Which preamp for Quicksilver mono amps?

The Cary SLP-98 F1 pre was a fine system when matched to the Mini-Monos. Or for a more budget system I might want to try the QS preamp. Mike Sanders knows good sound.

There is nothing wrong with the standard QS linestage or full function QS preamp, and particularly so for the price new. People like to try different preamps with different tube sets to yield different results. You might be better off trying different sources and different cables while your existing tubes are settling in more.  While it may not be needed, it's also fun to test in these other areas too fwiw. Best of luck. 

Sounds like it wasn’t a good idea to consider a QS preamp.

The AI preamp recently had new tube sets from Audible Illusions. The sound got much better with the new tubes, but I wonder how long it will last. Maybe I need to change the tubes every 3~4 years? That was one reason why I was toying around having a QS preamp which I presume last much longer than AI preamp.

It sounds like not that many people match their QS mono amps with QS preamps. I wonder it is because QS preamps are not as good as QS power amps?

+1 on CJ recommendation. 

I am not looking for any sound improvement. I have not yet thought much about matching KT mono with QS preamp, but since QS preamp is relatively cheap ($1500)

I wouldn’t bother.  Just put the $1500 towards a real future upgrade like the Spatial Raven, Aric Motherload, etc. that are on another level entirely.

I too have heard them with an Aric Audio pre and the match was amazing!

Call him, his customer service is as legendary as his tube gear.

I'm using a Herron VTSP-360 with my V-4s

Check out. Linear Tube Audio, it’s $5-6k  and takes several tube choices 

it is designed by David Berning, then further  improved upon ,Made In USA 

and sounds great.

@ihcho you could do a lot worse than your AI M3B with a lessor preamp.You have a decent unit now. Echoing @soix ’ fundamental questions about what you are trying to accomplish -or- just to satisfy curiosity itch - do share more. 

A friend had a preamp like yours, IIRC some of the later AI units were designed to be used with some of the higher gain Russian 6922s although people do try others. 

Have you already checked and tried really good 6DJ8 / 6922 dual triode tubes in your unit? What’s in there now?

Thanks for all your input.

What preamp are you using now and what specific improvements are you looking for.  Also, what’s your budget and are you looking for new or used?

My preamp is Audible Illusions M3B. Amp is KT Mono with KT150. I am not looking for any sound improvement. I have not yet thought much about matching KT mono with QS preamp, but since QS preamp is relatively cheap ($1500), I am interested in trying to compare with AI. I just have about $1500 to spare, so if I go for other brands, it should be a used one.

I was using a Zesto Leto with the Mid Monos. That caliber of preamp really demonstrated how good those amps can sound.     

I used them with a CJ Classic 2SE and that was a really good sounding combo. Also used them with a Sonic Frontiers SFL 1 , sounded great.    

These amps are way under rated in my opinion 

I used them with other gear short term , McCormack RLD 1 wasn't a good match, sold that for the CJ

What preamp are you using now and what specific improvements are you looking for.  Also, what’s your budget and are you looking for new or used?

I loved the Aesthetix Calypso with my balanced V4’s. 

If you want your QS monos to sing, it's really worth trying some different preamps with them. While I've helped a few friends with the standard QS line stage, and its a value for the $, do try a few nice lower gain (or switchable) 6SN7 preamps at least, you might be pleasantly surprised. I enjoy an upgraded Cary SLP-98 with my own QS Mono amps. Same as what @hilde45 mentioned above, give it a try for sure. 

I use the QS 12at7 line stage with my QS amps. I find that it has way too much gain ( 18db )for a line stage. It is a very basic preamp and does not have a balance, mono switch and remote. If these features are not important to you I doubt that you would go wrong!!

I have tried multiple preamps with my QS mono 60's. A QS Line Stage, a 6SN7 preamp similar to the deHavilland Ultraverve III, a ChiFi preamp based on a Pass design (very quiet, clean, cheap), and another DIY preamp based around a hi quality Burson op amp. All sounded great. I prefer the 6SN7.

I use Aric Audio Super 6sn7 linestage with my QS mono amps. Stunning sound.

I use the 6922 version QS preamp with my Mono 120s, and it's a great match. I also use an Audible Illusions M3B but have to use line attenuators to knock back the gain. This combo also sounds awesome.