2. amps-preamps
  3. 192678-195555

Vacuum Tube Preamp for Solid State Power Amp Pairing

I’ve recently discovered the world of vacuum tubes and recently purchased a Willsenton R8 which I’m enjoying very much.

I also have a solid state Chord Electronics SPM 1050mkii power amp (200w into 8ohms) and am now curious what sound I could achieve by the marriage of a tube preamp paired with my beefy solid state power amp.

As I’m a tube newbie I figured it would be sensible to lean on the considerable experience of the Audiogon community and plunder some recommendations.

 I like the look of the PS Audio BHK signature Pre (preowned) but it’s pushing my budget, although if you guys think it’s a winner I can save a few more buttons..! Also I’m aware of the Shiit Freya + which seems well reviewed and appears to be a good value proposition, but apart from these 2, I’m not really sure what else is out there…

So, over to you guys to work your magic, recommendations please!

Budget is circa £2-£3k and MUST have a remote control! :)

terenthia

Showing 1 response by avanti1960

avanti1960
1,545 posts
 

My recommendation would be for the 6SN7 based preamp the Cary Audio SLP-98L.  Beautiful unit with remote power supply chassis and an uncanny realistic tone quality but I fear the gain would be too much for the Chord amp and the Rothwell attenuators did not work well for me.  

The Rogue Audio units are fantastic but I recommend to stay mid-range and go with the RP-5.  I had the RP-7 and it was too burnished and polite sounding and did not respond well to any NOS tubes.  The RP-5 sounds smooth and still retains excellent detail.  Nice looking unit too.  

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