2. amps-preamps
  3. 1084483075

That tube sound

Alright, you've worn me down. I can no longer ignore you tube advocates, so it's time to experiment. I'd like to hang on to my SS amps, but would appreciate any advice you can provide on tube preamps. I've checked prior threads, but wasn't able to draw any conclusions given my specific requirements.

I currently run a pair of Odyssey Statos mono blocks, an Arcam front end, Audes Blues speakers, Sonoran Plateau ICs, a pair of Velodyne HGS-10 subwoofers and Signal & Virtual Dynamics PCs. I also use a McCormack RLD-1, which I have absolutely NO problems with. And I listen to rock.

This preamp would need two pre outs, a remote and should cost less than $1500 new or used. Oh yea, and it must mate with the Odysseys. Any recommendations, general or specific, would be much appreciated.

Thanks for your consideration.
sydneysophia
11 responses Add your response
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,685 posts
 
Sighhhh. Sonic Frontiers Line 1,2,3.
zargon's avatar
zargon
453 posts
 
ARC LS 15
Several used at $1400 to $1500.
warnerwh
539 posts
 
I'll second the ARC. I finally wore down too. Won't be using a SS pre anytime in the near future. The difference will make you wonder why you waited so long.
gunbei
2,327 posts
 
You have a lot of good tube preamps to choose from! I think the ARCs and SFs are definitely something to look into.

I compared the BAT VK3i, Blue Circle BC21 and Eastern Electric Minimax tube preamps last summer. I mated some of them in varying combinations with the Pass Aleph 3, Blue Circle BC22 and BAT VK200 solid state amps, so you can see I'm certainly a tube pre/SS amp devotee.

I think you'll really enjoy a tube preamp matched to your Odyssey Statos.

Have fun!
Ag insider logo xs@2x
superhonestben
199 posts
 
without a doubt the VTL 2.5 is a killer I have had mine for about 2 yrs and its great, they priced it too cheap, its sonics are much more than the 1695 price tag, a true best buy in hi end audio
tomryan
796 posts
 
Skip the "tube pre-amp/SS amp" route. I did that from the early 80s until realizing I needed a tube amp. Finally bought one in late 80s, then finally got rid of pre-amp and went passive in 1997. Now use a Placette passive with AirTight 300B and will never go back to active. Last pre-amp I had was an $8,000.00 tube type that clouded and constricted the sound. By the way, it was a Class A Stereophile piece with universally superb reviews from at least 6 different mags/websites. Was no match for a properly designed and matched passive and tube amp.
mitch4t's avatar
mitch4t
1,611 posts
 
What about the bass slam? Can a tube preamp truly match the bass slam of a ss preamp when using solid state amps?
Post removed 
1markr
594 posts
 
TVAD....Agreed. Great preamp!
tomryan
796 posts
 
Get the pre-amp out of the way. Pre-amps are like vodka drinking glasses. Passives (properly done) are the best shape and glass for your Belvedere or Turi (SS or tube amp). Let your amp flavor the sound, don't try to find some mystical 'balance' between these components. You can't make up for or do away with something by mixing and matching pre-amps and amps. Find an amp that does it for you, then try to get the pre-amp out of the way.
eagle
154 posts
 
I agree with Tomryan. I have owned two highly regarded tube preamps, the SF Line 2 and Line 3 SE. The Placette Passive was a major improvement in my system. His description "clouded and constricted the sound" is what I found to be true as well.
The tubes in my system are in the cdp with an excellent SS amp.
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