transistor pre with the sound of tubes

Not sure i am mature enough for a tube preamp, so my quest would be for a transistor pre with a hint of tube sound.
What would be your suggestions?
Btw, needs to be balanced as my active speakers only accept balanced.

rird05-06-2021 2:27pm

59 responses Add your response

millercarbon Details Discussions Posts This discussion 12,531 posts 05-06-2021 at 04:39pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Pretty sure the age restriction has been replaced with membership in the American Association of Tube People, AATP.
timlub Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,039 posts 05-06-2021 at 04:36pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete SST Ambrosia Coda 07x The reviews called the Ambrosia "Tubister" The Ayre above would also be good.
russ69 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,360 posts 05-06-2021 at 04:31pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete A tube preamp is a great way to get started with tube gear.
tablejockey Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 3,793 posts 05-06-2021 at 04:07pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete "Not sure i am mature enough for a tube preamp," I wasn't aware there's an age restriction warning on the box? You want a tube preamp, GET ONE
syntax Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,193 posts 05-06-2021 at 03:56pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Klyne 7 pre / phono
roxy54 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 7,717 posts 05-06-2021 at 03:46pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Klyne. Maybe not like tubes, but very smooth.
verdantaudio Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 1,469 posts 05-06-2021 at 03:28pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Ayre's preamps are very good. The K5xeMP is a steal used and has a warmer sound than some tube units I have heard.
rird OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 91 posts 05-06-2021 at 03:09pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I was thinking of Classe and Gamut. But perhaps i should consider your suggestions!
johnto Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 978 posts 05-06-2021 at 02:55pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Usually Parasound and Pass come to mind as having warm almost tube like sound. I believe both are balanced but you need to try them for yourself.