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
12 posts
 

Lou, Thanks for the thoughtful response and encouragement.  It can be funny and surprising about equipment, good is good regardless of the cost.  I don't want this to deviate into cables, so I sent you a pm.

I will read up on the suggestions that you, and the more recent contributors have made as some of them are unfamiliar.  You made the third mention of the ARC SP-6B.  The journey has been fun, and the enthusiasm that has been shared has been inspiring.

Thanks, Kevin

lou_setriodes's avatar
lou_setriodes
682 posts
 

I heard both the SP-6B and the SP8 at different times and on different systems.  The person who owned the 6B had also said it was the best of the SP6’s (SP6A - SP6E).  I also read from the later Roger Modjewski (Music Reference) in his tech days before starting MR, that he hated working on Audio Research gear, that the circuitry was always over complicated and difficult to work on.  So something to keep in mind perhaps.  I’ll look for your private message.  The journey is the fun part :).

charliehorse OP
12 posts
 

Lou, Thanks again.  I have been reading all of the praises regarding ARC equipment, and I'm sure that it is justified.  When I looked at photos of the inside of the SP-6B, for instance, it does look very crowded.  I have very limited experience tinkering with electronics, but simpler is usually easier.

charliehorse OP
12 posts
 

Thanks to all who have shared their advice and experience with me.  Unfortunately, vehicle repairs were WAY more than expected and have put this idea on hold.  In the meantime, I have been re-capping some older equipment.

Cheers!

degx1000
13 posts
 

I don’t post often here but have sold/bought stuff several times. I have had a CJ pv1, 5, 8, and 9a. Also an ARC SP 8. I now have a Vacuum Tube Audio (tubes4hifi)  line stage which uses 4 6sn7s and a tube rectifier section. I think it sounds excellent when driving a MAC MC 462 alone or with an ARC D 70 II for mids and highs. It sounds like tubes but doesn’t sound muddy or slow. It’s quite dynamic and has the type of balance control I like, a master volume control with separate gain controls for each channel. Cost is approximately 2000 depending on tube choices etc. Also a good solid-feeling remote. The other preamps I’ve had were all dynamic but lack remote control and are limited to homc or mm. Hope this helps.

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