2. amps-preamps
  3. 1051861770

What tube pre amp for live sound on rock and roll

Ok guy's I think I'm ready to purchase a tube preamp.
I listen to classic rock and heavy metal.All electrical guitars with drums.Don't forget that drum beat is sometimes a quick beat double bass.

I have read that SS preamps are better for quick dynamic music and bass.
Maby so, BUT they are also known for being sterile, analitical, and flat sounding.This is something I want to get away from.

Yes I know about the CJ PFR, but I think I want to take the leap to a tube pre for liveliness and an SS amp for power.I do on occasion "CRANK IT UP".

I am looking for a live sound with raw emotion.Not something that will recreate the fluttering of a lady bug's wings that was outside the studio when they were recording.

I think my Meridian 508.24 CDP doe's a prety good gob of info retrieval in that department.I connected it to my Yamaha DSP-A1 (I know I know) using Cardas Golden reference connects.

Keep in mind I am assembling a seperate two channel system for music and I am just using the DSP-A1 because that's all I in the pre/power department, for now.

Don't get me wrong, I like detail, I just don't wan't to give up emotion and enveloping sound.

I have heard that Audio Research and Conrad Johnson make the most musical and dynamic pre's.

I would realy like to purchase a Audio Research Reference 2 but cant afford one, even used.

I started looking for good reviews and realistic prices. I found positive things said about the LS2,LS22 and the LS5.
It seems that some of you believe that the LS5 is definately the way to go.

My question to you good folks is:

Do you think that the LS5 is the right choice for me and my
music?

Remember low bass performance is also important.

Thank's in advance for your input.
tweakster
kirk930's avatar
kirk930
285 posts
 
maybe the b.a.t preamps would be worth a listen. jadis are hard to beat i like the cj gear very much as well.
troutki
40 posts
 
I gotta say I primarily listen to rock/classic rock and am loving my Rouge Magnum 99. The built in phono-stage is very open and rich and the unit handles everything I throw at it from Zepplin to Tool.
garfish
1,840 posts
 
I like R&R (SOMETIMES LOUD) and tube pre-amps too, and use an SF Line 2SE w/ NOS Sovtek tubes. Others above have touched on it, but I think that tube type/brand is the single most important factor in getting the sound-- including PR&T-- you want from a tube pre-amp. I'm sure you know that it takes a compatible amp to really achieve the "boogie factor. Cheers. Craig
hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
342 posts
 
Why any pre-amp if you are digital ?
My pre-amp (LS15) has been out of my system since Oct.
It's going to be put back in sometime over the next few weeks for a listening session.
I'm doubtful it will improve the sound of my system.
Threshold T-100 amp
MSB Gold Link III fed by a Perpetual Technologies P.1A digital engine.
I'm using an Ah! CDP as the transport.
Volume control to the Spendor 1/2's is handled by a Canary Islands Audio VPC.1.
tweakster OP
19 posts
 
I forgot to mention that I dont want a pre that rolls off the high end.Electric guitars are my favorite instrument and they take quite a blow when this happens.
More to discover