Tube Preamps...I'm sold


At the constant urging of my friend I finally decided to audition a tube preamp (Eistein The Tube). All I can say is I am completely sold on the benefits of tubes in my system. I am not sure I have the vocabulary to describe what I heard but everything just sounded right. Vocals has a realism that made it seem I was in the same room as the musician. Instruments sounded like they were supposed to. There were details I have never heard before. What is amazing to me is that I have what I believe to be a pretty good ss preamp (Classe CP-700).

Ok, now for the hard part...finding the right tube preamp. The Einstein is amazing but I want to audition more. Can anyone suggest a tube pre in the range of $10K and less? I would love to some one with an output trigger and very fine volume control (0.5db). Thats all I need.

Thanks in advance.
tboooe

Showing 1 response by daveyf

On the subject of tube rolling, I recently changed out my stock tubes in my CAT signature with NOS GE Smooth plates and Russian Rocket tubes in the line section...BIG improvement. The pre-amp was no slouch before, but took on a new life with the swap-out. Far more realistic dynamics, more extension of both ends of the spectrum and less haze.
So, I am wandering how many people have actually heard what is possible with their pre-amp, certainly brings up the question of whether a reviewer has heard what a piece of tube equip under review can do.