggestions, too! 

larsman
larsman's avatar
larsman OP
2,455 posts
 

@ei001h - Oh, I'm hip to Vinnie Rossi, and I believe every word you say about his Brama preamp, but alas, budget won't permit. Thanks for your suggestion, and you are right about that combo of MSB and Marten. I seldom if ever see an MSB S-200 power amp on the market; those are real keepers. 

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,391 posts
 

No such thing , a preamp. Is a part of the sum.

if buying tube then a 300 B would give you  this

Radu Tarta builds IMO the best high quality  custom preamps  at less then half the Big commercial markup brands with Far superior parts quality and 40+ years 

in vacuum tube engineering . He has built several for me and I  am very picky knowing parts quality and Audio very well decades in this so called hobby 

more of a quest for realism - perfection in music 🎼 music 🎶 !!

triton20trx
43 posts
 

This has been my experience.  If pursuing a tube preamp you can significantly change its sonic characteristics by using NOS tubes.  This has allowed me to spend thousands less on the preamp itself and spend $500 on the primary preamp tubes.  These vintage tubes are much better at producing a holographic soundstage than any new production Chinese or Russian they put in today’s preamps.  I have used Brent Jessee to guide me on what matches my preamp but there a few others with experience and a good supply of vintage tubes.

 

ei001h
305 posts
 

Absolutely agree—I’ve sourced NOS Telefunken tubes for my Luxman phono stage from Brent Jessee, and while they’re certainly expensive, the sonic improvement is undeniable. In my experience, if you’re pursuing a tube preamp, NOS tubes can dramatically shape its sonic character

ei001h
305 posts
 

@larsman 

 

Totally understand the budget constraints—but just a heads-up, you can actually save a lot by going for a first-generation Brama. There’s one listed on US Audio Mart right now for $20K. I’d consider offering $10–15K and see if the seller bites. These units come with a 10-year warranty, so you’re still well covered. It could be an incredible value if you’re looking for that top-tier tube pre without paying full price

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