2. amps-preamps
  3. 190417-1301

Warm, yet detailed tube preamp

Looking for a warm but yet detailed preamp to upgrade my Rouge RP1 (with NOS tubes). Rest of system is Coincident Frankenstein 300B Mk2, Zu Audio Omen Def Supreme, digital front end with PS Audio AirStream and DirectStream Sr (modified with external power supply for the analog side and different output transformers). The Rouge is a very good preamp (especially for the money), but it does definitely hold the system back at this point. I would like to add a bit more warmth of the overall sound and also add depth to the soundstage (without losing details). And I do want a remote... if nothing else, volume and mute.

 

Willing to spend about $5k used (or so).

audiojan

Showing 2 responses by carlsbad2

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,036 posts
 

I don't like the term "warm".  I think it is a euphemism for bland and muddy.  It is generally an attempt to fix a too bright system.  and often the too brightness is really a lack of bass.  People don't understand this but it makes sense if you think about it.  For example, you have a crappy power conditioner that limits current to your amp that mostly affect bass.  So to get the normal bass and volume, you have to turn it up.  now the highs are screaming at you.  

So instead of buying a "warm" preap, I'd try to find out what is causing problems in my system.

Jerry

carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
2,036 posts
 

@audiojan good luck with that. 

 

 The first amp I ever saw current limit effects was a 14 lb EL84 shoebox amp.  

You totally missed my point on the bass balance.  Not gonna try again.

You sound like you've got it figured out.

 

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