2. amps-preamps
  3. 181481-163317

Tube-Curious/Pre-amp

Hi guys

I've been toying with the idea of tubes for a while, and was wondering if a tube pre-amp would be worthwhile pairing with my Class A/B integrated - Atoll IN200 Signature (the Atoll has the function to bypass its own internal pre-amp section, and pair the power section with an external pre-amp).

I predominantly listen to Jazz (all eras, all flavours) and am very interested to hear what tubes would bring me; I've casually read around, and the description of sound from reviewers and regular users does appeal to me greatly. 

I am aware of the Schiit Freya +, and from what I can make out, with some tube swapping, the Freya can produce some good results; but apart from this I'm not really sure what I should be looking at. I'm not looking to spend multiple thousands on this little side interest, or replace my Atoll./Solid State, but to just give myself an exposure to tubes in my audio chain. 

The other option I suppose, is to look at the offerings from Willsenton as an additional integrated, such as the R300 (this seems to be well received, and at a  reasonable price tag). 

Any advice/guidance gratefully received

Thanks very much 👍

 

 

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Showing 1 response by knotscott

knotscott
817 posts
 

A good tube preamp is a nice start to the world of vacuum tube sound, but feeding it into a a good tube amp will give you the whole tube experience. Not only do tubes potentially sound clearer to me than SS, but they also offer the opportunity to fine tune the sound by rolling the tubes to tailor it to your liking.

The Audible Illusions and Melos are both excellent vintage examples of lower cost entry level tube preamps that offered a convincing taste of the really good stuff. Some recapping may be in order if not previously done.

The Willsenton amps enjoy a fairly large happy following.  There's an entire Facebook group dedicated to those amps.

 

 

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