2. amps-preamps
  3. 190587-155863

Would like to try a tube preamp after years of solid state and hybrid

I would like to replace my Counterpoint SA-1000 preamp of which I am the original owner.  I have never been satisfied with it.  I bought it as a replacement for a Hafler DH-100 pre that I bought to go with a Hafler DH-220 amp.  (I still like the amp, more so after I recapped it and upgraded a few parts.)  I did a total recap of the Counterpoint and replaced some of the rca jacks, along with a few other small things, but still find it to sound congested and dull.  In my opinion, it didn’t live up to the positive reviews that it received when it was released, but it served well in a secondary system.  My primary system makes use of an Aragon 24k preamp and 4004 amp which I find to be an acceptable level of performance.  I am using all digital sources at the moment, a JVC XL-Z1050 cd player or MacBook Pro through a Weiss DAC204.  The speakers are B&W Cm1/CM2.  Yes, with the exception of the DAC, it is all from around the same vintage.  You might be able to guess, but I have chosen components which produce a clean and crisp sound.  I am at the point that I would like to experiment with a completely different sound in the form of an old school, or near old school, tube preamp.  

 

I have been doing as much research as I can, including many thoughts from the Audiogon community, and have narrowed my choices down to the following few that are available right now, but open to other suggestions as I’m not in any rush.  I’m not a super-critical listener, but I have music training and experience, so I know what instruments and performances sound like live.  My budget is $2,000 or less plus trade value for the Counterpoint, and my goals are to get something that sounds obviously like a tube component.  I would like to equal or exceed the performance of the 24k in case I like the tubes better.  A phono stage is not required, but welcome.  I don’t like designs that have exposed tubes or showy facades (McIntosh, Zesto, PrimaLuna, etc).  I would like to get some guidance from the forum members.  

 

Conrad-Johnson PV 5, PV 10, PV 11, or other

Audible Illusions Modulus L3 or M3

Cary SLP-70

VAC Standard LE

Joule Electra LA-150 (in spite of the fact that they are out of business)

Audio Research (although I can’t decipher which model to consider - LS7, LS17, LS25?)

 

If I choose something newer, perhaps Quicksilver, AVA, Modwright, or Brown Audio Lab, but these might not sound ad "tubey" as the older units.

 

I understand that the older preamps might require some amount of rehabilitation, some of which I can do.  Nothing is a sure bet, but I would appreciate your input.

 

Thanks for any input, and best wishes!

charliehorse
charliehorse OP
10 posts
 

@sls883

Thanks for the information on the listing.  If you have the time, could you give your opinion as to where the PV-14L rates on the tubiness spectum?  Thanks

sls883
147 posts
 

@charliehorse

 

If you are looking at the black unit, they should have a remote for it. I sent an extra remote with mine. You can buy them from c-j for $40.

I bought mine new in 2001 and it was the last piece that I upgraded. I initially went to a conrad-johnson Premier 17LS2 which was better in some respects, but not all.  I now have a Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp

I think the PV-14L paired well with my solid state amp. I never felt that it was overly warm or tubey.  I used Mullard M8080 tubes. I think you'd like it. I wanted to keep mine, but it would have just sat in storage. 

winoguy17
1,106 posts
 

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650109941-modwright-instruments-swl-90-se/

immatthewj
1,766 posts
 

@immatthewj - I seem to have a gut feeling that Cary would be a great option for me.  The SLP 98L gets a lot of good reviews and one is available for $2,000.  I'm not sure that I would like the exposed tubes.  I just read something from a old Audiogon post describing the SLP-70 as having a warm, old school tube sound. 

As I typed previously:  I've no experience with the 70 OR the 98, but based on my experience of going from a modded SLP90 to a SLP05, I suspect the SLP98 would outperform the SLP70 hands down.  If I am not mistaken (and I well might be, so you might want to look at some reviews for the SLP70) it was one of the first preamps Cary ever came up with and kind of an entry level one.  I think Cary preamps progressively got better and better.  What I have read, here on A'gon,  about the '98, is that it has a "sweet" sonic characteristic, which to some probably means warm.  As far as the exposed tubes, I guess that's a practical matter as well as personal preference.  Preamp tubes do not get blazing hot like amp output tubes do, but still, they are sticking up there, and if there are animals or children who are apt to mess around with them, well, that is a real consideration. 

The exposed tubes has become another characteristic of most Cary gear, and it is actually one that appeals to me on an aesthetic basis, however I can see it may not be for everyone.   I will say this about the exposed tubes, it does make rolling tubes and/or troubleshooting a tube easier. 

charliehorse OP
10 posts
 

@immatthew - Thanks for the additional input regarding Cary equipment.  I wasn't able to find as many reviews about the 70, but based on reviews about the 98, I agree that it should perform at a much higher level.  Based on that potential, I haven't ruled it out.  One issue with exposed tubes is that I have an enclosed cabinet and the tallest available shelf is 7" tall.  The 98 is 5" tall.  I have no idea how much heat any of these preamps will produce, but that is one concern.  I also have a dog, but she has very limited, to no access to the cabinet.  I also appreciate the point regarding tube rolling.  That would be much easier.

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