2. amps-preamps
  3. 190592-30175

Used tube preamp $2-3K

Scouting for an above mentioned preamp driving both 2a3 monos, UL/triode monos  and push pull monos. Plus two FW F3, F5 amps. DAC source 75%, CD 25%. Currently using an older Audio Mirror which may be a bottle neck. Current speakers are Coherent GR12 Sigs, Klipsch LS and Jubilee. Remote is a near must, dynamic with speed and detail and transparency. I find a nice CJ 17ls, a Coincident and even a much less expensive Schiit Freya+. The CJ seems highly touted and I like the relay based volume control vs the standard Alps wiper normally found. All insight appreciated, Thanks.

kckrs
rob2rc21
25 posts
 

Hi,

I own both versions of Quicksilver line preamps (non-remote and remote) and I thing you have to spend 3/4 times of what they cost to get a better sound from a preamp.

No phono stage. The non-remote sound marginally better.

bcsy
2 posts
 

Greetings,  I’m likely listing my Supratek Cabernet if you want to chat.  Thanks

Brian

 

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sjsfiveo
60 posts
 

Don Sachs!

zarf
31 posts
 

I'm still pretty new to a CJ 17LS2 for a couple of months. Prior to that I had been using an Aric Audio Unlimited II in the main system. I have kept the Aric, as he no longer has it on offer, and because I like both the preamp and its tube collection.

The fun thing with this thread is that that the recommendations are great. If the right deal came along for a Linear Tube Audio, Don Sachs, Supratek, or Backert came along, they all seem like they'd be pieces worthy of trial.

If you are looking for remote, dynamics, speed, and transparency, maybe there's a Linear Tube Audio preamp in your future. I'd be happy to give one some shelf space for a while, without a doubt. Maybe others would fill the spec as well, or offer other strengths. LTA seems relatively uncommon on the used market, but so does Backert.

My Conrad Johnson is going to stay awhile, until the next thing. I just put a quad of Vokshods in for the ride.

vthokie83
832 posts
 

+++1 for Aric Audio Super 6SN7 ($4,000) or Motherlode II ($5,400) and for Don Sachs/Lynn Olson Raven preamp ($5,500). 

I have never heard one in my own system (only in a fellow hobbyists), but the Supratek preamps are also excellent. They have a bunch of models from $2,500 to $6,000

The Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme (NOT the base Rhumba as it it not in the same ballpark in SQ) is also a great preamp at $8,500, as is the the BAT VK-80 at $10,000

I personally prefer 6SN7 based preamps (Aric Audio, Don Sachs/Lynn Olson, Supratek), as they seem to match my tastes best.....but the Rhumba Extreme and BAT were excellent using other topologies.

I tested all of the above preamps except the Supratek, and in the end purchased the Aric Audio Motherlode XL. I have since heard the Supratek Cabernet, and it is excellent as well.

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