2. amps-preamps
  3. 129137-94682

Tube Preamp Recommendations?

Hello, I'm a newbie to this forum.  I'm on the hunt for a new tube pre-amp.  I think.  It is replacing an aging PSE Hybrid Line Stage 1 preamp.  Several of the RCA outputs on the PSE don't work, the power button is finicky, and it is all original, ostensibly in need of major overhaul.  Labels on capacitors and other parts have fallen off, etc.  I love the slightly warm (to my ear) holographic sound of the PSE.  I would like to upgrade the SQ.  I find bright, high resolution sound like that of my KEF X300A computer desktop speakers very fatiguing after a short period of time.  

My system consists of an Auralic Aries Mini with SBooster power supply > Kimber Kable PBJ RCA interconnects> PSE HL1 > Kimber Kable Hero RCA interconnect > N.E.W. A-20 amp > Analysis Plus Oval 9 speaker wire > ProAc Response Two S speakers mounted on very beefy steel stands.  I stream a lot of Tidal on the Aires' Lighting DS app.

My short list of possible replacements are AR SP6, AR SP8, CJ PV10 and Quicksilver Full Function.  Two other options are AI Modulus 3A and ModWright LS 100 (if i can find a good deal on one--it's a stretch for my budget), but I'm afraid these two might be too neutral or bright for my ear.  I'd appreciate any recommendations.  Overhauling the PSE preamp is a possibility, but one audio professional i trust told me i can really improve SQ over the PSE.

Thanks for any tips or advice!
robert1234

Showing 4 responses by mechans

mechans
3,048 posts
 

Whats your budget?
Like gdnrbob I also like the 6SN7 pre amps I own a little AE-3 , sadly no longer in production but the Atmasphere is. I don’t know what the price is but it may be affordable new..

I must say your list of possibilities is long is filled with pres that are quite different from each other. The CJ is warm the ARCs are certainly not despite the use of tubes, For instance I own an SP6b. I tried to roll warm tubes into it  but it had no effect whatsoever. Not all tube preamps are warm and not all provide the 3D magic that tubes do in power amps..

mechans
3,048 posts
 

@Robert1234,  I think the ARC SP6B came with Telefunken 12AX7s as original equipment.  They have a reputation for being for  clean, cool and crisp sounding tubes.  I can concur from my own experience with them. Telefunkens were frequently matched in the "golden era" of early stereo integrateds,  nonetheless  they had a very warm overall presentation.. I have a couple of tube Sherwoods like that.

 As I said I tried a number of tubes in my SP6B, including 5751s and it didn't matter- same sonic, utterly remarkable..  My pre is a true wire with gain, (it was used and modded when I got it.).  They do have superb phono sections.  BTW my SP6B came with Bel  (India) 12AX7s.

 I hope it turns out to be what you wanted. Let us know how it works out in your system.

mechans
3,048 posts
 

Man what a tough crowd. The SP6B is too rolled off, is smeared and doesn’t image all that well. You must like some crispy sound. I would venture that it is not a function of the Pre, but rather the speakers being employed. The Arc sound and my SP6B experience was almost the diametric opposite. The ARC reminded me more of solid  and very detailed, state not a warm, romantic piece, with midrange bloom, you are describing.  You could try Telefunken 12AX7s, and see if that firms thing up a bit.  For me it didn't matter.

I don’t really use my SP6B that much because it was too sterile, went to a 6SN7 based amp. Mapletree and Atmasphere make this kind of pre, but they aren’t going to yield you more detail.


mechans
3,048 posts
 
I am 100% with Atmashphere on this one.  A 6SN7 pre amp can be very detailed it depends on what amp its  going into, the quality of the pre and of course the 6SN7s themselves which come in many flavors.
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