Tube Pre-Amp Recommendation


Im new to this forum but have spent few months reading into posts. The more i read the more i get confused on my first purchase of a Good quality Tube Pre-amp. At this very moment I have always used Solid states pre-amp but after hearing the Audio Research Arc Ref 5 and 3 I am on the upgrade bug. Considering these units cost allot of money I need some suggestion if there are other Tube Pre-Amp which can either match similar levels to the Arc Ref 5 or better it.

I am not bothered about name brands or looks of the unit rather on how it presents the music to me.
I have not own a Tube Gear before in my life, and not sure on how to go about it. BTW I am in Indonesia (A British Expat Working and Living Here)

Demoing unit is out of the question here, even buying a unit here is so much more expensive then back at home In the UK. I prefer to Buy from USA (Will use a Power converter if needed)

My Current Setup is:
Speakers: Philharmonics 3
Amplifier: Audio GD Master 2 Series Mono Blocks (Will Upgrade Later to Krell, Macintosh or Pass)
CD player: Oppo 95 Using on Board DAC for the time being. Looking to upgrade later on for DAC
Room: Heavily treated, with Foam, Acoustic Panels, Bass Traps in all 4 Corners.

Budget less than 6000 Dollars.

Need Performance Level Matching that of Arc Ref 5Se or better.

Need suggestion and opinion on how to go about this. I prefer fasting sound more to neutral. Slight warm but not too much. I did find Cary SLP05 Pretty Warm, however on Ebay it slipped my fingers otherwise I was going to pull the trigger on that. I will being pairing this with Solid State Amplifier don’t want to get into Power Amps using Tubes for the next few years at least.

Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks Guys
dragon_vibe

Showing 16 responses by dragon_vibe

Yep They are off my list for sure, I am looking at the following:

Dodd
Coincident Statement Line-Stage pre-amplifier
Atma-Sphere preamp
Messenger
Einstein preamp
VAC Signature MK2
I meant, Fast and Neatural sound. I did find the Cary SLP05 a bit bloated in the midrange which seems unbalanced.
I am looking into Dude Pre-amp now. Also been looking at the Dodd for my HT system as the Pre-amp seems to have a HT bypass. Just purchased Danley Sound Labs for the HT Room with a ATI 3007 Amplifier. Still Looking for a Denon AVP Pre-amp to upgrade that system too.

If the Dude is trully top class i am seriously considering this. Just need someone to confirm if this will outclass atleast the Ref 3 or is on similar levels to Ref 5 im happy with that.
Are they any specification on the Big Dude?
find it be alarming nothing is talked about its connectors or other technical specification which may help one to determine its synergy electronically if everything matches.
The more i read about Dude, The more im finding its only a small circle of people who own this and talk about it the most for marketting. However no real world specification is shown or any good close up images on the internal.

Head fi has a post claimsing its all a scam....hmmm where are the real picture and spec if its that good surly it should not be big sales talk about having no time. Not being offensive but come on 6000 few other boutiqe stores got it right with the info pics.
Grannyring,

Will have to find and research into this, spending 6000 grand on a pre-amp from user rave reviews on here is a some anmount of risk taking.

I am finalsing my list to the following:

Dodd (Used this with my Theatre Setup)
Coincident Statement
Dude
VAC

I will try to find pictures of the internal of dude. I did request it from Paul. If yuou guys can share pictures i would like to see them.
The problem is Dude :-) im not in the USA. If Paul Allowed this i would take up on the offer and bite the bullet on Customs Charges. I really want to try this gear out.

I have purchased many things in the past with out listening to the gear, some have been good suggestion whilst others i ended up being dissapointed and had the burden of losing the cash out and going through the headache of selling it.
I have asked pual a series of questions but never got the full answer. He just went on saying well he has sold this and sold that. Im confused.
I got a email from Pual today. Claims i made 2 of his customers angry???? what the hell is going on???

Here is a snippet. My email was asking on build times

:

This is wrong.

If you really desire that I be discredited and go out of business, then I will at your wish if you truly believe that I shouldn't be in business and I shouldn't sell preamps to those that wish them. But words do have consequences when left unchallenged on an internet post that gets read worldwide. I don't think it's in your best interest but it may well be. I know that you've angered a few of my customers who you don't know and haven't posted and want to know from me if I care or want to have the record set straight. So we don't need any of this to go on. I think the ARC is right for you right now and will be exactly what you need. Then I'll go along servicing my two customers.

Is he reffering to both of you or has paul mistaken me for someone else. All these responses are very confusing.
The Dude is off the List for sure because I still dont know what this guy is talking about but im not paying someone 6000 dollars specially when i get emails like this

Zafir, please take any TRL product off your product search. We have nothing to do with people who openly criticize us by posting personal communication without our expressed permission. This lack of character or integrity is unacceptable by itself. Your knowing that I don't post online so that I won't come after you to set the record straight is plain cowardly. Besides, since your first email and your involvement with those crystals creeped me out on the spot as it just disturbs me.
So you've just shortened your journey and can cross one more company off your list. That's good, it gets you to your goal....

Critize what??? I dont understand when someone needs to part 6000 dollars do they not have the right to ask people questions and investigate or research?

I wont be bother with this. The dude is of the list as the dude is too crazy for me.
ITs not about marketting ploy BS we looking for, Just simple stuff like Spec or topology on preamp, Inputs, Outputs, Options available, coponents being used. Some pictures thats all. Few paragraph wont hurt or take away to much time and effort. Anyways Im not attacking TRL and have no intention to do so. I understand they are a 2 man company and the feller needs to make a liviing and probably does really make very fine pre which can stand against the big boys. I dont want to comment further. So im gona leave this topic alone and move on.
Has anyone compared the BAT REX to the VAC Signiture?

I have already placed an order for the Dodd Audio Pre-amp Still need another pre-amp
How does the Dude Compare to the Coincident Statement Line-Stage pre-amplifier which is supposed to be highly reviewed professionally online?

I could believe the joy the dude brings but it lacks enough information online to justify the cost for those who can’t listen to it. If Paul and his team made the little effort online giving out clear information it helps people with matching specification on Impedance and other criteria for synergy matching. Paul may think I’m criticizing but asking questions an investigating and having them answered online helps everyone to understand better.

Im looking at the Coincident Statement Line-Stage now, as dude is off my list as requested by paul