Warm, yet detailed tube preamp

@dogearedaudio If you haven’t already, check out the Raven pre that Don has co-designed for Spatial Audio — it goes way beyond what he’s done with his prior preamps albeit at a somewhat dearer price point.  There’s another thread here that has a lot more info on the specifics of the design.

https://www.spatialaudiolab.com/raven-preamplifier

Yes, that looks like a very nice design, and not as expensive as I thought. Wonder what the harmonic cancellation sounds like (assuming it’s a push-pull topology). I still think the Aikido is one of the "great ideas" of audio and considering how cheaply it can be built, and how easily it can be upgraded to give stellar performance, it’s also a great bargain. ;-)

If you're into a kit, try the Vacuum Tube Audio SP14. I did mine up with Mundorf Ag/Au caps, Khozmo remote attenuator, Vishay resistors and NOS 6sn7 tubes. Fits my system's sound like a glove and it's been absolutely trouble free for many years!

An assembled SP14 with remote is a terrific value for under $2K, IMO.  The SP14 board is the same one Don Sachs used for years and it's very well designed, with regulated filament and high-voltage supplies.  I've also found that the specific operating points chosen for the tubes makes for a particularly good-sounding Aikido.

A Conrad Johnson Premier 17LS fitted with Gold Lion tubes will please you.