2. amps-preamps
  3. 129278-85928

Tube Preamp W/Phono Stage Suggestions...

Looking for a little guidance on selecting a tube preamp. I currently have a Decware CSP3 which is a very nice sounding preamp. The CSP3 is a line stage/headphone preamp which is very open and articulate, fairly neutral with great soundstage and separation, and is very quiet.

In a replacement preamp, I'm looking for the same attributes but something with a good built in MM phono stage and at least two additional inputs, balanced or unbalanced. A touch on the warm side would be okay. Doesn't have to have all (or any) bells and whistles.

Looking for new/used below the price of 3K. I've been looking at units such as the Audible Illusions M3B, Modwright LS-100 w/phono board, Atma-Sphere MP-3 Mk3.2, and the Rogue Audio RP-5.

Looking to get the best bang for my buck in sound quality, so any input/personal experience on what I've listed, or any new suggestions would be appreciated. Will be running through a Yamaha B-1 amp and NS-2000 speakers
elrod
sailboat
45 posts
 
Too bad you couldn't pay a wee bit more.  There is a Shindo Monbrison listed here on Audiogon.  They are asking $6500.  

This is an incredible pre and the phono section is outstanding.  i do not know the seller.  Maybe they would take a reasonable offer. But for my money, at the selling price, this is a great deal.

Not a 3k pre, but a great one.  competes way above it's price.  
elrod OP
232 posts
 
Well I got an itchy finger and I pulled the trigger. I'm getting the Atma-Sphere MP-3 MK.3.2

I'd like to thank all who replied, and especially kudos for @atmasphere who was incredibly helpful with all my pesky questions...
koetsu13
26 posts
 
I've got an in-depth write-up coming on this very subject:

6) audible illusions M3B- the Voshkod 6h23n's make it overly harsh
5) coincident statement phono stage- not enough gain by itself w/o a line stage
4) and 3) tie 1993 CAT SL-1 with Amperex 6922's in the phono stage/  Doge 8 LP with sylvania 5751's 3 mica black plate in the phono stage- CAT a little warm, Doge a touch linear
2) CAT SL-1 phono "hot-rodded" to the Doge 8 line stage (with GE 12at7's)- close to perfect
1) Coincident statement  phono stage (sylvania 5751's black 3 mica) to the Doge 8 LP line stage. For me, as good as it gets.

benz micro LPS, VPI TNT JR., inspire fire bottle top, ARC 100.2 bottom, VSA VR-4 sr mkiii.
lowrideris's avatar
lowrideris
4 posts
 
try AIR TIGHT ATC-1 ;) not cheap, but best tube preamp and tube phono inside.  puts to shame most of Audio research preamps;) tested and confirmed;)

More to discover