What preamp to pair with Spectron

I used Capri by Jeff Rowland along with Spectron until now and I started to look on other preamps. I audition MBL 6010 and I agree with Steve - its very dynamic and quit and is excellent match. You cannot go wrong here. Excellent choice.

However, Simon from Spectron introduced me to Joule-Electra LA-300ME (and no surprise as he did design there power supply or something) and it caused so different emotion that I am selling my Capri and placing order for LA-300ME.

The reason is very simple - I could not stop listening and I was "in" the music. No other preamp or amp ever come close to this experience... I can't wait until I get my own unit. Pure and simple.

I have two Musician III, Mk2 with Bybee upgrades (not monoblock but each stereo on AA Beethovens) with Cary SLP-05. The Cary is not using original tubes--now Raytheon and Mullard rectifier. The sound has excellent dynamics, detail, and decay but is neither fatiguing nor lush--very enjoyable for my tastes.

Good hunting,
Will

Although I'm not a Spectron owner, the following may be helpful.

My amps are NuForce Ref 9 V2 SE and I, like you, was in the market for a preamp to suit them.

I discussed this with Simon of Spectron since he was also involved with Joule-Electra. My goal was to find a tube preamp to compliment the Nu-Force, and provide enjoyment for many years. I want to get off the upgrade path and just enjoy my system. My bet was that the Spectron would benefit from a similar preamp.

Simon's excitement and information about the LA-300ME convinced me to give it a try.

The LA-300ME has been in my system for several months now and it never ceases to amaze with its musical presentation. No veils in front of the music, no artificiality, just a natural and very involving experience. Plenty of power and slam when called for, and also delicacy with detail, lots of detail. Combination of circuit design and very high end components makes this thing sing. This ranks with the best, no doubt. I have heard quite a few contenders at CES over the past 4 or 5 shows, (although this is not exactly an ideal place for critical listening you can tell the special from the not-so).

Hope you give the LA-300ME a listen to see how it performs with Spectron amps. Expect great things!

VTL 7.5 working well with Spectrons. Tubes were changed to JJ Electric which further contributed to more extensive ends, improved micro dynamic, tight, more controlled and big sound. All together instruments and voices sound natural by color and dimension.

Regards,
Boris

Clearly there's lots of support for a good tube preamp with the Mus 3s, but has anyone ever paired a Pass Labs pre with the Spectron? Or had great experience with a SS preamp? Just curious.....