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
willywonka
270 posts
 

I'm using a BAT VK-80 Tube preamp. They just discontinued this model, and the replacement model unfortunately is solid state, but you can find them on the used market. Build quality is amazing and sound is extremely good. They use the same 6H30 tubes that Audio Research uses in many of their tube amps.

vthokie83
942 posts
 

Terenthia

For under $3,000 I'd recommend the Supratek Chardonnay preamp, $3,000 with chrome accents and $2,500 with black accents. Hand made in Australia, and Mick Maloney is a really smart dude......and great to talk to. That's what I would buy for that price range, and it's a 6SN7 tube based

For $4,000 my first choice would be the Aric Audio 6SN7 preamp, and second would be the Supratek Cabernet (the next step up from the Chardonnay). Both hand made, point to point wired, with the  highest quality of  components. For disclosure, I own Aric's preamp and amps

 

gryphongryph
389 posts
 

I have the Supratek Cabernet dual

sounds beautiful, just remember that it is a high gain pre.

vthokie83
942 posts
 

gryphongryph

I thought all Suprateks have adjustable gain? I talked to Mick and he thought his preamps would work well with my CODA S5.5, though I'd have to adjust gain. Maybe I'm mistaken, but my friend's Grange is adjustable

tyray
674 posts
 

LTA MICROZOTL MZ3 Headphone Amp / Preamp / Integrated Amp. A marvelous piece of kit. Punches way above its price point. If you can get a used one from the manufacturer LTA, get the upgraded tubes, that's a steal. 

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