2. amps-preamps
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Which would you choose for good sounding tube preamp for an audiophile new to tubes.

I need your help guys. I would like to add a tube preamp to pair with my reference 200.2 B&K amplifier. My speakers are large ADS L1590 towers ( 90 DB efficiency rating). They were a flagship back in the day. I have had them restored by an ads tech. I am l looking at  a QUICKSILVER LINESTAGE LS PREAMPLIFIER, VTL 5.5 preamplifier, and a Sonic Frontiers SFL-1. All are currently used and on audiomart or audiogon. The Sonic Frontiers is for sale on hi-fi heaven. I purchased from them before and they check out the equipment that is preowned. My system is a little bright and dynamic sounding using the sonata B&K preamp. (There best at the time). I am looking for a little warmth in the sound and no harshness. I want some slam and afraid I will lose it if I go with tubes.  I have had success buying certain units because of the knowledge dispensed through this forum I am a member of Audiogon in good standing. Any help would be great. I appreciate the feedback. 

128x128arichison

Showing 1 response by atmasphere

atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
12,010 posts
 

I am looking for a little warmth in the sound and no harshness. I want some slam and afraid I will lose it if I go with tubes.

@arichison Lose the fear. The only thing you have to look out for is to make sure that at 20Hz, the output impedance of the preamp is less than 1/10th the input impedance of the power amp.

As an example, if the amplifier has an input impedance of 50kOhms, the preamp must have an output impedance not exceed 5kOhms at 20Hz. If you don't see that spec published, simply ask the manufacturer. If they can't supply it move on.

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