2. amps-preamps
  3. 1017694241

Tube Pre-amps for audition list

Plan to mate a tube preamp with a McCormack DNA-225 and PSB Stratus Goldi speakers. Also, am into vinyl and have a Lehmann Black cube, but am open to replacing it with a pre/phono combo if that seems best. Figure I'd like a tube pre to tame the very slight brightness of the McCormack. I find that I prefer a pre with remote but am, again, open. Have considered AI Modulus 3A, Blue Circle BC3, and Rouge 99. What would any of you suggest to make the short list for audition? Can spend about $1500 USED. Thanks.
4yanx
buckingham
333 posts
 
Rogue Magnum 99 pre. It comes with an analogue remote, headphone jack and optional phono stage. I am currently using the 66 Magnum pre with Rogue's M120 Magnum Monoblocs and I'm finding it hard to leave the house for any extended period of time. After the 66 Magnum is gone I'm moving up the 99 Magnum pre. For the price you can't beat it. Let us know what you end up with.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
GoLden Tube SEP-2 or SEP-3 both have remote, optional phono, & are a great match with McCormack's amps, at about half or less than your $1500 budget.
kheart
13 posts
 
I'd second Buckingham on the Rogue Magnum 99 pre. I currently own it after having owned a number of solid state pre's and it is exceptional! Depth of soundstage, detail, musicality, a perfect match to balance the "characteristics" of a solid state amp. Other amps that you might want to look at, however, based upon your price point are the SAS Audio 10A ($1,430), which is an exceptional pre and a used Cary SL-50B(possibly less than $800.00). Happy hunting.

Kurt
mes
393 posts
 
Although slightly more than you want to spend, a used Klyne 7 series linestage may be an option. I had one in my system for a good while and found it a very neutral yet musical piece. Fabulous sounding and well made. I no longer have it, I've recently landed on the "no pre-amp is the best pre-amp" square, but it was one of the best pieces of gear I've owned, and fairly priced.
unsound
7,315 posts
 
As Conrad-Johnson is the parent company of McCormack perhaps they will work well together.
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