Top Ten Tube PreAmp of all time?


This thread for you tubeguys.Nominate your favorite tube Pre Amp of all time. More info for audiogon members the better. Remember some members are just starting their high end experience.
ferrari
Dare I venture my definitive and humble opinion on the strength of many tubes that have crossed my threshold (and connected to my power circuit): C.A.T. Ultimate for line, for phono -- JP200 as per rcprince & detlof and SRPP (you had to build that one yourself. It had provision for 0,5 farad power supply for phono, direct line for *aux* with interchangeable capacitance loading and *silver alloy* recommended for internal wiring -- back in the late 70s!)
Admittedly, the CAT & JP80 are great all-rounders if U can afford them. SP6 & 10 are nice too, a bit ageing, however...
My vote for Lafayette KT-600 of the 1950's.

Warm and accurate in sound, versatile with 6 tone controls, and using the ubequitous 7025 (12ax7). There are three types of facia, of which the first is probably the most outstanding, with beautiful lettering in the lower centre, mustard caps inside that last a useful lifetime, and therefore sound consistent all these years and need the least hardware maintenance.

The bonus is that they are not choosy with tubes. Mine goes with 2 12ax7LPS (phono), 2 RCA long grey plates round getters (tone),  2 TKF ribbed (line), and an unknown one (for the center line output and the calibration drive).


The Herron VTSP-3A(ro3) has to be on the top ten list of tube preamps.  Vinalvalet, did you happen to own a VTSP-3A before you acquired your Herron VTSP-360?  If so, please compare the two Herron preamps for us.

Sflazor