Tube Pre-amp Suggestions.

Audio Research SP6! I have one. The preamp that William Johnson said he'd always wanted to make.

@jasonbourne71 

+1

Other good options used Audio Research, Conrad Johnson, VAC, or Zesto preamps. Worth it here to stretch and get an outstanding used preamp. 

McIntosh C22 Tube Preamplifier Mk V @kds 

@kds Pairing my Coda #8 V1 with a BAT VK-80 tube preamp and very happy with the results. They just discontinued this model but unfortunately it's replacement (VK-85) is solid state. 

First Sound.

WOW, thanks so much for all the suggestions!

Some of these recommendations are pretty pricey, I was thinking $3K max.

Did you guys see this? It's from Galion Audio made by Doge. $1850

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mV94ukebTsE

I was also thinking of changing out my Coda 8 to some Purifi monoblocs. Do you think the same tube pre-amp recommendations stand?

@jasonbourne52 @kofibaffour @roxy54 @ghdprentice 

I was also thinking of changing out my Coda 8 to some Purifi (class D) monoblocs. Do you think the same tube pre-amp recommendations stand?

@kds 

I wouldn't know about that as I have no experience with class D, or specifically, Purifi amplifiers.

@kds  if the budget is $3000, get this Tube Preamp. Get the 6SN7 tubes - https://www.schiit.com/products/freya-f

And for monoblocks of the Purifi cloth. HELL YES.

Get two monoblocks from Buckeye. This is the top of the line Eigentakt Module - https://www.buckeyeamp.com/shop/amplifiers/purifi/1et9040ba/monoblock

I use Purifi Eigentakt Monoblocks in my MoFi Sourcepoint 888 setup and the damping factor means the control of transducer is seamless without any sag or lagging. Incredible headroom with wire on gain performance

Another vote for a BAT valve option, used if necessary. In my experience they walk all over price-equivalent Audio Research options. Much better soundstage and dynamics. 

Is a remote needed?  Also, are you using balanced interconnects?

I know you said “tube” but the matching Coda Continuum CB preamp is excellent and retains the smooth tube-like presentation of their amplifiers. I’m a Coda dealer and have one ready to ship if you are interested.

For right around $3k you can find a Primaluna evo400, pretty amazing preamp I’m using one to drive two amps feeding my electrostats….nice combo. 

Backert, hands down!

@kds I am very happy with my Coda ss amp & Herron Audio tube preamp combo.

There is currently only one listing for a used Herron Audio preamp. It is the VTPS - 360 model, and it is listed on that "other site" (USAM) for $3500, which is a little over your budget. The two prior models (VTSP - 3 & VTSP - 2) will usually sell within your budget

Used Herron's don't appear very often; and, they typically sell fast (for good reasons), so both patience and quick actions are usually required to snag one of them. The VTSP 360 has been listed for 44 days; so, that suggests the seller has probably over-priced it a bit. Perhaps he'll take $3K, assuming this model fits your needs and criteria.

I suggest you research some professional reviews of it, along with some of the Audiogon forum discussions re Herron Audio.   

Schiit Freya + preamps are rated "Class A" by Stereophile and seem to suffer from being too inexpensive...amazingly. I've been enjoying the original version for years, use NOS GE 6SN7GTB tubes, and have yet to see any other preamp with the flexibility or useful features of the Freya. Plus it sounds amazingly good with either my SE tube amp or my Pass XA-25.

@wolf_garcia what power amp and speakers are you running Wolf?

@kds Using ARC Ref5SE and before that had an Aric Audio Motherlode for a brief run.

I have also thought about going back to Class D amps and just considering PS Audio 1200's. For fun. I'd probably get new speakers before giving up the Coda. The ARC is here to stay but Backert is always an option to consider as a musical preamp.

Manley jumbo shrimp. Great tube preamp with excellent support. Used market around 2k. 

In a reasonable price zone, I’d be curious about preamps from

Quicksilver

Erhard Audio,

Aric Audio,

DeHavilland (if you can find them), 

Supratek

Cary (maybe too pricy)

Rogue (maybe too pricy)

Just perusing the used audio sites and saw a few in your price range to consider

Backert labs  Rhumba 1.3

Audio Research Reference 3

BAT VK 51 SE

Modwright 36.5

These are a few on a well known used audio site.

+1 for Backert Labs!

+3 Schiit Freya+ F$999

Mike

Too many to thank and great lists @chuck ​​​​@hilde45 

I see that not too many tube pres offer balanced inputs, any thoughts?

Lots of praise for the Schitt Freya, I was surprised...

Not sure of your price range, but I have had a Rogue Audio RP-7 preamp for about three years that I think is wonderful.  Multiple balanced and RCA outputs, remote,  theater mode, and wonderful sound quality with my other equipment—Fyne F-702 speakers and Odyssey Audio monobloc power amps, along with a pair of Rythmik subwoofers.  It is well made here in the USA, in Pennsylvania.

 I see that not too many tube pres offer balanced inputs, any thoughts?

Schiit Freya+ is a balanced preamp!

From the Schiit site: ''Freya+ F is a true high-end, balanced, remote-control preamp. Switch between passive, differential buffer, and differential tube gain modes, and enjoy the fine control of a 128-step relay-switched stepped attenuator volume control with perfect channel matching.''

Mike

Rogue and BAT.  

I'm a really big fan of 6sn7 tubes in a preamp. I think they have the truest most linear sound across the spectrum. As such, I went with a ModWright ls100 and am extremely happy with it. You can get one used for your price. I've never heard the schitt but have other products from them so would bet it's solid. Could also try and track down a don Sachs model 2. Or go online to the tubes4hifi site and Roy who designed the Don Sachs model 2 will make you one to his spec. An absolutely amazing preamplifier. I had one for a while and am sorta sad I sold it

Great stuff guys, thanks a lot!

I have a CODA #16 and use the Benchmark HPA4 preamp with it. I also had a CODA #8 at one time, this is similar to the Schitt Wotan amp.

I have tried the following preamps with the #16, #8, and the Wotan.In order of preference:

- Benchmark LA4 and HPA4

- Holo Audio Serene (a warmer LA4 and HPA4)

- Schitt Mjolnir v3 (no remote)

- Schitt Kara F

- CODA 07x

- Schitt Freya+

I will need another preamp when I move to my next house. My HPA4 pre currently runs 2 systems. My 2nd future preamp will be for the CODA #16 amp and it will either be a Benchmark LA4 pre or the Raven Revelation tube preamp. 

So, back to Class D, besides the overpriced GANFET models that are being praised by reviewers with a fair fight comparison with silicon based Purifi Eigentakt models (which are half the price, twice the power, and measure better), don't just settle on Buckeye, Nord Acoustics has a great Eigentakt monoblock with more options and a better build aesthetic.

As for preamps, I do like my Schiit Freya+, so +5 on that one. But I also enjoy my Rogue RP7 which you can attain used in your price range. 

@ericrhodes1 it seems the Rogues don’t have balanced inputs, but the Schiits do.

I will check out Nord Acoustics, thanks!

@yyzsantabarbara Thanks, so not too big on the Freya as others here?             Have you heard Ravens, they don’t seem to offer a pre-amp only?

@kds I like a bit of clarity in my sound and the Freya+ was a bit too thick for my tastes. I did get it sounding to my sonic preference with the uber neutral Benchmark AHB2. However, other preamps sounded better to me with the AHB2, so the Freya+ was sold.

The Raven Revelation is the Don Sach (and 1 other designers) attempt at the state of the art in a tube preamp. Spatial Audio has rights to build this preamp. It has become rather popular on A’gon. Cost is a bit under $7k.

https://www.spatialaudiolab.com/raven-preamplifier

I switch between a Pass XA-25 and a Dennis Had Inspire "Firebottle" HO (high output) SEP...speakers are modded Klipsch Heresy IIIs (prefer the titanium mids in the IIIs to the poly re-designed mids in the IVs).

There are a few Audible Illusions models on the used market.  I have not heard them but consistent praise ... service, on the other hand consistent difficulty:

https://hifizero.com/index.php?q=audible+illusions

https://www.audibleillusions.com/

@kds https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2808600

The Rogue RP-7 Preamplifier features two pairs of balanced XLR inputs. It also includes three pairs of RCA line level inputs. 

Another vote for Audio Research.  I have a SP9-MK2 and have been itching to get something newer and still haven’t pulled the trigger. Depending on you finances, the LS-28 is really good and of course there’s the REF series.

Oh and why are you wanting to sell 8 watts of Class A goodness?

The benefit to a reasonable tube preamp there are always better NOS tubes that will make it better or tune to your listening preference. 
I use Brent Jessee Recordings and Supplies on line. Super informative and probably knows my equipment better than I do

I see that not too many tube pres offer balanced inputs, any thoughts?

Among the three noteworthy alternatives, i.e., 1. Freya, 2. RP-7 and 3. VTL TL5.5 Series II Signature (2013), TL5.5 II Sig. has the best impedance matching feature.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/vtl-tl-55-series-ii-signature-line-preamplifier

This trio has received high praise from Stereophile, but impedance matching deserves careful consideration in the DAC → preamp → amp chain. The Freya has a low input impedance, while the RP-7 has a extremely high output impedance at low frequencies.

Quite happy with my Luxman CL38uc -it's at the top of your budget but you do see the odd one come up for sale. Tubes if you're that. I like the combo of a tube preamp and ss amp. If I've a complaint it's the lack luster remote for what that's worth. Otherwise no question regarding Luxman quality, both build and sound. Lots of "professional" reviews out there that are all positive. 

E.

https://aricaudio.com/tube-gear/
I’m using the Motherload XL with my Luxman M10X. I compared with the Luxman C900 and ended up selling it as I like the Motherload as it it is a warmer sound.

@aricaudio 

Tons of great suggestions, thanks to all! Let me take this one step further. I have a DAC that has pre-amp capabilities. It's to my understanding that having a pre-amp (analogue) will sound better than the digital attenuation. If I'm just looking for a volume control, do I need such an elaborate pre-amp or should I even bother and just stick with the DAC?

Maybe I should start a new thread on this...

@kds if you DAC had Preamp capabilities, then yes you can live without a standalone preamp

Fezz Audio Sagita Prestige - fully balanced tube preamp for $3495.

I am very happy with my PSAudio BHK pre. ChatGPT ranks it as my best component and wants me to replace my Moon 330A with your Coda #8, as it thinks the #8 is a perfect match for my system. 
It follows the BHK would match very well with your Coda. 

You guys are awesome, thanks!