2. amps-preamps
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Tube Preamp Recommendations

I’m looking to get a tube preamp in the near future. Budget is $1k, but might go up to $1.5k. The Freya+ is one that I’m considering. What else is out there in my price range? The preamp will be fed by a SMSL SU-9 DAC. My amp is an upgraded Quad 405, which I recently acquired, and the speakers are AR Classic Series 18.
terrapin77

Showing 5 responses by terrapin77

terrapin77 OP
89 posts
 
The DAC is currently going straight into the amp, but I want to find the right tube preamp.  I tried out a Rogue Audio 66 Magnum and I love the tube sound, but the Rogue doesn't play nice in my system.  Way too much buzzing in the speakers.  Could that be caused by the DAC's 5.4v output? 
terrapin77 OP
89 posts
 
Thanks George!  I will check out the Sys.  The only reason I'm going DAC into amp right now is the buzzing from the 66 is annoying AF!! I wonder if it's the SU-9 causing it.  Wish I had a spare DAC to test. 
terrapin77 OP
89 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions.  I will check them out.  I have a Hum X delivering tomorrow in one final attempt to quiet the buzzing from the Rogue.  If that doesn't work, I'm definitely going to need a different preamp.  The Don Sachs preamp really interests me, but I would have to save up some more for that.   
terrapin77 OP
89 posts
 
Hum X didn't work.  Definitely on the hunt for a different tube preamp.  
terrapin77 OP
89 posts
 
@georgegifi. I checked it out but I don't see how it would help.  I'm looking for a tube preamp that isn't overly noisy in my system. 
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