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 1 response by corelli

corelli
1,052 posts
 

Several good suggestions and some not so good.

The LTA may be a great preamp for some but is clearly not what the OP is seeking.

I would agree that if the OP is at all troubled by too much edge or brightness this is probably a function of his speakers and will probably not be mitigated by a new preamp.  You need to fully love your speakers from the get go.  Component matching beyond should be subtle tuning of the system to taste.  

Lastly, I have heard several speakers with more than enough bass that had an intolerable edge.  I do not agree that brightness is a function of poor bass response.

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