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! :)
I use an original version Schiit Freya (NOS GE tubes) with either a Dennis Had Firebottle HO SEP tube amp or a Pass XA-25. No impedance matching issues just great sound from "Class A" (except for the Had amp...somewhat rarer it seems) components. Spend more if you wish but this preamp is amazing, and the "original" version keeps the tubes on even when listening to one of the passive modes which allows instant switching. The new "+" version has you wait for the tubes to warm up...no biggie. |
@jackd I do that, but I just don’t feel it to be the best solution. |
I'd be looking for a quality preowned line stage. Thinking an Aesthetix, Calypso Signature or, if cash flow permitted, a Con-Jon Act2 or ARC Reference 5. The latter 2 are in the $5-$6K range and the Calypso maybe a bit less? 3 very different tube strategies but all equally excellent. Keep the phono stage off-board. Just my opinion. |
