2. amps-preamps
  3. 1129943860

Which Tube Preamp under $10K?

I am seeking to replace my Audio Research LS16. $10K is a hard upper limit which must include a phono stage. It matters not if it is built-in or a separate component, but It should be decent. So, in terms of a new line stage for $8500 or less, I'm currently considering The CJ CT5, one of the VACs, the VTL 6.5 and perhaps the BAT 31SE or not yet released ARC LS26. I am driving a pair of Bel Canto Evo 2 Gen II monoblocks which are driving B&W Nautilus 803s. I like the tube sound, maybe even on the sweet side for some tastes. The older CJ gear has always been a touch dark for me, but the newer stuff is said to have lightened up considerably. So, speed, dimensionality and a tubelike upper midrange are where I want to go with this purchase. All comments and suggestions welcome.
pscialli

Showing 3 responses by audiokinesis

audiokinesis
2,755 posts
 
Since your Bel Canto has balanced inputs, you might consider the Atma-Sphere MP-1 preamp with phono stage. Frankly I have no first-hand (or even second-hand) experience with the combination, but if your priorities are "speed, dimensionality, and tubelike upper midrange" then Atma-Sphere is well worth considering. I can tell you that Atma-Sphere preamps work very well with Jeff Rowland's IcePower amplifiers, which are conceptually similar to the Bel Canto unit. Ralph Karsten (of Atma-Sphere) thinks his preamps are a more significant step up than his well-respected OTL amplifiers are. I can tell you that the phono stage in the MP-1 is superb. Oh in case it isn't obvious by now, I'm an Atma-Sphere dealer. If by chance you don't have an Atma-Sphere dealer nearby and might be interested, give me a holler.

Best of luck in your quest!

Duke
audiokinesis
2,755 posts
 
To Stanhifi,

Perhaps you are right. I think a fair number of my posts are more informative than commercial, but lately I may have drifted more towards the latter. Thanks for the feedback.

Duke
audiokinesis
2,755 posts
 
Thanks, Glide3 and Fiddler, for your kind words.

Stan doesn't object to my making "informative" posts, just "commercial" ones. And frankly my post on this thread was more commercial than informative.

Don't worry about my posting tapering off; I'll still be tossing out my $.02 on such arcane subjects as power compression and directivity index. I like the sound of my own keyboard clacking away too much to lay off.

Cheers,

Duke
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