2. amps-preamps
  3. 178503-114571

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 5 responses by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,484 posts
 

Absolutely the Quicksilver.   I have a Sonic Frontiers SFL 1 and it is a great preamp but it was built in 1994.    Some have had extensive mods through Parts Connexion and they still repair them so it's not a bad choice.  The reason I say Quicksilver is because their stuff is all point to point wired.   Plus it's built like a tank.   

I have had Quicksilver Mid Monos since '15 and they have been rock-solid reliable.   I have their headphone amp, also huge bang for the buck.

#1  Quicksilver 

#2 SFL 1 , you could do a lot worse.  Also built like a tank 

#3 VTL.     STAY AWAY !!!!!!     HORRIBLE SERVICE,  HORRIBLE PEOPLE 

 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,484 posts
 

Quicksilver, one of the best , under the radar companies out there .   

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,484 posts
 

Sorry, their amps are all P2P.   Still a good pre.  

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,484 posts
 

Sorry but VTL service is real bad.  You are lucky to have had a response.  Hey , it’s great sounding gear , I’ve said that many times. But if you bought it second hand don’t expect them to help you , especially if it’s older.  They are not like McIntosh, CJ, ARC , those companies always try to restore and repair legacy products 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,484 posts
 

Odds are you’ll never need service , that’s an excellent preamp .  But they are legendary for poor customer service.  

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