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 1 response by sloane27

sloane27
21 posts
 

I used to have a B&K 2220 (and other B&Ks) that I ran with a 1990s Conrad Johnson preamp and a newer Jolida tube preamp and it sounded great with both I thought, but the newer Jolida was better and they are pretty cheap. I also ran a Classe' solid state preamp with it and I preferred the tube preamps with the B&K amps. I grew up with B&K power amps, I really like them.

I thought the music sounded 'fuller' with a tube preamp and it slams just as hard but more musically, imo. I like the tube preamp SS power amp setup. Good luck! 

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