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Tube Preamp for around 2K?

I currently have a Juicy Music Peach II preamp that is being serviced and may replace the unit.  I have looked around the 2K mark and have found the Rogue Perseus Magnum, the Cary SLP 98L and the Rogue 99 Super Magnum.  I have also seen a few ARC LS 17SE for around $2500.   I like the JMA peach (6h30) but would be open to trying a different tube sound.  Looks like the Rogue 99 and the Cary have the same 6sn7 tube vs the Perseus 12au7.  The ARC would be another (6h30) approach.  I originally bought the Peach to match my Klipsch RF-7s but I now have Martin Logan Ethos and use a 200 watt SS B&K amp.  The Perseus has all the features i want (2 outputs, HT bypass, remote) and is the best from a price perspective.   I have read the Cary and the 99 will have a fatter tone but at the expense of frequency extremes.  The ML's don't have a harsh top end like the Klipsch so i am not sure I want to mute the top end at all.  

Would the Perseus be the best option of this bunch for a dynamic open sound with the most 3D soundstage?  My gut tells me the Cary SLP is the better product but i don't have any objective reason.  The ARC is probably the most accurate but i fear it will  be boring and not really sound like a tube preamp.  Thoughts?
macallan7

Showing 1 response by vvvinashhh

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vvvinashhh
24 posts
 
I’m using a Cayin SC-6LS with a Usher R1.5 and it’s great.Circuit Loves tube rolling and am having great impacts due to rolling. Recently got 3 NOS Mullard 12AU7 CV 4004 M8136 yes the holy grail and it sounds absolutely fabulous with everything from Nirvana to Miles Davis. I also have bunch of Sovteks which I find bright loud and tad dynamic ,but hey that brightness is tube brightness and not SS brightness which I hate. Getting Tungsol and Brimer soon.

As for you get the Cary it’s the best among all you have chosen but the BAT somebody mentioned here. I was going to get a Cary SLP03 but the Cayin beat it hands down! Look at Shengya and line magnetic too great stuff.
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