Tube preamp recommendations $3K-$7K range

I use single-ended to my Sanders Magtech, and it sounds great. I used balanced from my DAC to the pre though.

I would hope the ARC Ref 5SE is better than the Calypso at more the double the retail selling price.

How does it sound running single ended?   I've heard that ARC gear sounds far better in balanced mode, which has kept me from trying their  preamps, as I'd have to buy new XLR interconnects and both of my tube amps are single ended only.

I had the Aesthetix Calypso Signature and replaced it with an ARC Ref5SE. The Ref5SE was significantly better.

My Freya has JFET, passive, and tube. So it's passive-aggressive.

JFET is the way to go :-)

http://www.libertyaudio.com/products/b2b-2-line-level-preamp-dac

Good Listening

Peter

ARC SP-17
has the remote Wolf lusts after..
JFET front end quiet and tube back end
Paragon has one for less than $2 k
new tubes an HRS base and decent RCA and you are off to the races.....

In answer to the OP’s question:
The K&K Audio preamp I have for sale on Audiogon. I am very familiar with John Hillig’s work and owned several of his products.

Luxman CL-38uSE. Retro look. Excellent preamp. Only making 150 SE models.

The Don Sachs SP-14 is the Vacuum Tube Audio SP-14 (tubes4hifi.com) with the most expensive parts  available as upgrades. I have the regular version, and love it.  Space and resolution.  If you want the most, look hard at the Dos Sachs.  Enjoy the journey!!!

Maybe go back to some of the blue meters you remember with a McIntosh c2300 or even c2600?

I own a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium and absolutely love it. Kevin Deal is a very knowledgeable person and he can help you tweak that amp with NOS tubes to get it sounding how you want it to sound. Having said that, if I had a $7K budget, I'd consider the Balanced Audio Technology VK-33 Preamp too:

https://www.upscaleaudio.com/collections/preamplifiers/products/balanced-audio-technology-vk-33-prea...

@cantorgale   This is a tough one.  I doubt that Musical Concepts can bring your Hafler up to the performance of any of the Backert Labs offerings but if you send the Hafler back to MC I would have them go all the way with the mod. including the outboard power supply   That way you'll know you have left no stone unturned.

You may be right about the future market for a modded component as I've read that on A'Gon before from others.  Personally I don't get it.  If I were in the market for used gear I wouldn't have any bias against modified gear.  As the buyer you would know that you are getting an optimized design and will pay a fraction of what the owner who modified the piece invested in it.

It might be helpful to call and talk to John Hillig to hear what he says about how close in overall sonic quality he can bring your Hafler to some of the better new offerings on the market today.

All the best!

Rogue RP-5.

Lots of great input, thanks. Lots of familiar names and some unfamiliar products for me research.

@hifiman5 and  @1marker: Joe at The Cable Company gives a strong recommendation to Backert Labs as well. Mentioned that he relied on Bob Backert for his CJ maintenance for many years.  He also suggested Rogers Hi Fidelity. I'd never heard of them. Their reviews are outstanding but they only make integrateds.

@ggc and @hifiman5 : As I am generally satisfied with my system, I'm thinking now along the lines of "tweaking" or "enhancing" my current sound with further mods, rather than swapping out my pre. It's a lesser cost option and I must say I trust John Hillig's ear and his work to date.

Along those lines, Musical Concepts offers two additional upgrades to my already tricked-out Hafler DH 110 pre.  One upgrade is their MC-3  circuit board mod.  This is what their website says about it:

From Musical Concepts re the circuit board mod:
...Phono, line stage and four individual power supplies are on board. Preamps with the MC-3 board are often accused of sounding tube-like, vividly three dimensional and very dynamic while retaining a solid bass authority.

• Phono stage with excellent RIAA response
• Adjustable DC offset in phono eliminates need for output capacitor
• DC-Coupled line stage with very wideband performance
• Totally discrete transistor circuitry, no ICs
• Totally dual-mono construction on one board
• Dual-Mono regulated power supply
• Dual-Mono power rail distribution
• Power and signal ground systems independent by channel...

The circuit board upgrade requires the OPS-8 external dual mono PSU as well.

Musical Concepts on the dual mono external PSU:

...Expect excellent dynamics, low noise, tonal purity, maintenance of distinct instrumental clarity at even high volumes...

http://www.musicaldesign.com/MC_Haf_premod.html

@hifiman5 : A less costly approach (new circuit board is $800), would be to just add the external PSU to the pre. I agree that the Modwright modded Oppo Sonica with Dan's tube rectified external PSU is magical improvement on the stock Oppo.  That said, I've read conflicting reports on the benefits of adding and external PSU to preamps.  Any thoughts? 

I'm not a tech guy, so specs are not terribly meaningful to me.  However, I trust what MC has done with my Haflers to date, and may invest in this "final tweak" to my solid state preamp. Downside of course is that any return on mods is lost in the used market. 

Thanks all.

I had an idea to design a little remote controlled motorized thing that had a wheel with a rubber belt that would go around any volume knob and presto!…all preamps now could be turned up and down remotely. I was going to call it the "Knobulator." Now I don’t care, but maybe I should revisit that…remote mute is also important as my wife always says stuff to me while I’m listening to music and I have to mute or I could miss something important…like "the car is on fire" or "I’m leaving you for Clem." Also, I like Teflon caps as eggs don't stick to them.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-teflon-caps-and-extra-tube-set-2017-11-18-preamplifiers

This looks like a pretty sweet deal at the bottom of your price range. No affiliation with the seller. Good luck!

Hi Daniel,
I think you have a really nice set up. If you are happy with it Don't change it. But if you must... from what I have read I think you have gotten some really solid advice. So you have time on your side to research.  I am adding a few options to explore. 

Rogue is very powerful, Dynamic friendly to tube rolling.
http://www.rogueaudio.com/Products_RP7.htm

Stage 3 Concepts is a fantastic cable company. They build great power cords. Add this on to any preamp/ amp, its like adding another component.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/ac-cables-extreme-audio-power-cables-15-a-us-plug-1-5m-length-2017...

Add this to your existing preamp and it will most likely give you what your looking for.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/ac-cables-1-5m-mint-2017-12-15-power
Enjoy the search, Good Luck

Jaybe & Randy-11 - I've read numerous threads stating ARC gear sounds it's best in balanced configuration (requiring XLR interconnects).  Is this true?  If so, that would be good for the original poster to know.

I too have heard good things about Don Sach's preamps.  I've yet to hear one, but I'm intrigued with his use of 6SN7 tubes which allows one to tweak the sound with tube rolling.  They also have a retro/vintage look that is cool.

I've been using Aesthetix Calypso preamps for probably 6 years... initially with the base Calypso and now with the Signature version Calypso.   Best preamp I've used in my 17 years as an audiophile.  Responds well when fed a diet of high quality NOS tubes and very reliable in my experience.   The base version can be had used for around $2,500 (allow $600 for some premium NOS tubes) and the Signature version is harder to find used, but can be had for around $3,600 if you are patient.

@cantorgale - I was in the same situation as you, that is, looking for a high quality preamp that would match my system, albeit at a lower cap than you set. I too was intrigued by the positive press that Backert has received, to the point that I took a chance on a Backert Labs Rhumba 1.2 (base model, not the Extreme). How can I not, with the 14 day return policy (the preamps are said to be “run in” for a bunch of hours before they are shipped, so you should get a good flavor of the preamp during an audition).

My system is nothing like yours, but my goal was to simply maintain my system’s sonic qualities while adding a touch of gain, and a touch of midrange and soundstage bloom.  My benchmark was “no preamp” in the system, i.e. my ExaSound E32 DAC connected directly to my Coincident Frankenstein 300b SET monoblocks. The speed, detail, coherency, and palpability were already there that lead to a highly engaging auditory experience, but yet there was just a little somethin’ missing. Enter the Rhumba, and let me tell you that it’s exactly what the doctor ordered! 

Not only have I maintained what I already had in my system (I would call this transparency), but I also added what I thought / knew was missing. I now have a more “energetic” and a fuller sound, voices have added a body, and the soundstage grew in all directions. I also have a better, stronger transient / dynamic response, and on top of all that, my bass grew stronger and tighter. Yes, that’s what the Rhumba added to my system, but yet, it has taken away nothing.

I totally agree with @hifiman5 about the fact if you are looking for a euphonic, colored, tubey preamp look elsewhere. If you want transparency, speed, detail, coherency, truth, etc, try out the Backert.  The great thing about the Backert, besides his unique and effective power supply (note, no electrolytics, but more expensive film caps), is the fact that you control what the preamp sounds like by just rolling the pair of 12au7 tubes. You want it to be tubier, warmer, midrange focused - put in a Mullard CV4003. You want more forwardness, slam, detail, huge air and 3D - put in a Cifte. If you are like me, i.e. somewhere in the middle, put in a couple of Raytheon black plates.... so many possibilities, so little time, lol! It takes very well to tube rolling.

Anyways, hope this helps. No affiliation, not a shill, just a happy customer who’s been playing this audio game for many, many years. BTW, must say that it’s refreshing, for a change, to have a product that is perfectly portrayed in the mfg’s website and actually lives up to and performs based on all of the marketing descriptions.

Good luck with your search, and keep us posted!

Later model Audio Research. If you want a pre that’s got the tube magic but is not too tubey sounding, these are great. It’s what I buy as well.

@whitestix Don Sachs’ gear does look interesting. IHave you ever heard his phono stage?

a used Audio Research - my LS25 Mk II cost $2,500 with new select tubes in it - less than your minimum

a friend got an LS28 new and loves it

lots of used ARC every time they bring out a new pre- just start looking

I expect (w/o listening to each next to one another) that it will be lots better than Halfer, modded or not - Hafler was great price-performance gear in its day, and very very good overall, but R&D marches on

Interesting thread, one that pops up a lot.  I second Soix advice on the Don Sach's preamp.   I got one of the first-gen versions, now with most of the current-generation upgrades ,and can wish for no better preamp.   It bettered the less expensive Modwright preamp I had at the time.   Don Sachs believes that there is magic in using 6SN7 tubes and I completely agree.  Check out Don Sachs' website for more information.  For under $3K, you can get his preamp with all the latest revisions.   

Wolf,
I’m certain that the Atna-Sphere would mate beautifully with your Dennis Had SEP amplifier. What’s a few trips off the couch to adjust the volume? Come on.
Charles

Daniel,

To start with, you have a very nice system now.  I too have relied on modifications to maximize the sound of my basic components.

Interestingly, my conrad johnson PV 12L was extensively modified by RHB Design which is Bob Backert's modification company.  He and his son do their magic on gear of various brands, although Bob has specialized for years in working on cj gear.  

When I saw Backert Labs' two preamps on your list of possibles I was moved to reply.  Bob's thing is attention to every blessed detail in a design.  Impeccable workmanship.  I've had the pleasure to meet Bob several times and he has the perfect temperament for what he does.  He is quite meticulous and real low key.  Patience!

I haven't had the good fortune to hear any of his proprietary preamps but if you are looking for a rich, tubey sound, his gear probably won't give you that.  He is all about accuracy to the incoming music signal.  Don't get me wrong, that "rightness" that a tube preamp can bring to a system will be there but I would doubt it would be generally characterized as warm in the classic tube sense.

Having said that, I wouldn't trade my Backert modified cj pre for any other preamp.  

One last thought.  Bob has patents on preamp power supply designs.  He puts his all into the power supply section of his designs.

I have a Modwright SACD player with the tube rectified PSU.  That PSU is a true key to the sound of Dan's modded units as I am sure you already know.

I look forward to reading about your preamp journey.  All the best!

I'm in a similar situation and plan on trying a Don Sachs SP14 preamp.  Best of luck. 

If that thing had a remote...

You should check out this Atma-Sphere line stage. It would be a nice fit with your vintage Hafler amp. It will give you the taste of tubes at a reasonable price!
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/atma-sphere-ultraviolet-uv-1-preamplifier/